OMAN ARAB BANK EMPLOYEES CELEBRATE THE SPIRIT OF RAMADAN

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.

OMAN ARAB BANK ELITE CUSTOMERS NETWORK OVER EXCLUSIVE IFTAR

Muscat, 14th June 2016 – Under the auspices of H.E. Ahmed bin Abdulla Al Shahi, Minister of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) recently organized a special Iftar gathering for its Elite Priority Banking customers at the Grand Hyatt Muscat. Attended by over 250 Elite customers including government officials, private sector business leaders and other high-profile dignitaries as well as the Bank’s senior management, the dazzling event enabled the OAB team to foster stronger relationships with its clients in a unique Ramadhan Iftar setting.

“We are continuously identifying ways of enhancing the banking experience of all our customers with the aim of ensuring every moment with OAB is rich and filled with unique value,” said Amin Al Husseini, CEO Oman Arab Bank. “The Iftar we organized served as a platform to take the ties that bind us with our stakeholders to new heights and foster deeper relationships while expressing our gratitude for their continued dedication and support.”

The colourful event began with a renowned French artist, who surprised the guests by drawing a stunning piece on stage that embodied the essence of Elite Priority Banking. To add to the excitement, OAB also announced the name of the lucky winner of the OMR 100,000 Hassad Savings Scheme Elite prize for June 2016. Attendees concluded the night by walking away with gifts designed to allow them to experience a day at Al Mouj Golf or the Shangri La Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa.

Rashad Al Shaikh , DGM Retail Banking at Oman Arab Bank, added, “We take pride in ourselves for providing a second to none premium banking proposition that promises customers a world of benefits, services and in-depth expertise to grow their wealth. Elite Priority Banking is more than just a product; it is an exclusive way of life that has been designed to fulfil the special requirements of high-net-worth individuals and meet their evolving needs.”

Elite Priority Banking delivers exceptional advantages to customers including dedicated relationship managers, financial planning and investment services as well as personal concierge facilities. Elite customers can also enjoy unlimited complimentary lounge access to over 500 international airports, preferential service in all branches, and access to the world-class dedicated Elite Centre as well as 24 hour call center support. New and Existing Elite customers also receive a free Entertainer App as well as complementary airport chauffeur service. Not only that, Elite customers also stand a chance to win lucrative cash prizes as part of the Bank’s Hassad Savings Scheme including OMR 100,000 in both June and December that has been earmarked only for Elite customers.

 

OMAN ARAB BANK’S ‘MARKABATI’ OFFERS LOWEST INSTALLMENT DURING RAMADAN

Muscat, June 16th 2016 – In celebration of the Holy Month of Ramadan, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) has launched a package of special offers on its popular Markabati Auto Loan and added a new level of convenience to the car-buying journey. To help prospective purchasers during the festive period, OAB is offering existing and new customers the lowest installment auto loan through a combination of an attractive reduced interest rate of 4.5% per annum, first year free insurance when purchases are made from selected dealerships and a loan tenor of up to 10 years.

To facilitate the important decision of buying a new vehicle, OAB’s Muscat City Centre Branch will remain open until 10pm. In addition, OAB sales representatives will be available in leading car dealerships across Muscat, Sohar and Salalah after Iftar from 8.30pm to midnight, for the duration of Ramadan, to answer customer queries about Markabati, advise them on the flexible payment plans, help them choose the repayment period that best suits their circumstances, and steer them through the fast-track application process to instant on-the-spot approval.

“The Holy Month is one of the most popular times of the year to invest in a new vehicle, whether that is buying a first car, upgrading to a newer model, or finally purchasing that dream machine. To help make ambitions of car ownership a reality at this special time, the OAB Markabati Autoloan Team, in association with leading car dealerships, has developed this fantastic promotion with a focus on ease and convenience as well as extra value,” said Haseeb Iqbal, Head of Lending Products at Oman Arab Bank.

He added: “OAB’s Markabati Auto Loans are already one of Oman’s preferred options for finance on new and pre-owned vehicles thanks to their flexibility, the hassle-free and quick application process, and extended repayment periods. And thanks to partnerships with major automobile agencies we ensure the best deals for our customers at all times as well as exclusive discounts at a range of car care centers. With a complete series of financial solutions, OAB also offers mortgages of up to 25 years for Omanis and non-Omanis as well as a range of personal loan options. OAB is continually identifying new ways to enhance its offerings and this Ramadan auto-loan promotion is the latest example of our efforts in this regard.”

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 footprint of over 65 strategically located branches and 135 ATMs and CDMs.

OMAN ARAB BANK VOLUNTEERS DISTRIBUTE FOOD HAMPERS TO LOW INCOME FAMILIES

Muscat, June 22nd 2016 – Embracing the spirit of generosity during the Holy Month of Ramadan and continuing its tradition of giving and helping the community in this special time, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) distributed over 500 food hampers to low income families in and around Muscat. The hampers, filled with nonperishable food items in high demand in Ramadan, were distributed over two days by volunteer staff from OAB who made the delivery part of their personal celebration of the Holy Month.

Mutassim bin Hamoud Al-Zadjali, Head Of Corporate Communication at OAB, commented, “As a responsible banking institution, Oman Arab Bank takes its obligations to society, and especially to those less fortunate, very seriously. We prioritize at all times activities that uplift our local communities. While our efforts in this regard continue throughout the year, it is always a particular pleasure to make an extra contribution during Ramadan and add to the joy and happiness of this blessed month. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the OAB staff who so keenly organized and delivered the hampers.”

From the onset, OAB has had the well-being of society as a top priority, supporting various humanitarian causes and launching initiatives that positively impact local communities. Throughout the Holy Month, the Bank will be executing a number of philanthropic programs as part of its corporate social responsibility strategy.

OMAN ARAB BANK SECURITY PERSONNEL TAKE PART IN TWO DAY TRAINING WORKSHOP

Muscat, 27th June 2016 – Oman Arab Bank (OAB) recently delivered a specialized training workshop to its security staff at the OAB training centre located in the Bank’s head office in Ghubra. The workshop, in partnership with Polyglot Institute Oman and Knowledge Grid, aimed to equip the Bank’s security personnel with the latest Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) best practices and procedures and reiterate the Bank’s commitment to adhering to the highest HSE standards to safeguard its customers, employees and the wider community.

The two day workshop focused on key HSE areas including contemporary safety regulations, identifying and preventing risk factors in the workplace and surrounding environments, international quality standards (ISO) as well as the Bank’s HSE system. Participating employees also took part in several practical activities to further enhance their skill sets.

OMAN ARAB BANK CELEBRATES RAMADAN WITH HIGH NET WORTH CUSTOMERS IN MULTIPLE GOVERNORATES

Muscat, July 4th 2016 – Aiming to network and enjoy the spirit of the Holy Month of Ramadan together, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) recently organized a series of exclusive Iftar gatherings for its high net worth customers in multiple locations across the Sultanate. The special Iftar’s were attended by more than 300 high net worth customers in total including local top dignitaries as well as the Bank’s regional senior management.

The high-profile events were held in Dhofar , Batinah , Sharqiya , Dakhiliya and Muscat regions and enabled OAB’s management and staff to further foster their relationship with the Bank’s customers. Earlier in Ramadan, OAB organized a dazzling Iftar event in Muscat for its Elite Priority Banking customers where it also announced the name of the lucky customer who walked away with the OMR 100,000 Hassad Savings Scheme prize that was earmarked specifically for Elite customers. A similar exclusive draw will also be held in December.

Ahmed Al Kharusi, Head of Regional Management and Branch Support, said, “The Iftar celebrations we held across Oman reflect OAB’s strong commitment to go beyond the requirements of our valued customers to ensure they enjoy the highest levels of personalized service and experience. Delivering excellence in customer service and an enriched Ramadan event is part and parcel of that dedication.”

OMAN ARAB BANK LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE TO ENHANCE ONLINE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

Muscat, July 12th 2015 – Oman Arab Bank (OAB) has announced the launch of its newly redesigned website, offering an improved customer experience and providing an enhanced online resource. The attractive site, which can be navigated with ease via desktop, tablet or mobile device, offers customers and visitors clearer and more informative content in both Arabic and English including details on products and services and online application for accounts, loans, and credit cards. Login for account holders is now more straightforward and both branches and ATMs are quickly located on the dynamic location map.

On the occasion of the website launch, Oman Arab Bank GM Retail Banking, Fahd Amjad, commented, “We are improving our presence in the digital world seeing demand from our customers. Recognizing and responding to the increasing importance of online channels in daily life, we have endeavored to enhance customer experience and increase customer convenience through the introduction of a variety of new digital services such as e-loans and paperless electronic statements to name but a few.”

He added, “Recently, we have reached out to customers through a variety of social media platforms, and now, in the latest stage of our technological journey, with this new redesigned and improved website we offer our current and prospective customers an exciting new level of banking ease, keeping them informed, and facilitating the management and arrangement of their personal finances.”

Fahd went on to say that the new OAB website reflects the exceptional experience and high standards the Bank strives to deliver every day in its wide network of branches and other touch points, reinforcing its strong relationship with customers and taking OAB excellence in customer service to a new level.

From the onset, OAB has harnessed the power of innovation to deliver more efficient and sophisticated products and services and to create a richer and more rewarding online relationship with its customers. Over the years, the Bank has emerged as one of the Sultanate’s most trusted banks thanks to its diligent service and ability to meet the evolving needs of its customers. Today, the Bank operates over 65 strategically located branches throughout Oman and offers a wealth of innovative Retail Banking, Corporate and Project Finance, Investment Banking, Trade Finance and Islamic banking solutions.

OMAN ARAB BANK APPOINTS RASHAD AL-MUSAFIR AS DEPUTY CEO

Muscat, July 13th 2016 – Oman Arab Bank (OAB) announced the appointment of banking and finance expert Rashad bin Ali Al-Musafir as Deputy Chief Executive Officer, effective August 14th 2016. An experienced banker and seasoned professional, Al Mussafir will work closely with the Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Amin Al Husseini and his leadership team, to realize the Bank’s strategic ambitions . ‎

On the occasion, Rashad bin Mohammad Al Zubair, Chairman of the Board, Oman Arab Bank, commented, “Oman Arab Bank has always been committed to hiring and developing talented Omani professionals across all functions and departments especially senior leadership roles. We are pleased to welcome Rashad Al Musafir on board to our growing team and we are confident that his management experience will prove invaluable in further strengthening the Bank  and enhancing customer service.”

Amin Rasheed Al Husseini added, “I am delighted to welcome Rashad Al Musafir to Oman Arab Bank and look forward to working hand-in-hand with him to ensure we continue to provide innovative banking solutions to our valued customers. His established track record and in-depth experience will prove invaluable in further strengthening the Bank’s franchise and improving shareholder value in addition to his ability to manage risks in challenging conditions while delivering growth with the guidance and support of its shareholders; Ominvest and the Arab Bank Group.”

Rashad bin Ali Al-Musafir, said, “I am excited to join Oman Arab Bank and be part of a great institution that has a long standing history in providing customers in the Sultanate with a unique and far-reaching banking proposition. I am looking forward to working together with the executive management team to continue taking the Bank from strength to strength .

With 20 years of industry experience and knowledge in running and managing high-profile profitable operations, Rashad joins OAB from Bank Sohar where he worked for almost 10 years in various leadership positions the most recent once being Acting Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Acting Head of Compliance. Prior to that, Rashad worked with Al Madina Gulf Insurance, Oman International Bank and the Central Bank of Oman. A Cleared Certified Public Accountant (CPA); he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Finance from Boston University and completed the reputable Harvard Business School General Management Program.

OAB was established in 1984 following the acquisition of Arab Bank’s branches in the Sultanate. For over 30 years, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) has been an active contributor to the Sultanate’s ongoing growth and development by offering customers and organizations of all sizes innovative solutions complemented by local and international expertise. Today, OAB provides a comprehensive suite of products and services in Retail banking, Corporate and Project Finance, Investment Banking, Trade Finance and most recently, Islamic Banking. The Bank has provided financing for setting up major projects in Oman that have a wider economic impact including power generation, water desalination, aviation and infrastructure to name but a few.

The Bank’s principal shareholders are Oman International Development and Investment Company SAOG (51%) and Arab Bank PLC (49%).

17 LUCKY PEOPLE WIN BIG WITH OMAN ARAB BANK’S HASSAD SAVINGS SCHEME

Muscat, July 14th 2016 – Rewarding its valued customers like never before, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) recently distributed 157,500 OMR to the 17 lucky winners of its Monthly, Elite and Eid Al Fitr Hassad Savings Scheme draws. Unveiled in January 2016 to encourage personal savings, the Bank has provided more than 72 customers with a total of 420,000 OMR cash prizes since the beginning of the year.

The heirs of S.S. Al Harthi were unveiled as the lucky winners of OAB’s prestigious Elite prize, winning a total of OMR 100,000. Meanwhile, Nasser Al Jabri from Al Amrat branch collected the OMR 40,000 Regional Prize for the month of June.

The rewards also extended to reach five female account holders and five young savers under the age of 18, who were each rewarded with OMR 1,500 and OMR 1,000 respectively. Additionally and as part of OAB’s Eid Al Fitr draw, five lucky accounts individually winning OMR 1,000.

Hana Al Hinai, Assistant General Manager, Head of Wealth Management, Bancassurance and Liabilities at OAB, expressed: “On behalf of OAB, I would like to congratulate our 17 winners. With Hassad, we continue to reward our loyal customers by giving them the opportunity to win big as an added benefit to saving for the future. Our customers have plenty to look forward to with an upcoming super draw offering two people the chance to win OMR 50,000 each and a mega prize of OMR 100,000 exclusively for Elite Priority Banking.”

Under the Hassad Savings program, all OAB Hassad Account Holders are automatically entered into prize draws by simply maintaining a balance of OMR 100 or more. In addition to its monthly cash prizes, the Bank has more bonus draws lined up for its customers with special prizes set to be distributed on Omani Women’s Day and the 46th Omani National Day.

OMAN ARAB BANK INTRODUCES INNOVATIVE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FOR COMPLETE CUSTOMER PEACE OF MIND

Muscat, July 19th 2016 – Oman Arab Bank (OAB) has signed an agreement with the Sultanate’s most trusted insurance company, National Life & General Insurance company, to introduce six new Bancassurance products to OAB customers.

Speaking at the signing of the agreement, Fahd Amjad, General Manager Retail Banking at Oman Arab Bank said, “These new additions to the fast-growing Oman Arab Bank range of outstanding products and services have been expertly developed in collaboration with insurance experts at National Life Insurance. We are committed to the evolving needs and expectations of our valued customers, supporting their ambitions and plans, and building a relationship with them based on trust and reliability. Carefully tailored to provide optimal levels of cover and protection for every possibility, they provide complete reassurance for the policy-holder, allowing them to rest easy in the knowledge they will be well-taken care of in every eventuality.”

Transparent and affordable, the newcomers to the burgeoning Oman Arab Bank portfolio of leading customer-focused products and services are currently available at Oman Arab Bank branches in the Muscat and Batinah region and will expand all other regions across the sultanate in the next coming months.

Hanaa Al-Hinai, Assistant General Manager, Head of Wealth Management, and Liabilities & Bancassurance said, “Caring for our customer’s needs as well as protecting their homes, families and health is a priority for Oman Arab Bank. We have carefully designed six products that cater to our customer needs in terms of Motor, Home, Medical, Personal Accident, Travel and Critical insurance. Dedicated insurance specialist are available at selected branches across the sultanate and offer our customers professional expert advice to our customers regarding their protection needs.”

Ever since OAB was established in 1984, the Bank has been working diligently to serve its customers and over the last 32 years has introduced a wealth of ground-breaking products and services. Today, OAB operates over 65 branches across the Sultanate providing innovative Retail, Corporate, Project, Investment, Trade and, most recently, Islamic Banking solutions.