Muscat, March 25, 2018: As part of its commitment towards conservation of the environment, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) commemorated Earth Hour this year by switching off all lights at its head office for one hour on Saturday, March 24. In addition, OAB staff and their families were also invited to a candle-lit event in commemoration of the event and to spread awareness on the need to conserve energy.

Commenting on the Bank’s participation in Earth Hour, Hilal O. Al Siyabi, Head of Corporate Communication said, “There is much more to the Earth Hour than just switching off lights. By hosting such an event, we are not only showing our commitment and support towards protecting our planet, but are also helping spread awareness on the impact wasteful energy consumption has on our environment. However, this year we wanted to take it a step further. This is why we decided to invite our staff, together with their families, to join us in a celebratory candle-lit event at the head office.”

This two-part event comes as part of OAB’s ongoing CSR initiatives, reflecting its commitment toward environment conservation. The Earth Hour event saw the Bank switch off all lights at its Head Office, from 8:30pm to 9:30pm, on March 24. During this time, only candle lights were used for lighting and a live band, who used no electrical equipment or instruments whatsoever, provided the entertainment for the evening.

“As with most of our other initiatives we once again encouraged our staff to participate and make this initiative a success. As such, would like to take this opportunity to thank each of them, as well as their families for their attendance. We sincerely hope that this initiative inspires others to do the same and we ourselves look forward to once again hosting similar initiatives in the future,” added Hilal Al-Siyabi.

In addition, OAB has continued to introduce a number of technology driven initiatives that aim to protect the environment while interacting with its customers including e-statements and SMS notifications among others, in order to save on paper. It also fallows a similar principal for internal communications amongst staff, keeping paper usage to a minimum. The Bank’s focus on environment and energy conservation is also evident in the environmentally friendly technology installed at its Head Office. These include auto sensors throughout all offices and corridors, which means that lights are automatically switched off when no one is present and as a result, a considerable amount of power is saved on a regular basis.

OAB 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.

• An African tree performs world music night in Muscat
• Arabesque International is presenting a night of world music to be performed by the German ensemble Jacaranda
• Five German Musicians perform on 25 instruments at the Auditorium of the Ministry of Education in Wattayah
• Five musicians from Brandenburg to give workshops in Omani schools
• Arabesque’s outreach project reached 4000 Omani school kids

Under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the German Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arabesque International, in collaboration with the German Embassy in Muscat, and Oman Arab Bank’s sponsorship, organizes a world music night on Sunday 31^st, January 2016 in the Auditorium of the Ministry of Education in Wattayah at 07:30 p.m. concert marks the third event of the second season of the Muscat Chamber Music Series which is to be performed by the German ensemble Jacaranda.

This came during the press conference that was organized by Arabesque International yesterday 24 January 2016 at the headquarter of Oman Arab Bank in the presence of: H.E. Hans Christian Freiherr von Reibnitz Ambassador of the Republic Federal Republic of Germany to the Sultanate, Ahmed Abouzahra, General Manager of the Arabesque International, and Mr. Amin al-Husseini, the Chief Executive of Oman Arab Bank.

“The Night with world music by Jacaranda Ensemble” is the third concert of the second season of the Muscat Chamber Music Series which is a non-profit project that was launched in April 2015. We believe in the importance of music and the benefits it can offer to people beyond the entertainment. We believe that music develops the intellectual and the critical thinking of oneself so we lunched this project to give a chance to the Omani musicians, music students and younger generations to meet international artists and get introduced to different music genres from different cultures.” said Ahmed Abouzahra, General Manager of Arabesque International.

Workshops, More than just music 

As we all know the essential part of the project’s vision is to bring professional artists to stay in Muscat for nearly two weeks before the concert to conduct musical workshops with schools and university students. These workshops will take place on Sunday 27^th, January in the British School at 10:00 and in PDO School at 14:00 and on Monday 28^th in GUtech at 13:00 other workshops will follow in different public and private schools as well as universities and colleges with the aim to offer the opportunity for the young talents to benefit from this non-profit musical and outreach project, which is considered the first of its kind in Oman.

H.E. Hans-Christian Freiherr von Reibnitz, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Muscat said about the project: “I am delighted to see the Muscat Chamber Music Series taking off with style. Music is an extraordinary pleasant way to establish an intimate dialogue: Musicians do not speak to ears only but also to souls and minds!”

“I am happy to see German Musicians coming to Muscat not only to perform music, but to do workshops with Omani students and children. The German ensemble ”Jacaranda” with outstanding musicians of the Brandenburg Symphony Orchestra will perform as “musical ambassadors” under the auspices of H.E. the Federal Foreign Minister of Germany, Dr. Steinmeier.” he said.

Social Responsibility 

“Oman Arab bank was one of the first supporters of the Muscat Chamber Music Series organized by Arabesque International “, Said Amin Al Husseini, the Chief Executive Officer of the Bank”. He then pointed out that “we believe in the importance of the project’s concept as a whole and its reflection on the society especially the school students who are the backbone and prospect of the future. This project is not only giving them a chance to get introduced to the world of music genres, but also gives them a chance to learn from professional artists. They wouldn’t have got such a chance to meet these artists except from Arabesque’s project. The artists come and stay in Muscat from 10 days to two weeks to work with the students of music and arts. Therefore, the project discovers new Omani talents having a promising future.”

“Over thirty years, Oman Arab Bank believes in the social responsibility towards the community by assigning part of the profit to serve and benefit the community which our success would have never been achieved without doing this. The bank used to give a financial support to some associations that are doing the same social role, but we recently decided to dedicate our support directly to the art, music, and sport projects.  We found in Arabesque International’s non-profit project, Muscat Chamber Music Series, what we aimed at, so the bank accepted to support the project believing in its importance.” said Amin el-Husseini

Jacaranda Ensemble 

“The ensemble consists of five musicians, principals of the Brandenburg Symphony, who have put together an unusual ensemble as a result of a desire to experiment with new sounds. The instrumentation of this ensemble clearly demonstrates this idea: Alpenhorn, didgeridoo, saxophone, and percussion, instruments whose origins often are thousands of miles apart, which are woven through a mixture of composed and improvised music into a musical tapestry. Through its music, the Jacaranda Ensemble builds a bridge between the cultures of the world. The positive response of the public as well as international respect has confirmed the unusual concept of the Jacaranda Ensemble. Concert tours within Germany and abroad, as well as a positive reaction from the media are the visible results of this artistic endeavour.

The “Muscat Chamber Music Series” 

“Arabesque International launched the Muscat Chamber Music Series believing in the role of education, arts and music as a driving engine for the development of nations with the to communicate with the new talents through this type of music that is traditionally performed by a small group of instrumentalists, in a relatively small space. In order to pursuit this goal, Arabesque invites experienced high-quality chamber music ensembles to Muscat, for a period that ranges between one and three weeks, to provide educational and musical activities in schools. “said Ahmed Abouzahra

“The first season was being organized since September 2014. There were three pre- launches concerts. Then the opening of the Muscat Chamber Music Series Season I took place in April 2015 where some of the musicians of the renowned Kremerata Baltica Chamber Orchestra gave workshops to students of different ages from different schools and a master class to professional musicians from the Oud Hobbyists association. On April 9th, Kremerata Baltica Chamber Orchestra performed the opening concert of Season I at TAISM (The American School International Muscat) in front of an absolutely delighted audience of all ages. Mitja Quartet performed in the final concert of season one in May 2015 at the Zubair Museum after making a series of workshops to many students from different schools.“ said Abouzahra

Arabesque International

Arabesque International is a performing art promoter and event organizer with its head office in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. Founded in 2012 by the Egyptian German pianist Ahmed Abouzahra, General Manager of East West Art Promotion (Germany, Egypt). In July 2014, His Highness Sayyed Mohamed bin Salim Al-Said took over the partnership in Oman. Since its establishment in January 2012, Arabesque International brought numerous international art institutions in prestigious locations in Oman (Royal Opera House Muscat, Muscat Festival and Al Bustan Palace Hotel); Egypt (Cairo Opera House, Alexandria Opera House); Bahrain (Manama Cultural Hall, National Theater, Spring of Culture Festival); Qatar (Doha Opera House) and Lebanon (Beiteddine Festival); Emirates (Abu Dhabi Classics) and Jordan.

For more info or interviews please contact or 2449 4553 / 9747 8300 or info@arabesqueint.com 

Free Admission
For reservations please call 2449 4553 / 9747 8300
Or email us on info@arabesqueint.com
Children under the age of 7 are not admitted 

mcms.arabesqueint.com

In its continued quest to improve the quality of banking services provided to customers, Oman Arab Bank recently won two accolades in terms of international quality standards in line with the development, establishment and control of the customer service quality system in the bank. The Call centre, Sales department and Customer Complaint Management have been awarded the ISO certification (ISO 9001: 2008) for quality management systems and ISO certification (ISO 10002: 2004) for the customer complaints handling system.

This was after passing the external audit process conducted by the ‘URS’ company accredited by United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) over two days last December. Preparations for gaining the international certification earlier lasted a year and a half, managed by the Systems Control and Quality Assurance Department in the Bank. Gaining this certificate is an international recognition of the Bank’s commitment to the development of administrative work and its efforts to adopt global practices. ISO is a global assessment system used to classify the applicable standards, which require the performance of a professional service and high quality.

Therefore, it is important to apply the international standards of ISO, as it will reflect positively on the services provided to customers. These two certificates are considered as the highest international standard certificates awarded to meet excellence in quality management and customer service. It reflects the senior management’s commitment of the bank to apply the international standards. Obtaining these two certificates confirm the Bank’s focus on quality management systems and handling customer complaints system, which leads to further development and improvement in business.

The Quality Management System aims to analyse, document and measure the effectiveness and control. It applies the processes effectively to ensure the best results are pre-planned and to ensure continuous improvement and development of these processes. Institutional commitment towards performance is brought about by application of the system in the institutions. Accordingly, procedures are subject to periodic review and evaluation, which enable the identification of measurable indicators of performance and follow-up to achieve the best results.

Muscat, January 2015: Under the patronage of HE Mohammad Al Zubair, Advisor to HM the Sultan for Economic Planning Oman Arab Bank celebrated its 30th Anniversary at Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa. The event was also attended by Ministers, Undersecretaries, OAB partners and the Chairman of The Board of the Arab Bank, Mr. Sabih Al Masry and the Vice CEO and Director of the board of the bank Ms. Randa Sadiq,

At the outset of the celebration, Mr. Rashad bin Mohammad Al Zubair, Chairman of OAB delivered a speech, saying that: “It is my pleasure to welcome you and your participation in our celebration of the bank’s 30th anniversary. Our true partnership with you is the main incentive and optimal motive for us to exert more efforts and dedicate the powers of the bank to serve our partners and customers. Today, while we celebrate, we reassure our heritage, based on solid relationships with you. The success we managed to sustain over the last 30 years is mainly attributed to you and you are the reason for the continuity of our success.” He concluded his speech saying that “We at Oman Arab Bank would like to take this opportunity to pray to Allah to keep HM, the Sultan safe and sound and return him to his country and people to complete the modern Omani Renaissance. Under his directives and guidance, we are heading for optimal and higher goals in service of this generous country.”

This speech was followed by a statement by the CEO of the Bank, Mr. Amin Rashid Al Husseini who said: “It is my privilege to welcome you this evening to our celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Bank. Our success would not have been possible without the true partnership, support and commitment, which we have with you. OAB has witnessed thirty years of booming and growth since its incorporation in the Sultanate. The bank has contributed to the development of this country under the wise leadership of HM Sultan Qaboos bin Said. Today, we renew our pledge to you to continue strengthening and advancing the Bank’s position among the pioneering banks in the Sultanate of Oman especially in respect of the distinguished customer service and IT development. More important, we shall keep in contact with our business partners.

Finally, I thank the Central Bank of Oman and CMA for their support and valuable directives.” Afterwards, a documentary was displayed depicting the achievements of the bank over the last thirty years. The documentary highlighted the major construction, infrastructure, tourist and development projects, which the bank financed like Salalah Methonol, Sur IWP Plant, Duqum Port & Dry Dock, Sur Road Project, Expansion Project of Oman Cement Factory, Sohar Refinery. In addition to that, the documentary showed the network of branches i.e. 67 branches and offices all over the Sultanate of Oman. In addition to financing projects and corporates, the bank provides retail services through distinguished and state of art services, which are available also online.

Moreover, the bank provides a collection of credit cards, which satisfy the needs and requirements of the clients, the smart card for dealings with government departments, and a group of other loans and facilities.

Muscat – February 2015: within the celebrations of Muscat Festival 2015, and in presence of a number of Oman Arab Bank Officials, the bank has picked up the end of the year “Hassad” prizes in Al Amerat Garden. Two grand prizes were picked, each was RO 100,000, and the winners were customers from Al Qurum and Al Khuwair. Additionally, monthly prizes were also drawn. Mr. Nasser Rashid Abdullah Al Naabi, from Sohar Branch, won the first prize; an amount of RO 15,000; Mr. Mazin Atef El Ladki, from Al Ghubra Branch, won the second prize; an amount of RO 5,000. The RO 5,000 monthly women prize for was won by Ms. Zahra Marjan Naseeb from Salalah Branch.

The Monthly Children prizes were gained by the lucky Children: Adham Haroon Sulaiman Al Wahibi, Muttrah Branch; Abdulmalek Abdullah Al Rahbi, Bidbid Branch; and Sadiq Ali Ahmed Al Lawatia, Muttrah Branch. Each child won RO 2,000. With respect to the regular monthly prizes for all branches, two customers from each branch won RO 250 each.

The winners were informed by their respective branches. Moreover, Mr. Khalid Ali Said from Nizwa Branch, and Mr. Phirose Parakkal, won the RO, 1000 prize allocated exclusively for customers who transfer their salaries to Oman Arab Bank. The special draw event was held at The Sponsors’ Theatre, Muscat Festival Site, in Al Amerat Public Garden and was attended by a huge number of people to watch the activities performed before the draw such as The Magic Show, children and adults’ competitions and gifts receiving, in addition to other games and activities.

Mr. Amin Al-Husseini, CEO of OAB, stated that: “As Golden sponsor’s to Muscat Festival, we decided to draw end of 2014 winners of “Hassad” Savings Account during the Festival in order to introduce this saving scheme to different segments of people, particularly to the children and the youth, as we believe in educating the new generation about the culture of savings.”