• Rashad Al Musafir: The new platform, alongside the bank’s e-payment portal, will contribute towards enhancing retail trade and services in the Sultanate.
• Majid Al Amri: Thawani platform is the most advance solution to facilitate payments for merchants and consumers alike

Muscat, February 13, 2018: Oman Arab Bank (OAB) and Thawani Technologies have recently entered into a partnership agreement under which OAB will function as the banking partner of the Thawani platform, an innovative e-payment solution. The signing ceremony saw the presence of Rashad Al Musafir, Acting CEO of OAB, representing the Bank, and Majid bin Fayil Al Amri, Founder and CEO of Thawani, representing Thawani Technologies.

The agreement was signed at a press conference held at the Grand Millennium, Muscat; in which it was stated that OAB will act as the banking consultant for Thawani to ensure that the smart platform products comply with instructions set forth by the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) and other market authorities. Additionally, OAB will also work closely with them on matters relating to risk management and combating financial fraud, alongside the execution of all transactions via Thawani’s new e-payment app.

Rashad Al Musafir ntoed, “OAB has previously invested extensively in building its e-payment gateway as part of its digital transformation plan. This gateway was successfully launched a few weeks ago. The signing of this partnership agreement with Thawani, for the launch of this unique platform, the first of its kind in the Sultanate, will greatly benefit the retail and services sector. It will further facilitate easy payment processes while at the same time ensuring privacy, confidentiality, and security.”

From his perspective, Majid Al Amri noted, “We are delighted to partner with a bank that has such a visionary outlook for the e-payment field. We are confident that the Thawani platform is going to play a fundamental role in facilitating digital transactions. Over the course of the last six months, we have witnessed high market demand for e-payments solutions and the technology utilised for the Thawani platform is amongst the most advanced in the world. Today, we see a new era for e-payment solutions in the country; made possible through our advanced app utilising the latest technologies and overseen by highly qualified staff, in cooperation with a pioneering banking institution, well known for its innovative digital solutions.”

OAB launched its e-payment gateway in late December in line of its future vision of the financial services’ sector, which is currently undergoing a rapid transformation towards a more digital economy. The Bank has been working to provide e-payments solutions that ensure transparency and convenience for all customers, with advanced levels of security and ease of use, that encourage them to carry out their business transactions through the Internet.

Thawani Technologies launched its new e-payment platform ‘Thawani’ in May 2017 to become the first of its kind in the Sultanate. The platform featured an innovative design that ensured easy accessibility of its services for both businesses and consumers. The users need only carry out the initial setup and enter their financial data in order to start using the app and make or receive payments. As such, the platform has introduced the Sultanate to a new era of financial transactions, one that will facilitate easier and faster payments while reducing all probable risks.

As for security, Rashad al Musafir asserted that the platform is set up in accordance with all CBO regulations as well as international PCI DSS and PA-DSS standards for data integrity and secure encryption.

Al Amri also confirmed that Thawani, in collaboration with relevant departments at OAB, adopts very strict controls to ensure fraud protection, risks management, and anti-money laundering.

Starting from March 13, the Thawani App will be made available on both Google Play and App Store for free. While using the App, customers will not only enjoy absolute convenience but will also be able to keep their banking data completely private. They will not be required to share any card, bank, or account information at any point during a transaction. In addition, with Thawani, customers need only scan the buyer’s QR code and enter the amount of payment required to complete the transfer process. If you are not present at the shop, you can instead use their supplied merchant ID or saved phone number to carry out the transaction. Alternatively, the merchant can send you a payment request via ‘WAYYAK’ on the app, which you can then approve to complete the transaction. In addition to the convenience it provides, the app also offers a wide range of other benefits including a new alternative for making bill payments.

For businessmen and retail merchants, the new platform from Thawani and OAB will be far more useful than systems currently available on the market. In addition to the minimal fees required for using the platform, the time to complete a payment transaction is amongst fastest in the market, thanks to new technologies and programs developed by both Thawani and OAB. As such, the app will definitely reduce human errors and encourage staff to focus more on customer service rather than the financial process itself.

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.

For more information on Thawani go online to www.thawani.om or call +968 2456 5013, you can also follow the brand on its ‘ThawaniPay’ facebook page, on instagram at www.instagram.com/thawani_pay, or on twitter @Thawani_Pay.

Muscat, February 25, 2017: Highlighting its commitment to offer the best financial solutions and customer experiences across the Sultanate, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) celebrated the opening of its new flagship branch in Sur. The all-new customer-focused branch is conveniently located at Sur’s Souq, and will deliver greater levels of convenience and enhanced banking facilities to the Bank’s customers in Sur.

The official branch opening took place on February 21, and was held under the auspices of His Excellency Sheikh Nasser bin Mohammed Al Hashar and was attended by Rashad Al Musafir, Acting CEO of OAB, together with other senior members of the Bank management and staff. Also in attendance were several of the Bank’s VIP customers from the region.

Commenting on the launch of the new branch, Rashad Al Musafir, Acting CEO of Oman Arab Bank noted, “This event marked the first of several new branches that we plan on opening, re-positioning, or transforming this year, as part of our ongoing nationwide transformation strategy for the bank. As with the other branches that have undergone this change, this revamped flagship Sur Branch will feature the very best in technology and products, together with personalised levels of service, generous size, spacious layout with two cashiers and five Universal of Customer Services (UCC), and a significantly large parking area. As a result, this new branch will elevate the banking experience for our customers in Sur to an entirely new level.”

The new Sur branch features an 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. 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 new Sur 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.

Al Musafir added, “This marks the first of a series of branches we plan on opening this year across the country. As yet another one of our flagship branches, the new Sur branch joins the Qurum and Barka branches as amongst the largest in the country. This new branch will help us transform the banking experiences of our customers in Sur and the surrounding area, helping us not just meet, but exceed their expectations; taking us one step closer to our ultimate goal of being the bank of choice for customers across the country.”

“OAB has a long term vision for the future of banking in the Sultanate. It is aware of the rapid changes imposed by modern technology in banking sector; therefore, it is implementing its transformation strategy in such a way as establish itself as the first bank of choice across the Sultanate. The most notable feature of this strategy is transforming its bank branches; and in turn transform the banking experiences of our customers and helping us not just meet, but exceed their every expectation,” he concluded.

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.

Muscat, March 4, 2018: In line with its commitment towards supporting important events hosted by the Sultanate, giving special emphasis to commercial events, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) recently sponsored the 13^th edition of the World Exchange Congress. The event was organised by Terrapin in partnership with Muscat Securities Market (MSM) and took place on 27-28 February 2018 at the Shangri-La Barr al Jissah Resort and Spa. As one of the world’s largest financial gatherings, the Congress brought together the world top investment funds and stock exchanges, in addition to several other key stakeholders.

Commenting on the importance of sponsoring such an event, Rashad Al Musafir, the Acting CEO of Oman Arab Bank said, “Sponsoring the World Exchange Congress, which was hosted by MSM, reinforces our strong belief in the necessity of the constant collaboration between the government and private sector. Nowhere is this more evident than in the securities industry. In fact, we are delighted with the knowledge we gained from our participation in such an important forum, one that helped us network and interact with some of the leading experts of the stocks world. Furthermore, a forum such as this is essential in helping boost the profile of the Sultanate on the global financial stage, as well as presenting Muscat, together with its various investment opportunities, as an appropriate and qualified destination to host important international events. As such, we are extremely proud to sponsor this forum and look forward to do so again for any similar events in the future.”

The opening ceremony of the World Exchange Congress was held under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Masuod Al Sunaidi, Minister of Commerce and Industry. The two-day ceremony also saw the attendance of a number of ministers, under-securities, and officials of various securities markets, investment funds, and investment companies from around the world.

This international forum brought together over 250 experts, specialists, and financial decision makers from 60 different countries. Also present at the event were 40 speakers from around the world who presented papers on several different topics including investment opportunities available in the region’s markets, innovative strategies to boost the securities industry, the most recent technologies utilized in stocks exchanges, the technology used in analyzing data and its role in enhancing investment environment and attracting investors, amongst others. The role of securities markets in encouraging innovation and supporting future economic growth, the global trend towards Islamic investment tools, and financial derivatives useful in supporting emerging markets were also investigated.

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.

Muscat, March 11^th, 2018: Oman Arab Bank (OAB) recently participated in the Career and Training Opportunities Fair, which was held from March 5 to 7, at the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU). The fair, organised by the Centre of Career Guidance (CCG), saw the participation of 68 government and private enterprises, offering around 279 job and 199 training opportunities for SQU undergraduates.

OAB had set up a booth at the venue, showcasing the Bank’s human resource development plans. It attracted a large number of SQU students wanting to know more about the various career opportunities available for talented young Omani undergraduates.

Commenting on this participation, Adil Al Rahbi, Head of the Human Resources Division at OAB said, “The Career and Training Opportunities Fair, which is organised by SQU every year, is one of the most successful fairs of its kind in the Sultanate. It provides participants, from both the private and government sectors, with the chance to personally meet with students and present their employment and training programmes. OAB has been a keen participant in the fair and introduces career opportunities that are available to the students, annually. We are very pleased to have been able to interact with the students, and have our representatives address all their queries regarding the banking sector.”

The opening ceremony was held last Monday at the SQU Grand Hall, under the auspices of HE Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Saidi, Minister of Health. Also in attendance were several government officials and representatives from the private sector.

Visitors at the fair highly commended OAB’s policies, which were focused on attracting fresh graduates to join the team alongside providing them with opportunities to grow as future leaders in Oman’s banking sector. Visitors also acknowledged the Bank’s immense efforts to train its employees.

“At OAB we strive to develop training programs that are not only beneficial for our Omani employees, but also prepare them for leadership positions within the Bank. Through this approach, we have made our way to the forefront of the Banking sector in the country, with regard to Omanisation. This is primarily due to the majority of the executive positions within the Bank being held by Omanis. In fact we also give priority for the development of skillsets and increasing knowledge within our workforce, which are in compliance with the vision and objectives of the Board,” Al Rahbi added.

OAB had also launched a noteworthy talent development program in 2016 entitled ‘Leadership Enhancement and Development’ (LEAD), which aimed at developing the skills of potential Omani talents within the Bank. Additionally, it also enlightened them on the tools that are required to ascend the career ladder. The programme focused on qualifying Oman’s youth to take advantage of the banking sector and pave the way for further progress in the Sultanate.

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.