OAB Launches New Mobile App and Unveils Unified Digital Banking Platform

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Muscat, August 09, 2017: Oman Arab Bank (OAB), at a recent press conference, launched its new unified digital banking platform with an all-new simplified interface used across all digital channels including Internet, ATM, and the new Mobile Banking Application. Following the launch of the new platform, the Bank also announced the launch of its new mobile banking application, which uses the same innovative icon-based design, offering the Bank’s customers an exceptional banking experience.

Commenting on the launch event, Amin Al Husseini, the CEO at Oman Arab Bank noted, “Elevating the customer experience is a key objective and our new unified digital banking platform represents a significant advance in ease-of-use and convenience. In order to ensure the customer experience delivered is best-in-class, our digital banking team have incorporated the very latest digital developments, while maintaining a firm focus on usability and an easy-to-use cross-platform interface.”

“We seek to position OAB as a financial institution that delivers an enhanced customer experience across all touchpoints; either in our branch, via phone banking or online. We are proud to announce the launch of our comprehensive range digital banking services with a new, unified design. This was designed with the aim of offering customers an advanced, yet easy to use, online banking experience regardless of platform and is clearly reflected in the innovative design and interface we use across each of our three digital channels,” Al Husseini added.

OAB’s new digital banking platform offers customers a unique banking experience thanks to its innovative icon-based design. Moreover, the Bank’s customers can now benefit from accessing comprehensive services not just at ATMs and on their computers, but also on their mobile phones and tablets at their convenience. As a unified platform, the Bank’s customers will utilise the same interface when conducting their electronic banking transactions. They will also be able to access their OAB accounts through any platform using the same verified user information, while having their preferences and beneficiaries for transactions and bill payments remain the same.

The new OAB Mobile Phone Application ‘OAB Online’, which is now available for iOS and Android users, is the latest and most comprehensive update of the Bank’s digital banking channels, and together with the unified digital banking platform, is also one of most significant innovations by the Bank to date.

“The new digital banking platform utilises the same icons and processes, which offers customers the same experience regardless of which channel they use. This simplified approach will make each of our digital banking services much more accessible to our customers, allowing them to simply switch between them at their convenience. The launch of the new mobile application, for iPhone and Android users, rounds off the trifecta of digital banking channels at the Bank, offering customers a comprehensive online banking experience,” Al Husseini noted.

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 57 branches and 8 representative offices across and 152 ATMs spread across the Sultanate. OAB provides the complete range of financial products and services for personal banking, corporate and investment clients.

OAB CONDUCTS HASSAD SAVINGS SCHEME DRAW FOR JULY AT SALALAH GARDENS MALL

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Muscat, August 22, 2017 – Oman Arab Bank (OAB) recently held its seventh monthly draw of this year’s ‘Hassad’ Savings Scheme live at the Salalah Gardens Mall. The draw event was held under the auspices of Khalid Ahmed Al Rawahi, director general of manpower in Dhofar Governorate, and was attended by Ahmed Al Kharusi, Head of Regional Management and Branches Support department of the Bank together with other senior members of the Bank’s Retail Department. Totaling 100 winners, the draw, which was focused on the Dhofar region for the month of July, saw 23 winners from each of the Bank’s four branches located in Dhofar receive OMR 1,000 each together with a further 30 winners from across the Bank’s branch network receiving OMR 500 each and ten winners of the OMR 250 for the Bank’s child account holders. The draw also saw one customers from the Dhofar region win the Bumper Draw of OMR 25,000, as well as an Elite Draw winner of OMR 25,000. In addition, the Bank also held a special Khareef draw where 35 winners received OMR 300 each.

Fahd Amjed, GM of Retail Banking at OAB said, “With the Khareef season now in full swing in Dhofar, we felt that hosting our Region-focused Hassad Saving Scheme Draws in Dhofar would be a perfect fit. Better still, we also held a special Khareef draw to complement the festivities.”

The draw event, which was held at the Salalah Gardens Mall, saw a number of fun activities being held for children including face painting, games, contests, and even dedicated drawing areas. There were also some special prize draws conducted for attendees of the event.

“With this, our draw for July, we have passed the half way mark of our Hassad Savings Scheme for 2017. There are still hundreds of cash prizes to be won however. So on behalf of OAB, I would like to first congratulate each of the 100 winners of our ‘Hassad’ savings scheme draw for the month of July; and also wish all our customers the best of luck for the remainder of the draws will continue until the end of 2017,” added Fahd.

The Hassad savings scheme for 2017 ensures customers from every region and branch have an equal opportunity to win, with OAB conducting prize draws every month alternating between regions and nationwide draws. Each of the draw will ensure a minimum of two winners of OMR 1,000 per branch in that respective region, together with multiple winners of OMR 500 across all branches and one Bumper draw of OMR 25,000 per month. OAB customers need only open a ‘Hassad’ account with a minimum balance of OMR 100, in order to be eligible for these prize draws. The Bank will also be conducting region and nationwide draws for children’s accounts with 10 winners of OMR 250 per month.

Oman Arab Bank’s banking proposition ‘Elite’ for High Net worth customers will also benefit from the revised Hassad scheme. Elite customers will now be participating in a dedicated monthly draws with a prize pot of OMR 25,000 monthly, and the upcoming year-end prize draw in December of OMR 50,000.

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 57 branches and 8 representative offices across and 152 ATMs spread across the Sultanate. OAB provides the complete range of financial products and services for personal banking, corporate and investment clients.

OAB Appoints New Head of Treasury, Investment and Government Relations

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Muscat, September 17, 2017: Oman Arab Bank has announced the appointment of Sulaiman Ali Al Hinai as GM- Head of Treasury, Investment and Government Relations. As a result of this appointment, the Government Banking Services Department will be reporting to Mr. Al Hinai to maximise the efficiency of the two functions; given the business overlap in managing the relationships in the public and government sectors.

Commenting on his appointment, Amin Al Husseini, Chief Executive Officer of OAB said, “On behalf of the management and staff at OAB, I would like to wish Sulaiman the best of luck in his new role. I am confident, his excellent relationships with a wide network of government entities and his specialised expertise in Treasury and Investment management will enable us to develop our business further.”

Sulaiman Al Hinai is a treasury professional with regional expertise and experience spanning twenty three years in commercial banking and treasury with various local and regional banks including, Doha Bank, Qatar; Oman International Bank, Muscat; and Ahli Bank SAOG, Oman. Commenting on his appointment into the new role, Sulaiman said, “I’m extremely pleased to take up my new role as the helm of the Treasury, Investment, and Government Relations at OAB. Together with the talented team already present in each of these departments, I look forward to building on their strong foundation, while maintaining the high standards of customer service and business excellence expected of OAB.”

“The employment of highly qualified Nationals has always been one of the core aspects of our operational strategies at OAB. Furthermore, we strive to open every avenue of growth for our employees within the organisation, facilitating this with regular and comprehensive training workshops and skill development programs,” added Amin.

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 57 branches and 8 representative offices across and 152 ATMs spread across the Sultanate. OAB provides the complete range of financial products and services for personal banking, corporate and investment clients.

OAB Appoints New Head of HR

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Muscat, 09 October, 2017 | Oman Arab Bank (OAB) have announced the appointment of Mr. Adil bin Ali Al Rahbi as the new Head of the Human Resources (HR) Division. In his new role, Adil will oversee all strategic HR functions at the Bank in accordance with international best practice. These functions will include talent acquisition and retention, human capital planning, ongoing training programmes, digital learning, organisational culture, and professional development.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Amin Al Husseini, CEO of OAB said, “We believe in the skills and capabilities of our national workforce; skills that qualify them to hold senior positions in the Bank. It is through their efforts, and the efforts of everyone within the Bank that we continue to move OAB closer to its ultimate goal of becoming the number one bank of choice for employees and Omani professionals. We value and invest in our staff, in turn ensuring that we provide a consistently high level of service that meets the expectations of our valued customers.”

“On behalf of the management and staff at OAB, I wish Adil Al Rahbi the best of luck for his new position. I am confident that his experience of over 27 years in the fields of staff management and training, will enable us to further enhance the HR capabilities at the Bank; ensuring that our staff benefit from world-class professional development and organisational excellence,” added Amin Al Husseini.

Adil Al Rahbi has over 27 years of experience in his field and began working with OAB in February 2015 as the Head of Employee and Organisational Development. He cooperated with the team in order to create a paradigm shift in the role human resources plays; establishing it as a strategic partner in achieving bank targets and managing the change in order to ensure continuous development of the staff. He joined the bank with a long track record of experience, having worked with numerous organizations spanning several sectors. He began his career as the Head of Training at a governmental body. Following which, he moved to Qatar taking up a position as the Administrative Services Manager in one of the biggest international companies in the country. He then returned to Oman joining the private sector for eight years.

Al Rahbi holds MSc in Human Resource Management and Training from the University of Leicester, UK. He also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Maritime Management from Australia and a Diploma in Police Sciences from the Sultan Qaboos Academy for Police Sciences.

This assignment comes as part of the Bank’s strategy in the field of developing human resources and providing the best possible opportunities towards career progression. This was clearly reflected in the number of young staff that recently qualified and were assigned to senior positions in various departments and fields within the Bank, following their enrolment in the ‘Qiyada’ program. This strategy will be promoted to include all job categories by designing training programs and workshops that satisfy their functional needs. To this end, several new projects and initiatives were launched; including the likes of the ‘Masar’ electronic performance management system and the Competency Matrix project for all jobs. A further reflection of the Bank’s commitment towards providing opportunities for career growth amongst all job categories, it launched the ‘Ta’heel’ program for developing the skills of employees, among other programs.

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 57 branches and 8 representative offices across 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 Celebrates Omani Women’s Day with Staff Gathering

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Launches commemorative ‘Wamadhat’ book

Muscat, October 17, 2017: Oman Arab Bank (OAB), in commemoration of the Omani Women’s Day, held a special gathering for its female staff members at its head office in Ghubra. As part of the celebrations the Bank unveiled a special commemorative book titled ‘Wamadhat’, the content of which was contributed by all female staff members working at the Bank.

Commenting on the event, which was held on October 17, Hilal Al Siyabi, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility of OAB said, “Empowering women and promoting gender diversity has always been one of the core values of the Bank. We strongly believe that everyone at the Bank, regardless of gender, deserve an equal opportunity at professional growth by virtue of their professional performance and talent. As a result, several women have made impressive strides in all aspects of their jobs, with many already holding positions of authority within their respective departments. They have clearly demonstrated their indispensability to the success of the Bank’s operations and are a vital part of the OAB family.”

Wamadhat that was launched on the day is a commemorative book specially done for Omani Women’s Day. It is a compilation of quotes and sayings that have personally served as a source of inspiration and guidance to each of women currently working at OAB.

“With this book we wanted to showcase the thoughts and beliefs that our female staff live by and have guided them in their ongoing professional journey. It also provides a deeper insight into the people that they look up to and who have served as an inspiration to them in their professional careers,” Hilal added.

The commemorative event concluded with a commemorative cake cutting ceremony in honour of all women working at 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 57 branches and 8 representative offices across 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 Opens Flagship Qurum Branch

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New flagship branch prominently located at Burj Al Amal and open from 8 am to 4pm

Muscat, October 18, 2017: Oman Arab bank (OAB) has officially opened their new flagship branch located in Qurum. The new branch has been relocated from its previous location at Al Araimi complex to a more prominent and easily accessible location at Burj Al Amal in Qurum. With the opening of the customer centric branch, OAB aims to deliver enhanced banking facilities in the greater Qurum area, offering efficient and readily accessible services from the new flagship premises.

The official opening took place on October 16, under the auspices of His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Sa’eedi, the Minister of Legal Affairs, and was attended by Amin Al Husseini, CEO of Oman Arab Bank, and Rashad Al Musafir, DCEO of Oman Arab Bank; together with other members of the Bank’s staff.

Commenting on the launch of the branch, Amin Al Husseini noted, “The new Qurum branch is accorded flagship status due to its generous size and spacious layout and is one of the first ‘next generation’ branches to be rolled out in Oman. The branch features the very best in technology, products, and most importantly – personal service – that we as a bank are proud to offer. As a result, this new branch will elevate the banking experience for our customers which is a key priority in our nationwide transformation strategy.

The new Qurum branch features an enhanced brand identity with a refreshed look and feel. The sleek, modern, and streamlined look is augmented by a number of features and systems introduced as part of these new transformed branches. For starters, the branch has seen the introduction of a meet and greet facility with a streamlined queuing system, video walls for bank news, private advisory spaces with moving monitor screens for a more personal interaction, together with digital signature pads and ID Card readers within the advisory station design.

Aesthetically, as with the other ‘new’ branches, the new Qurum branch takes its design inspiration 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 new branch also has a separate ‘Elite’ reception, lounge, and offices, in order to provide premium customers with an elegant and private experience that remains memorable. The branch transformation combines elements of design, form, and function and aims to elevate the customer experience as a whole resulting in better service.

“As one of our flagship branches, the new Qurum branch will be amongst our largest in the country, and helps serve our growing customer base in the capital. It also further reaffirms our commitment to our customers to deliver a range of fast and efficient banking solutions that will set new standards for consumer banking in the Sultanate,” added Rashad Al Shaikh, DGM of Retail Banking at Oman Arab 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 8 representative offices across 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 Awards Employees for Completion of “Ta’heal 2” Training Program

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Muscat, November 12, 2017: As part of its ongoing support and development of human resources, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) has announced the completion of its second batch of the ‘Ta’heal’ program. The program was launched specifically for the Bank’s service employees and was aimed at qualifying and developing their skills and capabilities. This in turn would help in offering them better opportunities for suitable jobs at the Bank in the future. In commemoration of the completion of the second batch of the program, the Human Resources Division distributed certificates to each of the 16 staff that participated.

The event took place at the OAB Head Office in Ghubra and was overseen by Amin Al Husseini, the CEO of the Bank. Also in attendance was Adil Al Rahbi, the Head of the Human Resource Division at OAB.

Commenting on the ‘Ta’heal’ program, Adil said, “Conducting this program for the second time comes as the culmination of the success of its first version which was launched in August this year and the positive results achieved through the program. The program aims to provide them with the necessary set of skills and knowledge to take it to the next level as well as an avenue through which they can advance their career within the Bank. Moreover, we at OAB believe that it is important for all employees to recognize their roles within the bank on while providing them with the helping tools to achieve growth in their careers.”

The program, which was first introduced in early August, is focused on several topics such as CASA and problem solving. It also offers employees a better understanding of their individual role in achieving the goals of the institution, the role of the institution in assisting and developing them in their areas of work, as well as introducing the principles of internal communication, teamwork, and institutional loyalty. The first batch of trainees, comprising 20 employees, was conducted from August 6 to August 17. The second batch was conducted from October 15 to October 26. Both were conducted at the Bank’s Head Office.

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 across 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 Opens Flagship Branch in Barka

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Muscat, November 08, 2017: Highlighting the commitment from Oman Arab Bank (OAB) to deliver the best financial solutions and customer experience, the bank has celebrated the opening of its new flagship branch in Barka. The all-new customer-focused branch is conveniently located at the Barka Souq, and will deliver greater levels of convenience and enhanced banking facilities to the Bank’s customers in Barka.

The official branch opening took place on November 7, and was held under the auspices of His Excellency Abdullah bin Sha’ban Al Farsi, the Director General of Administration and Financial affairs at the Diwan of the Royal Court, and attended by Mr. Hani bin Mohammad Al Zubair, Board Member of Oman Arab Bank, Amin Al Husseini, CEO of Oman Arab Bank; together with dignitaries from the Wilayat of Barka.

Commenting on the launch of the new branch, Amin Al Husseini noted, “The launch of our new Barka location marks the second flagship branch we’ve launched in the sultanate in the last month, and the fourth branch that has been re-positioned and transformed since the beginning of 2017. As with the Qurum branch launched last month, this new branch is generous in its size, with a spacious layout and a significantly large parking area. It also features the very best in technology and products, together with personalised levels of service. As a result, this new branch will elevate the banking experience for our customers in Barka, which is in line with our ongoing nationwide transformation strategy.”

As with the recently opened flagship OAB Qurum branch, the new Barka branch also features an enhanced brand identity with a refreshed look and feel. 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 monitor screens for a more personal interaction, together with digital signature pads and ID Card readers within the advisory station design.

Aesthetically, as with the other ‘new-look’ branches, the Barka branch takes its design inspiration 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 new branch also has a separate ‘Elite’ reception, lounge, and offices, in order to provide premium customers with an elegant and private experience that remains memorable. The branch transformation combines elements of design, form, and function and aims to elevate the customer experience as a whole resulting in better service.

“As yet another one of our flagship branches, the new Barka branch will be amongst the largest OAB branches in the country. Chief amongst its several new facilities and features is the introduction of a new ‘Corporate’ section within the branch, a facility that wasn’t available in the old branch. The opening of this new branch will help us meet and exceed the expectations and banking needs of our customers, both retail and corporate, in the area and take us one more step closer to our strategic goal of being the bank of choice for customers across the country,” added Rashad Al Shaikh, DGM of Retail Banking at Oman Arab 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 across 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 Launches ‘LEAD 2’ Development Program

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Muscat, November 12, 2017: Highlighting its commitment to nurture and develop future leaders within the banking and finance sector, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) has announced the launch of the second edition of its talent development program entitled ‘Leadership Enhancement And Development’ (LEAD). As part of the announcement, the Bank also mentioned that 20 talented Omani staff members will undertake the intensive six-month training program, preparing them for future leadership positions within Oman Arab Bank.

Commenting on OAB’s LEAD program, Amin Al Husseini, Chief Executive Officer of OAB said, “LEAD is a unique and specialised leadership training program that aims to cultivate the talents of high potential Omanis with guidance from internationally renowned experts. The six month program has been designed to utilise best practices in order to empower participants with opportunity, managerial expertise, and high-level workplace solutions. The 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.”

Adil Al Rahbi, Head of the Human Resources Division added, “LEAD (1) was an incredible success for the Bank with every candidate completing the course with flying colours, and I expect the same with our 20 new candidates. One of the unique factors underpinning the success of the program is the fact that the selection process is carried out regardless of employee grade. The only requirement is for them to show true potential as leaders within their departments and to demonstrate a willingness to contribute beyond their normal role.”

The 20 new ‘LEAD’ candidates have been selected from  across all employee rankings within the bank, and pinpointing our most talented staff members. Their acceptance into the leadership programme is preceded by a robust and constructive development centre.  Participants will commence on their first training modules, where they will work side by side with some of the best motivational experts who are specialised in leadership development. As the course progresses, each of the candidates will be equipped with enhanced leadership skills and behaviours that will ensure effective people development in the coming years. LEAD (2) features an additional module on business innovation from Cass Business School and other activities related to team building in addition to group projects.

LEAD has been developed in line with the management’s strategy to ensure continuous development of OAB talent. Earlier this year, the HR Division kicked-off high-potential identification process which aims to identify the high potentials (HiPos) in various departments and disciplines across the Bank. These selections are made based on their qualifications, potential to grow and handle future key positions, and have the attributes required for progression to more senior levels. At the end of this process, various development options are considered for those spotted as high potentials; LEAD was the program that was at the top of the list.

“The program falls in line with our objective of building a pool of talented employees, and in turn preparing and supporting the Sultanate’s national workforce,” concluded Adil.

The ‘LEAD’ programme has been designed in cooperation with Inspirational Development Group (IDG), and is facilitated by a team from IDG, a globally renowned leadership and management performance consultancy. The company has channelled 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.

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 across 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 Staff Celebrate National Day

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Muscat, November 19, 2017: Oman Arab Bank, on the occasion of the Sultanate’s 47th National Day, organised a special staff gathering at its Head Office in Ghubra. The event was held for staff to join in the nation’s celebrations and to honour and thank His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said for his wisdom and leadership in the development and prosperity of the Sultanate over the course of these past 47 years.

The celebration was held on November 19, and was presided over by Amin Al Husseini, the Chief Executive Officer, and Rashad Al Musafir, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer. The event was also attended by members of the senior management and staff from branches across the capital.

Commenting on the event, Amin Al Husseini said, “Over these past 47 years, Oman has proven itself to be a beacon of peace and prosperity in the region; transforming into the progressive nation we live in today. All this has been made possible thanks to the visionary outlook and wise guidance of His Majesty the Sultan. As a local Bank we are glad to gather together with our staff as one family to pay tribute to His Majesty for his wise and benevolent leadership.”

The celebration opened with the National Anthem and a welcome speech by Amin Al Husseini. Shortly thereafter, the staff were treated to a poetry recitation by Aya bint Murad Al Balushi. The event also saw a special raffle draw conducted specifically for the event followed by a cake cutting ceremony by the executive members of the Bank to mark this joyous occasion. The event concluded with some refreshments and traditional music played by a live band.

“On Behalf of everyone here at OAB I would like to express my warmest congratulations to His Majesty the Sultan and wish him the best of health on this joyous occasion. I would also like to congratulate the people and residents of the Sultanate, whose collective contributions have played an integral part in the progress and transformation of the nation over these past four decades. We as a Bank are truly privileged to be a part of the Country’s success story concluded Mr. Rashad 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 across and 148 ATMs spread across the Sultanate. OAB provides the complete range of financial products and services for personal banking, corporate and investment clients.