06^th Aug 2024, Muscat: Continuing its efforts to reinforce its leading position in delivering unparalleled banking experiences, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) recently introduced a new segment of premium banking services tailored for elite customers, named “Elite Exclusive”. This distinguished offering was unveiled during an exclusive ceremony hosted by the bank at the Crowne Plaza Salalah. The event was held under the patronage of HH Sayyid Marwan Bin Turki Al Said, the Governor of Dhofar.

Positioned as the pinnacle of excellence in Oman’s banking sector, the new “Elite Exclusive” segment boasts stringent eligibility standards while offering exclusive services and unparalleled benefits. Customers within this elite group will receive a state-of-the-art metal card, the first of its kind in the market. This card epitomises elegance, durability, and sophistication, serving as a symbol of luxury and providing enriching, exclusive experiences

Commenting on the launch of this exclusive offering, Khalid Al Amri, Chief Retail Banking Officer at OAB, stated: “The introduction of the new segment aligns with the bank’s ongoing efforts to redefine exclusive banking. Clients in this segment expect exceptional care, and their expectations must be not only met but surpassed. Therefore, we have crafted this segment to provide them with special privileges tailored to their lifestyle. Our primary goal is to deliver the highest levels of excellence in banking and personal services. Being an Elite Exclusive client means receiving unparalleled service locally, regionally, and globally.”

Designed to provide an unparalleled banking experience that defines luxury and exclusivity, the Elite Exclusive segment offers a range of exceptional benefits, including a dedicated relationship manager available around the clock to cater to clients’ banking needs, special wealth management services and exclusive insurance coverage, as well as a private deposit box.

Additionally, clients will enjoy exclusive memberships to world-class golf clubs, special invitations to prestigious events and parties, complimentary chauffeur services, and unlimited premium lounge access to over 1,000 VIP lounges in more than 300 global airports.

Furthermore, clients can indulge in complimentary room upgrades at luxury hotels, inclusive of breakfast and a special USD 100 credit for spa and health club services. Membership in this elite segment also grants access to exclusive discounts on villa rentals and premium accommodations, as well as private chef services and more, ensuring a lifestyle of unparalleled luxury and convenience.

Additionally, the membership offers a plethora of unique benefits, including fine dining experiences at over 40 Michelin-starred restaurants, with guaranteed discounts of up to 50% for an unlimited number of guests. Members also enjoy a 35% discount on car rentals and a 10% discount on flight tickets.

Also, Elite members gain access to the global yacht programme, complete with a credit balance of EUR 5,000. The exclusive luxury yacht programme available to Elite members includes distinguished voyages with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Ponant, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Members can also take advantage of a complimentary shore tour and receive up to USD 250 in onboard credit for themselves and their families, ensuring a truly luxurious and memorable experience.

“Elite Exclusive is the epitome of exclusivity. This segment is not open for application; it is available by invitation only. Membership in this exclusive tier guarantees that one is among the elite, enjoying unparalleled privileges and bespoke services,” Al Amri further stated.

Muscat: Oman Arab Bank (OAB) has been appointed as one of the lead arrangers for a $1.2 billion syndicated loan for OQ Gas Networks (OQGN), the exclusive operator of Oman’s gas transportation system.

As the only Omani bank among the lead arrangers, along with a few select International and Regional banks, Oman Arab Bank demonstrated its expertise, strong relationships, and unwavering commitment to its clients and proved its ability to undertake such complex and large corporate deals.

Sulaiman Al Harthi, CEO of Oman Arab Bank said, “We are honoured to have been appointed as a strategic financial partner for OQGN, as they pursue their ambitions and robust growth strategy. Combining their vision with our financial expertise, we aim to facilitate their journey towards becoming a crucial infrastructure player in the country. We will continue to leverage our extensive resources, industry knowledge, and financial solutions to provide the necessary support to OQGN.”

He added, “The oversubscription of the syndicated loan facility underscores our strong reputation and expertise in structuring such financing arrangements. The syndicated loan not only reflects the confidence of the financial community in OQGN’s potential but also serves as a testament to OAB’s capabilities in providing tailored financing solutions and leading large-scale transactions.”

Sulaiman Al Hinai, Head of Wholesale Banking at Oman Arab Bank added: “Oman Arab Bank continues to be the partner of choice for numerous key socio-economic projects, enabling the growth and progress of the nation in developmental, economic and urban fields, all the while contributing to the evolving financial system.”

To date, Oman Arab Bank, as a group, along with its strategic partner Arab Bank PLC and its Sharia-compliant 100% subsidiary Alizz Islamic Bank, has spearheaded the financing of several notable mega-scale projects, helping Oman attract more FDI into the country. Through meticulous planning, strategic partnerships, and a dedicated team who have the expertise, knowledge and skill sets, the bank has consistently set new benchmarks in the industry.

Muscat, March 28^th 2023 – This Ramadan, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) will celebrate the true spirit of the season with a wide-ranging program of community events every week during the Holy Month. Across four weeks, the bank will support good causes and charitable organizations to help spread goodwill across the country.

 

The first week will be marked with a visit to the Royal Hospital in Muscat to hold an Iftar gathering and a walking carnival with gift distribution and entertainment for young cancer patients and their families. A traditional qaranqashoo celebration follows in the second week at the Children Care Center.

 

Several organizations will come together to present the third week’s activities, with an Eid Exhibition at the bank’s head office  for OAB staff. The event is in coordination with three non-profits: Oman Association for the Disabled  which will exhibit products made by its members; Kiswa Oman, encouraging staff and visitors to donate clothes; and Oman Food Bank, which will be raising awareness of its activities.

 

In the final week of the Holy Month, OAB will lead Eid preparations at the Social Care House in Rustaq, to celebrate early with the elderly.

 

Sulaiman Al Harthi, Chief Executive Officer at OAB, said: “This Ramadan, we wanted to create a calendar of thoughtful events to make a difference every week during the Holy Month. We are looking forward to contributing to this extremely important initiative, as we all demonstrate what really matters during Ramadan. It’s not just what you give, it’s also what you do.”

 

 

He added, “We want to foster community spirit and believe that volunteering is a great way to build relationships, develop new skills and enhance personal growth. We are encouraging OAB staff to play an active role in improving the lives of others.”

 

The program of events is part of OAB’s ongoing strategy to make a positive impact in communities across the Sultanate – something that the bank has strived to achieve throughout its 50-year history. The initiative continues the bank’s tradition of annual Ramadan events, which have highlighted the importance of donating and giving during the Holy Month.

 

Muscat, 2 July 2023 – Oman Arab Bank (OAB) helped to lift the spirits of more than 400 children thanks to its participation in Eid celebrations organized by Al Rahma Association for Motherhood & Child Welfare. As part of its unwavering commitment to making a positive difference across the Sultanate, the bank organized a heartwarming event that created a memorable experience for the children.

 

The event was part of OAB’s ongoing year-long program of community-based events to foster a sense of togetherness, exemplifying the bank’s core values of responsibility and social impact. Earlier this month, OAB collaborated with the Ministry of Health to promote awareness of the early detection and prevention of breast cancer, following on from a month of Ramadan events across Oman that benefitted the elderly, children, cancer patients and several non-profit organizations.

 

Muscat, 26th July 2023 – Oman Arab Bank (OAB) has been recognized as Domestic Retail Bank of the Year – Oman and the SME Payment Solutions of the Year – Oman, earning two wins at the prestigious Asian Banking & Finance (ABF) Retail Banking Awards 2023. A distinguished panel of judges from the banking and financial industry bestowed the bank with top honors in these two categories.

 

The SME Payment Solutions of the Year – Oman award reflected the successful introduction of OAB’s state-of-the-art Mobile Pay Soft POS solution for SME customers, which represented the first of its kind in Oman and gained an extremely high initial customer penetration rate. Among its innovative elements, the solution provides an enhanced option allowing customers to enter their PIN through their mobile device, increasing customer convenience and confidence on security, as well as allowing the merchant to carry out real-time stock management, tax calculations and liquidity management. The bank acquired a total of 116 new merchants in the first three months from launch.

 

Continuing to uphold its customer-first vision, OAB has launched numerous other new products and services in recent months, including an instant debit card issuance machine; increased limits to its Digital Instant Loan; and several seasonal offers for customers. The process of optimizing its branches has also continued, including the installation of state-of-the-art digital banking technology to enhance the customer experience and allow customers to bank more efficiently.

 

 

OAB’s brace of awards were the latest recognition for the bank, which also recently won Best Online Platform in Oman at the 2022 MEA Business Awards and received the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) certification, which confirmed OAB’s security measures meet the highest standards of protecting customers’ payment card data, as set by the PCI Security Standards Council and most recently being accredited by the ACCA.