Muscat, June 22^nd 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.

Muscat, July 4^th 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.”

Muscat, July 13^th 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 14^th 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%).

Muscat, July 19^th 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.

Muscat, September 6^th 2016 – As part of its commitment to developing the industry’s future leaders, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) recently launched a talent development program entitled ‘Leadership Enhancement  and Development’ (LEAD).  LEAD is unique and specialized leadership training that aims to cultivate the talents of high potential Omanis with guidance from international experts. The six month program has been designed to utilize best practices in order to empower participants with opportunity, managerial expertise, and high-level workplace solutions.

Amin Al Husseini, Chief Executive Officer, Oman Arab Bank, commented, “Developing the skillsets of Omani talent and enriching their lives with the tools they need to achieve their career aspirations is at the heart of everything we do. Since our inception, Oman Arab Bank has demonstrated its dedication towards aiding the professional growth of the Sultanate’s national workforce by creating environments that enable them to thrive and be all they can be. The LEAD program was inspired by OAB’s vision and will provide our young and highly motivated Oman Arab Bank family members with a first-of-its-kind opportunity to develop their well-rounded skills, learn from the best, and position themselves to be agents of change.”

Adil A. Al Rahbi, Head of Employee & Organizational Development, explained, “LEAD is truly a quantum leap in capacity building. The initiative will tremendously accelerate the training and development of the Bank’s next generation of leaders. The six month program has been divided into four, two-day modules with participants undergoing extensive leadership training to hone their expertise and develop the know-how required to spearhead their growth.”

Al Rahbi added, “20 employees have abeen selected from a large number of our finest mid-level staff after an online 360 degree evaluation. Participants that have been selected will now continue into their first modules, where they will work side by side with some of the best motivational instructors specialized in leadership development.”

“The program is a major breakthrough for OAB and our succession planning objectives and those who were not selected to participate in LEAD need not worry as it is the first of many new opportunities to come,” Al Rahbi concluded.

LEAD has been designed in cooperation with Inspirational Development Group (IDG), and will be facilitated by a team from IDG, a global leadership and management performance consultancy. The company has channeled its long history of experience delivering high-quality and intensive work programs to some of the most prestigious organizations in the world. Closely affiliated with the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, IDG has worked with some of the most important public and private sector companies in the region from its Middle East office based in Muscat. Former and current clients include the King Abdullah II Fund for Development in Jordan, Shell Petroleum in Qatar, and the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority among others.

Gerry Woods, Regional Director Middle East, IDG, said, “IDG is delighted to be working with Oman Arab Bank to deliver a challenging and thought-provoking LEAD program. LEAD represents a strategic investment in OAB staff capabilities and delegates will be equipped with enhanced leadership behaviors that will ensure effective people development in the coming years. The top delegates will attend the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst as the culmination of the IDG program before embarking upon ongoing personal development plans. LEAD underpins an exciting continuous improvement agenda for people within OAB and the Bank is commended for such an ambitious and rewarding commitment.”

It is worth noting that at the end of the program, participants will be on track to take on leadership positions within the Ban  and advance their career to contribute in furthering the Bank’s success in creating a pool of talented employees. This falls in line with OAB’s objective of preparing and supporting the Sultanate’s national workforce. Today, OAB is proud to have a 94% Omanization rate.