OMAN ARAB BANK JOINS HANDS WITH BARR AL JISSAH TO PROVIDE HOMEOWNERS WITH EXCLUSIVE ‘ELITE’ BANKING SERVICES

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Muscat, 27th March 2016 – Oman Arab Bank (OAB) signed a partnership agreement with Barr Al Jissah, one of Oman’s leading Integrated Tourism Complexes, to provide homeowners with the Bank’s Elite Priority Banking products and services. Under the agreement, property holders at Barr Al Jissah will have access to a host of specialized solutions tailored to meet their needs including unlimited complimentary lounge access to over 500 international airports, preferential service in all branches, access to the recently inaugurated Elite Centre and 24 hour call centre support.

Launched in December, OAB’s Elite Priority Banking Service was established to provide high net worth individuals with a new world of premium banking. Centred on three pillars, Elite Services, Elite Benefits and Elite Wealth Management, the premium offering delivers unique advantages to customers including dedicated relationship managers, financial planning and investment services as well as personal concierge facilities among others. Elite customers also stand a chance to win lucrative cash prizes as part of the Bank’s Hassad Savings Scheme, which includes a whopping OMR 100,000 prize in both June and December earmarked exclusively for Elite customers.

Fahd Amjad, GM Retail Banking at Oman Arab Bank, said, “Our agreement with Barr Al Jissah underlines our strong commitment to provide Oman’s thriving real estate investors sector with best-in-class banking services and solutions. OAB’s Elite Priority Banking proposition is perfectly suited to the needs of our new partner, matching Barr Al Jissah’s luxury homes with a second to none premium banking proposition. Homeowners will now have the right tools to maximize their investments, insights from our experts, and a personalized relationship with OAB that will redefine customer experience.”

Since its inception, OAB has consistently expanded its reach to meet customers’ various requirements in the best way possible. Today, the Bank has a comprehensive online footprint that is supported by over 65 strategically located branches and 23 ATMs and CDMs.

OMAN ARAB BANK GETS SOCIAL

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Muscat, 30th March 2016 – Oman Arab Bank (OAB) recently brought its official social media channels online to ensure customers and members of the public can stay connected to the Bank at all times at their own convenience. Within the first month since launch, OAB attracted over 5,000 followers on Facebook and over 500 on Instagram.

OAB can now be reached directly through popular social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. Customers can benefit from the Bank’s enhanced presence, engage through many digital channels and learn about its latest developments on the go including new products and services as well as network updates.

“I am confident that our recently introduced social media channels will prove invaluable to customers as they can now reach out to us in real-time wherever they may be at a click of a button,” said Amin Al Husseini, Oman Arab Bank’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are also finalizing the Bank’s new corporate website which we plan on launching very soon to enrich the OAB digital experience further.”

Since its inception, OAB has consistently expanded its reach to meet customers’ various requirements in the best way possible. Today, the Bank has a comprehensive online footprint that is supported by over 65 strategically located branches and 123 ATMs and CDMs.

OMAN ARAB BANK EMPLOYEE ACHIEVES FIRST PLACE IN CBFS CERTIFIED BRANCH MANAGER PROGRAM

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Muscat, April 3rd 2016 – Oman Arab Bank (OAB) recently honored Mariam bint Said Al Rujaibi, a Regional Management and Branch Support Department staff for obtaining first place in the College of Banking and Financial Studies (CBFS) Certified Branch Manager Program. Al Rujaibi was amongst a batch of 25 participants from various banks operating in the Sultanate that took part in the six month training course. In recognition of this achievement, Mariam has been rewarded with an ‘Unparalleled Certificate’ and 3165 points from OAB’s Mukafaati Incentive Program.

The Certified Branch Manager Program included ten modules ranging from leadership skills, sales and marketing, emotional intelligence to risk management, financial analysis, customer and sales team relationship management, self-management, and decision-making among others.

“We are extremely proud of Mariam and congratulate her on this exceptional accomplishment,” said Wael Jibril, Head of Training Department at Oman Arab Bank. Mr. Jibril added that “Oman Arab Bank is committed to developing and nurturing its employees to become the banking sector’s future leaders through implementing various internal and external training and development programs.”

Enrolling members of the OAB family in the CBFS program is part of the Bank’s strategic efforts to equip its employees with the tools and skillsets for success. Such initiatives ensure that the Bank’s employees can effectively and masterfully lead and manage its nation-wide branch network and adopt industry best practices and trends while enhancing their practical and theoretical capacities.

OAB is also dedicated to recognizing and rewarding its high potential employees as it endeavors to be the best bank to work for in the Sultanate. In this context, OAB introduced the Mukafaati Program, a first of its kind in the region’s banking sector. Offering a variety of non-cash rewards in the form of redeemable points, Mukafaati is an incentive program that revolves around rewarding staff for their achievements and aims to create a positive working environment and promote teamwork and constructive communication between management and employee. All OAB staff who completed the CBFS Certified Branch Manager program have also been rewarded with Mukafaati points in recognition of their efforts.

OMAN ARAB BANK INTRODUCES PAPERLESS LOAN APPLICATIONS TO ENHANCE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

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Muscat, April 5th 2016 – Oman Arab Bank (OAB) has announced the launch of Electronic Loans (E-Loans) application system as part of its efforts to significantly reduce personal loan processing time. E-Loans is a service that allows the Bank to replace paper loan applications with electronic ones.

The digital applications are collected in the Bank branch, and receive timely approvals from relevant departments within OAB in a quick and efficient manner. The hassle-free and eco-friendly service reduces the amount of paperwork used by both customers and employees of the Bank, boosting environmental sustainability in the process. The application process begins with the customer ID information automatically captured by a reader and ends with a digital signature on a pad. The customer remains up to date with SMS texts for each step of the decision including at the time of final loan disbursement. The new system has been developed in-house and is on offer to customers across all OAB branches.

Fahd Amjad, General Manager Retail banking at Oman Arab Bank, said, “With E-loans, our aim is to first and foremost provide customers with a time efficient seamless experience at our branches. Thanks to this new service, branch employees can simply complete the application on our servers digitally, slashing processing time, increasing customer convenience and saving paper along the way.”

Since opening its doors over three decades ago, the Bank has developed an array of electronic banking solutions aimed at extending the digital lifestyle of its customers into banking. Today, the Bank stands at the forefront of e-banking in the Sultanate, harnessing the power of innovation to meet the evolving needs of its customers.

OMAN ARAB BANK CUSTOMERS WIN BIG WITH HASSAD

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Muscat, 12th April 2016 – Inspiring a culture of saving in the Sultanate, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) recently announced the March winners of its monthly Hassad Savings Scheme draw. Mohammad Al Amri from Al Dakhiliyah Governorate picked up the Regional Prize of OMR 40,000 while five customers in the female category each won OMR 1,500 and five child account holders received OMR 1,000 each.

“We designed the Hassad Savings Scheme not only to reward our customers but also to motivate them to save for their futures,” commented Hana Al Hinai, Assistant General Manager, Head of Wealth Management, Bancassurance and Liabilities. Oman Arab Bank. “Hassad is one of the Bank’s flagship products and has proved to be a favourite amongst people of all ages thanks to its all-inclusive prize distribution structure. Customers across all governorates and across all walks of life stand a chance a win lucrative cash prizes by saving for tomorrow.”

Under the 2016 scheme announced in January, Hassad winners include one regional, five female, and five children account holders every month receiving prizes ranging from OMR 1,000 to OMR 40,000. The savings scheme is scheduled to draw to a close with a mega draw of OMR 50,000 for two lucky winners at the end of this year.

OAB Elite Priority Banking customers have also been given a separate category with a cash prize valued at OMR 100,000 set to be distributed in June and December 2016. Additionally, customers can expect even bigger rewards on several special occasions such as Eid Al Fitr, Oman Women’s Day, and National Day with over OMR 58,000 allocated for Hassad winners.

IN COMMEMORATION OF EARTH DAY 2016 OMAN ARAB BANK BOOSTS ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP WITH ELECTRONIC STATEMENTS

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Muscat, 25th April 2016 – Demonstrating its steadfast commitment to protecting the environment, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) commemorated Earth Day 2016 with the launch of Electronic Statements (E-Statements), enabling customers to receive their monthly accounts and credit card statements online via email. Seamless and hassle-free, the eco-friendly service is part and parcel of the Bank’s efforts to utilize technology to best serve its constantly growing customer base and enhance its business proposition.

E-Statements promise to deliver greater levels of convenience to OAB’s customers as they no longer have to wait to obtain their respective printed banking statements through traditional postal facilities. Instead, customers will receive their E-Statements as soon as they are issued and view them at their own leisure on any internet enabled device wherever they may be and at any time. E-Statements will also reduce the amount of paper being used, contributing positively to the environment, a cause held dearly by OAB.

Over the years, the Bank has worked diligently to launch various on line and offline banking solutions to meet its customers’ evolving needs. Today, OAB operates over 65 strategically situated branches in high footfall locations and provides customers in Oman with a wealth of innovative products and services in Retail banking, Corporate and Project Finance, Investment Banking, Trade Finance and most recently, Islamic Banking.

OMAN ARAB BANK LAUNCHES NEW MASTERCARD CORPORATE CREDIT CARD

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Muscat, May 1st 2016 – Oman Arab Bank (OAB), in collaboration with MasterCard, launched its first Corporate Credit Card to provide its growing corporate client roster with enhanced efficiency, flexibility and convenience in managing employee business expenses. The OAB MasterCard Corporate Credit Card offers customers the ability to seamlessly track and manage business related expenditure online as well as access Smart Data, MasterCard’s renowned suite of reporting and expense management tools. The new service also offers card holder level, department level and company level statements for tracking and accountability.

In addition, the new offering from OAB will provide Corporate Customers with a number of unique privileges and services including access to airport lounges in several major cities. Customers can also participate in the highly popular Priceless Arabia campaign, which gives cardholders a number of exclusive offers and experiences in the Middle East and North Africa from dining and shopping to exciting travel and entertainment options.

On the occasion, Alsalt Al Kharusi, Head of Corporate and Institutional Banking and GM at Oman Arab Bank, said, “This is our first collaboration with MasterCard. The launch of this new strategic product falls in line with our objective to cross sell new products to our corporate client base and further strengthen our relationships by providing innovative financial service solutions.”

Al Kharusi added, “The Oman Arab Bank MasterCard Corporate Credit Card is a sophisticated product that will open new avenues for business owners, entrepreneurs and companies in Oman and facilitate the way corporate expenses are managed and executed.”

Raghav Prasad, General Manager – Gulf Cluster, MasterCard, said, “Commercial payment solutions are a key area of focus for MasterCard, and we are excited to collaborate with Oman Arab Bank so businesses in Oman can streamline their purchasing processes to manage expenses efficiently. Through this partnership, Corporates can benefit from simple, safe and secure payments and the power of MasterCard Smart Data Gen.2, all while offering employees the rewards and benefits synonymous with premium credit cards.”

OAB has consistently spearheaded the growth of Corporate Banking in the Sultanate through the introduction of innovative products and solutions designed to fulfill the evolving needs of customers. The Bank’s Corporate Banking expertise spans Trade Finance, Project Finance, SME Business Banking and Treasury Services among others.

OMAN ARAB BANK MAKES BUSINESS PAYMENTS EASY WITH NEW VISA SMART COMMERCIAL CARDS

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Muscat, May 9th 2016 – As part of its efforts to grant businesses of all sizes greater control and convenience when making work related payments, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) recently introduced the OAB Visa SMART Commercial Card. Efficient and secure, the cards are designed to reduce administrative costs and simplify the purchase-to-pay process while giving companies enhanced capabilities when managing their business transactions.

The SMART Commercial Card, which can be used at any location in the Sultanate, also allows companies to easily monitor costs and set spending restrictions with certain suppliers of their choice. Limits can be set on a per transaction, daily, or monthly basis while cash advances and restrictions on authorizations can be fixed with utmost ease. Furthermore, the OAB Visa SMART Commercial Cards utilize the Verified-by-Visa service for added online security and are equipped with EMV chip technology, preventing unauthorised use.

Fahd Amjad, General Manager Retail Banking at Oman Arab Bank, said, “The new OAB Visa SMART Commercial Card are secure, efficient and uncomplicated, providing organizations with the perfect tool to streamline their purchasing and procurement practices. Companies can choose to restrict payments to any merchant they choose, whether online or offline, by implementing a variety of controls as well as having the ability to monitor the cardholder’s activity.”

He added, “The introduction of this service is part and parcel of Oman Arab Bank’s commitment to offer innovative products and solutions that empower customers to manage and enhance their finances.”

Ahmed Gaber, Visa General Manager for Oman, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain, said, “We are delighted to partner with Oman Arab Bank in launching the OAB Visa SMART Commercial Card and bringing innovative digital payment services to cardholders in Oman. As a global payments technology company, Visa is committed to leading the development of online payment options at a time when more and more consumers in Oman and other parts of the Middle East are switching to cards from cash, both while purchasing online and in person. The partnership with Oman Arab Bank reinforces Visa’s commitment to create a safe payment network that enhances cardholder security while giving consumers an easy and efficient way to manage their finances.”

Oman Arab Bank pioneered the electronic payments business for paying government fees in the Sultanate of Oman when it launched the OAB SmartCard in 2002. The SmartCard, which was used exclusively to pay government fees, remains a favourite amongst corporates until this day and complements the Bank’s newly revealed Visa SMART Commercial Card, which offers enhanced convenience, flexibility, reliability, acceptance and security.

OMAN ARAB BANK REWARDS CUSTOMERS FOR SAVING

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Muscat, May 15th 2016  – Across the Sultanate, the lucky winners of Oman Arab Bank (OAB) Hassad Savings Scheme monthly cash prize draw have been celebrating their good fortune with Mohammed Al Jafari from Al Sharqiyah Governorate picking up the April OMR40,000 Regional Prize. This year alone, 44 OAB savers have won an incredible total of OMR 210,000.

“Designed to encourage our loyal customers to put money aside for the future, the Hassad Savings Scheme offers the chance to win cash every month, just by saving. As long as a balance of OMR 100 is maintained, Hassad Account holders are automatically entered into the highly popular monthly draw,” said Hana Al Hinai, Assistant General Manager, Head of Wealth Management, Bancassurance and Liabilities.

Al Hinai went on to explain that in addition to the regular OMR 40,000 Regional prize, every month five female account holders receive OMR 1,500 and five young savers under the age of 18 years win OMR 1,000 each.

OAB Elite Priority banking customers also enter into two exclusive draws, one in June and the other in December, for a chance to win OMR 100,000. Celebrating special occasions during the year, OAB holds bonus draws for Eid Al Fitr, Omani Women’s Day and National Day in addition to an end of year OMR 100,000 mega-draw in December 2016.

OMAN ARAB BANK EMPLOYEES CELEBRATE THE SPIRIT OF RAMADAN

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Muscat, June 11th 2016 – In what has become a highly anticipated annual tradition, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) hosted a special Iftar celebration last week for its employees at the Inter Continental Hotel Muscat. Attended by the Bank’s executive management team and board members, the event featured a number of activities including a Ramadan Nasheed recited by children from the local Child Care Center, an awards ceremony to honor high achieving staff from the retail banking department and a raffle draw with exciting prizes.

Amin Al Husseini, Oman Arab Bank’s Chief Executive Officer underlined the importance of engaging regularly with employees beyond the work environment and outside of business hours to further solidify the bond they share between one another. He also said that such non-agenda events reflect positively on employees’ productivity and enables them to continue taking the Bank from strength to strength.

Al Husseini also expressed that such events also enable the Bank’s management to directly connect with its staff and enhance communication while promoting team work. He reiterated that this stems from Bank’s deep belief that its employees are the underlying source and inspiration for its ongoing success.