OAB Receives Customer Excellence Award for Outstanding Security Practices

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Muscat, September 12, 2018: Oman Arab Bank (OAB) was recently presented with the Customer Excellence Award for Outstanding Security Practices. The ceremony organised by the Bank, saw Trend Micro representatives handing out the award and certificates at the OAB Head Office.

Commenting on this honour, Ghulam Basheer, Head of the IT Security Department at OAB said, “Being a financial institution, security has always been our top priority. Businesses are subjected to all kinds of security threats and vandalism. Therefore, information which is considered to be the ‘life blood’ of businesses require extensive protection. Our partner, Trend Micro, are the leaders in the security domain and we have had the pleasure of teaming up as a strategic partner in this journey.”

OAB’s partnership with Trend Micro for a cyber-security solution with its innovative and modern technology offers simple, and highly secure facilities and is governed by a set of internationally renowned safety standards for the transmission of data.

The Customer Excellence Award for Outstanding Security Practices recognises companies that are have shown prowess at handling classified information with integrity, discretion and proven reliability, while also signifying outstanding achievement in matters related exclusively to the organisation’s security protocols.

Fabio Picoli, Trend Micro Country Manager notes, “Information has currently become the most strategic asset, representing competitive advantage and driving operational excellence. With the spread of several advances in the form of mobile, social, and cloud technologies, the protection of information has become even more challenging. OAB has strived to maintain an innovative outlook in safeguarding its customers’ information and on behalf of Trend Micro, I would like to congratulate them on this great achievement.”

Trend Micro, a global leader in security software and solutions, seeks to make the world secure for the exchange of digital information. Over the course of 25 years, it has been inspired to protect individuals, families, businesses, and governments as they seek to harness the potential of emerging technologies and new means of sharing information.

Oman Arab Bank is one of the first banks to be established in Oman, with a rich and proud history. Today, the bank operates a nationwide network of 65 branches and representative offices and 148 ATMs spread across the Sultanate. OAB provides the complete range of financial products and services for personal banking, corporate and investment clients.

OAB Payment Kiosks at Muscat International Airport facilitates payment process

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Muscat, August 5, 2018: In cooperation with the Royal Oman Police (ROP), Oman Arab Bank payment kiosks that have been lately launched facilitate the payment of local and GCC traffic fines, in addition to municipal fines for residents (expats) or other visitors to the Sultanate during the summer holiday. The launch of these kiosks embodies the partnership initiatives between the public and private sector in the Sultanate.

Commenting on the launch of the self-service kiosks, Rashad Al Sheikh, Deputy General Manager of Retail Banking at OAB said, “We at OAB, are proud to be the first bank in the Sultanate to collaborate with the ROP in providing self-service kiosks at Muscat International Airport. These kiosks will facilitate the payment and enquiry of fines for locals, residents, and visitors to the Sultanate. These devices are easy to use and are equipped to collect fines via bank cards or cash deposits. Initially, three devices have been installed at various locations across Muscat International Airport so as to maximum their accessibility to visitors.”

The first kiosk is in the departures building in hall one, the second is located at the visa cancellation hall, while the third kiosk is located near the passport and electronic travel gates. These devices can be used by entering the ID number for citizens and residents and visa number for tourists. Omanis can also settle or enquire about their traffic violations through these kiosks.

Oman Arab Bank is one of the first banks to be established in Oman, with a rich and proud history. Today, the bank operates a nationwide network of 65 branches and representative offices and 148 ATMs spread across the Sultanate. OAB provides the complete range of financial products and services for personal banking, corporate and investment clients.

Oman Arab Bank Conducts Induction Course for New Omani Staff

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Muscat, August 29, 2018: As part of its continued support of Omanisation within the banking sector, Oman Arab Bank (OAB), recently conducted an induction course for 13 new Omani staff recruited for the Head Office and various branches.

The induction was conducted at the Bank’s Head Office in Ghubra and included two primary segments. The first focused on the branches, business, and services of the Bank and was conducted by Ahmed Al Kharousi, Head of Regional Management & Branch Support Department. The second was focused on service quality and was conducted by Ahlam Al Wardi, Head of Customer Quality & Assurance Department. The 13 new staff were also given a tour of the Head Office and were introduced to each of the departments.

Adil Al Rahbi, Head of Human Resources, commented on the hiring of Omanis at the Bank saying, “Maintaining a high level of Omanisation has always been one of the key pillars of our operations here at OAB. As such, we always strive to enhance our work environment and attract the best national talent. The hiring of these 13 new Omani employees reinforces our commitment towards supporting the ongoing efforts of the Omani government towards offer Omani citizen greater employment opportunities and help them contribute towards the overall economic growth and development of the Sultanate. We are honoured to welcome them into our ever growing OAB family, which today stands at over 1,160 employees strong.”

Oman Arab Bank is one of the leading Banks in the Sultanate with regards to Omanisation, achieving a percentage over 96% in terms of citizens employed within the Bank across all levels. The Bank’s ‘LEAD’ program is an extension of the banks efforts towards supporting its Omanisation objectives. LEAD is firmly centred on developing capabilities and capacities for the Omani staff, preparing them for assuming greater leadership positions within the Bank.

Oman Arab Bank is one of the first banks to be established in Oman, with a rich and proud history. Today, the bank operates a nationwide network of 65 branches and representative offices and 148 ATMs spread across the Sultanate. OAB provides the complete range of financial products and services for personal banking, corporate and investment clients.

Flexible Loans for Every Purpose from OAB

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Muscat, August 27, 2018: Oman Arab Bank (OAB) offers customers a comprehensive trio of market-leading loan products that are guaranteed to meet any customer’s needs or requirements. Comprising of the OAB Auto Loan, Personal Loan, and Housing Loan, OAB covers the entire spectrum of any customer’s loan requirement while offering competitive rates and quick hassle free application and processing together with several other value-added benefits.

Commenting on the Bank’s loan offering, Rashad Al Sheikh, the Deputy Head of Retail Group said, “Our Loan products are continuing to grown in popularity amongst our customers, thanks to their incredible flexibility, hassle free processing, and quick approval process. Furthermore, each of our products have been designed to provide our customers with the best possible interest rates that are amongst the lowest in the market; together with other value added benefits.”

A Personal Loan from OAB offers total peace-of-mind with unrivalled flexibility with repayment periods of up to 10 years and highly competitive interest rate; and can even be used to buy out other loans that customers may have. The Bank also offers special rates for government and semi-government employees and the option for instalment deferment on special occasions. Furthermore, quick hassle free electronic application processing ensures customers have the funds they require in their account whenever they need them.

The housing loan is available for all types of home purchase – from existing homes and under construction properties, to land, renovation and even self-construction. With a loan tenure of up to 25 years, down payment as low as 20%, competitive interest rates, and the option of combining multiple sources of income, the Housing Loan ensures your purchase remains as affordable as possible. Furthermore, as with personal loans, OAB offers special rates for government and semi-government employees. The option for loan deferment of up to 18 months is available for construction projects and financing of ITC properties. And if customers already have a housing loan with another bank, OAB can even arrange for special buyout deals.

Completing the trio of loan offerings from OAB is the auto loan OAB offers its customers auto loans for new and used cars for up to 80% of the value at a special rates. Finance will be available for a period of up to ten years; for both Omani and expatriate customers. The program also prides itself on offering quick processing with initial approvals and hassle-free loan processing.

For more details on all OAB loan products please visit your nearest OAB branch, email the bank at contactus@oman-arabbank.com, or contact the Bank’s Call Center on +968 2475 4444.

Oman Arab Bank is one of the first banks to be established in Oman, with a rich and proud history. Today, the bank operates a nationwide network of 65 branches and representative offices and 148 ATMs spread across the Sultanate. OAB provides the complete range of financial products and services for personal banking, corporate and investment clients

OAB Conducts Hasaad Savings Scheme July Draw

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Muscat, August 16, 2018: Oman Arab Bank (OAB) recently conducted its Hasaad draw for the month of July, at its newly opened Al Khuwair Branch. The draw saw 83 winners from across the Bank’s branch network receiving OMR 1,000 each, together with one winner of OMR 20,000 as part of the Monthly Elite Draw.

Commenting on the draw for July, Rashad Al Sheikh, Deputy General Manager of Retail Banking at OAB said, “With the draw for the month of July behind us, we are now well into the second half of the Hasaad Savings Scheme for year. However, there are still hundreds of prizes yet to be won, providing even more opportunities for our customers to be rewarded for their savings.”

Hasaad Savings Scheme in its current edition offers the Bank’s clients across all regions and branches a chance to win one of several valuable prizes on a monthly basis. These prizes come as part of the Bank’s monthly draws, alternating between OMR 1,000 and OMR 500 per winner every month, across all branches. Regional Prize Draws, which will see one winner of OMR 20,000, conducted once every two months over the course of the year. The Hasaad Savings Scheme will also include 12 dedicated prize draws for Elite account holders with one winner of OMR 50,000 every quarter and one winner of OMR 20,000 for every month in between.

“On behalf of OAB I would like to congratulate each of the winners of the July Hasaad Savings Scheme draw; as well as encourage our other customers to continue saving so as to maximise their chances of winning in the upcoming draws,” added Rashad.

Oman Arab Bank is one of the first banks to be established in Oman, with a rich and proud history. Today, the bank operates a nationwide network of 65 branches and representative offices and 148 ATMs spread across the Sultanate. OAB provides the complete range of financial products and services for personal banking, corporate and investment clients.

OAB Conducts Training Programs for Undergraduates and Fresh Graduates

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Muscat, August 14, 2018: in line with its consistent efforts to promote collaboration between the private sector and higher education institutions; Oman Arab Bank (OAB) conducted a series of training programs for undergraduates and fresh graduates. The number of trainees involved in these programs reached 57 for the first four months of the current year, while the total last year reached 171. Not only did these programs provide the trainees with the expertise they needed to succeed in their careers, but also offered them an opportunity to put into practice what they have previous studied only theoretically.

Commenting on providing students with this opportunity, Adil Al Rahbi, the Head of the Human Resources Division of OAB said, “At OAB, we recognise the different roles we need to play in boosting our contribution to the community; roles that go beyond the traditional activities CSR may offer. It is in line with this ideology that the Bank is committed to its annual training programs for college and university students in Oman or abroad. The trainees can join different departments within the Bank based on their specialisations, with the aim of providing them with an opportunity to gain a deeper insight into a real workplace environment within the banking sector. In addition, they acquire new key skills, such as working within a team and completing work in a way that serves the goals of the entire institution.”

The training programs covered a multitude of majors that comprise accounting, marketing, finance and banking, information technology, human resources, public relations, and several more for a period of one to two months; based on the type of program chosen. Every trainee that has participated in these programs has emphasised their usefulness, and said that they were successful in acquiring new banking knowledge and skills.

“Training the students receive provides them with better job opportunities, be is within OAB itself or even other banking institutions. Moreover, during the training period, they will come across challenges that need to be overcome; providing the trainees with yet another opportunity to acquire new skills that can augment the theoretical knowledge they have already learned. As such, they will be better qualified and significantly more productive right from the first day at they work, compared to someone that hasn’t undergone such training. We are extremely pleased with the results of our training programs so far; which in turn has been a source of encouragement for us to continue offering them for the foreseeable future,” Adil further added.

Oman Arab Bank is one of the first banks to be established in Oman, with a rich and proud history. Today, the bank operates a nationwide network of 65 branches and representative offices and 148 ATMs spread across the Sultanate. OAB provides the complete range of financial products and services for personal banking, corporate and investment clients.

New OAB Flagship Branch Opens in Al Khuwair

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Muscat, August 09, 2018: Further reinforcing its commitment toward offering the customer experiences across the Sultanate, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) has announce the opening of its newly revamped flagship branch in Al Khuwair. The new customer-focused branch is located within the Al Khuwair Commercial district, and will deliver the highest levels of convenience and enhanced banking facilities to the Bank’s customers in Al Khuwair.

The branch opening took place on August 8, and was inaugurated by Rashad Al Musafir, Acting CEO of OAB and Amin Al Husseini, Advisor, together with other senior members of the Bank management and staff.

Commenting on the launch of the new branch, Rashad Al Musafir, Acting CEO of Oman Arab Bank noted, “This event marked the launch of the seventh transformed branch that we have opened so far. This new branch, as with the others we have launched before it, features our new design philosophy, with stunning hues and stylish modern design that is distinctly OAB. It also sports our very latest technological advancements and products, together with personalised levels of service, generous size, spacious layout, and a large parking area; features that all our new and revamped branches have come to be known for.”

As with the previous revamped branches, the new Al Khuwair Branch features OAB’s enhanced brand identity with a refreshed look and feel; identical to the two flagship branches opened last year by OAB, in Qurum and Barka respectively, and the one launched in Sur earlier this year. Aesthetically, its design inspiration has been taken from the ‘Omani Skyline’, wherein the white symbolises Omani architecture, browns denote the sand deserts, grey referencing the mountains, and the blue glass overhangs representing the sky.

The sleek, modern, and streamlined look is augmented by a number of features and systems introduced as part of the new transformed branches. This includes the introduction of a new meet and greet facility with a streamlined queuing system, private advisory spaces with moving monitors for more personal interaction, together with digital signature pads and ID card readers within the advisory station design. The main branch area has three tellers and seven customer care advisories with a seating capacity for 40 customers. It even has a dedicated Corporate Services area, together with a Corporate Lounge.

As with the other flagship branches we have launched so far, the Al Khuwair Branch also features a dedicated ‘Elite’ section with its own Majlis with a total seating capacity for 20 customers and four RM Offices. These features will provide the bank’s VIP customers with a one-of-a-kind elegant and private experience that remains memorable.

“This marks the second of a series of branches we plan on transforming and opening this year across the country. As one of our flagship branches, the new Al Khuwair branch combines some of the very best elements of our branch design, form, and function with the aim of elevating our customer service experience as a whole; taking us one step closer to our ultimate goal of being their bank of choice in the country,” added Al Musafir.

Oman Arab Bank is one of the first banks to be established in Oman, with a rich and proud history. Today, the bank operates a nationwide network of 65 branches and representative offices and 148 ATMs spread across the Sultanate. OAB provides the complete range of financial products and services for personal banking, corporate and investment clients.

Oman Arab Bank Appoints Rashad Al Musafir as CEO

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  • Rashad Al Zubair: We are fully confident in the capability of Rashad Al Musafir to achieve the Bank’s objectives going ahead

Muscat, September 3rd, 2018: The Board of Directors of Oman Arab Bank (OAB) announced yesterday the appointment of Rashad Ali Al Musafir in the position of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as of September 02, 2018.

Al Musafir joined OAB in 2016 as the Deputy CEO and later, in February 2018, was appointed as the Acting CEO, replacing the former CEO, Amin Al Husseini; who subsequently took on the role of the Bank’s Advisor.

During his time at OAB, Al Musafir has been involved in several initiatives and development plans to modernise operations. These were an extension of the Bank’s ongoing transformation strategy launched in 2014, with the aim of strengthening the Bank’s position as a preferred Bank amongst its customers in the Sultanate. Over the past four years, the Bank has undergone dramatic changes that shifted its focus from being a conventional bank primarily concerned with corporate clients and financing projects, to a leading retail bank that services individuals, companies, and investors alike. It even undertook a long-term vision towards employing modern technologies across every facet of its operations. As a result, it is today one of the most sophisticated and technologically advanced local banks in the country.

Commenting on the new appointment, Rashad Al Zubair said, “We are confident in the ability of Rashad Al Musafir to lead the executive management team of the Bank. Our decision comes as part of our continued endeavour towards empowering talented Omanis to take up senior management positions within the Bank. This is also the result of great efforts put in by the Bank in training and developing national talent and fostering their professional growth. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to congratulate Mr. Al Musafir on his new position and wish him all the best in achieving the Bank’s objectives. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Amin Al Husseini, the former CEO of OAB, for his hard work and the great effort he has put in over the past five years towards moving the Bank to a sustained transformation. I would also like to thank him for his efforts in implementing the executive transition and succession plan that the board had confirmed two years ago.’’

Thanking the Board of Directors, Al Musafir said, “I fully appreciate the confidence the Board has shown in my ability to lead this world-class banking institution. I am convinced of the tremendous potential of the Bank’s staff and I will work hard towards channelling their talent towards helping strengthen the Bank’s presence as a leading Omani banking institution. I would like encourage each one of them to work together as a single unified team and make a collective effort towards ensuring the success of this endeavour.”

Al Musafir holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Boston University in the United States of America. He has also studied Business Management at Harvard University and has over 20 years of experience in banking and financial institutions. He started his career as a Statistical Data Analyst in the Central Bank of Oman in 1997. Over the next two decades, he held a number of senior positions in leading financial institutions, with his most recent being the Acting CEO of Bank Sohar. The above appointment is subject to the necessary regulatory approvals.

Oman Arab Bank is one of the first banks to be established in Oman, with a rich and proud history. Today, the bank operates a nationwide network of 65 branches and representative offices and 148 ATMs spread across the Sultanate. OAB provides the complete range of financial products and services for personal banking, corporate and investment clients.

OAB Hosts Iftar Gathering for Customers in Muscat

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Muscat, June 19, 2018: In celebration of the Holy Month of Ramadan as well as to reaffirm its commitment to its customers, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) recently hosted an Iftar gathering for its customers in the Muscat region. The event was held at the Grand Millennium Muscat on June 6.

The Iftar gathering event was attended by over 250 OAB customers from branches across the Muscat region. Representing OAB at the Iftar event were several regional and branch managers, as well as other members of the OAB management and staff based in the Muscat region.

Commenting on the iftar gathering, Ahmed Al Kharusi, Head of regional management and branch support said, “We consider our customers very much a valued extension of the OAB family; and as we mark the blessed days of this holy month, we wanted to take this opportunity to share the spirit of togetherness with them. The event also provided us with an avenue through which we could show our appreciation to them for their continued patronage; whilst at the same time reaffirm our commitment to understanding their needs and exceeding their expectations.”

“Furthermore, we have always been committed towards providing products that are specifically tailored to our customers. Gatherings such as these provide us with a vital opportunity interact with and understand their requirements better; further strengthening our relationships while also obtaining their valuable feedback on our existing products and services,” he added.

Oman Arab Bank is one of the first banks to be established in Oman, with a rich and proud history. Today, the bank operates a nationwide network of 65 branches and representative offices and 148 ATMs spread across the Sultanate. OAB provides the complete range of financial products and services for personal banking, corporate and investment clients.

Oman Arab Bank Meets Job Seekers in Musandam

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Muscat, June 27, 2018: As part of its efforts to enable young Omanis to start their careers in the banking sector, Oman Arab Bank (OAB), in collaboration with the Ministry of Manpower, recently organised a series of job interviews for locals in Musandam; a select few of which will soon join the Bank’s team in the governorate.

Adil Al Rahbi, Head of Human Resources Division, commented on the reasons of conducting such interviews in the Governorate of Musandam saying, “Usually job seekers travel from their residences in the Wilayats to attend job interviews at a corporates’ headquarters in Muscat, with considerable effort and costs involved; while others who cannot afford to travel and stay in the capital, show reluctance in attending such interviews. Therefore, we at Oman Arab Bank launched this initiative to conduct job interviews, evaluations, and appointments directly within Musandam for vacant positions at the Bank’s branches in the Governorate. This has allowed a greater number of job seekers in the area to apply for available positions; providing them with an invaluable opportunity to join one of the finest financial institution in the Sultanate.”

The interview team consisted of the Human Resources and Retail Banking Divisions, who conducted several job interviews in the Musandam Governorate over a period of two days. A number of candidates were subsequently selected to fill retail banking vacancies within the Governorate.

Al Rahbi added, “OAB’s initiative has been very well received by job seekers in the area. We were impressed with the skills, knowledge, and capabilities showcased by the candidates who applied for the available positions and are confident those selected will be a quality addition to the OAB team in Musandam. We are honoured to welcome them into the OAB family, which today stands at over 1,160 employees strong. We would like also to extend our thanks and appreciation to the employees in the Ministry of Manpower, who supported our team in communicating and scheduling interviews with the job seekers. Their assistance has been invaluable in facilitating our mission and achieving our goals.”

Oman Arab Bank is one of the leading Banks in the Sultanate with regards to Omanisation, achieving a percentage over 96% in terms of citizens employed within the Bank across all levels. The Bank’s ‘LEAD’ program is an extension of the banks efforts towards supporting its Omanisation objectives. LEAD is firmly centred on developing capabilities and capacities for the Omani staff, preparing them for assuming greater leadership positions within the Bank.

Oman Arab Bank is one of the first banks to be established in Oman, with a rich and proud history. Today, the bank operates a nationwide network of 65 branches and representative offices and 148 ATMs spread across the Sultanate. OAB provides the complete range of financial products and services for personal banking, corporate and investment clients.