OABC hosted an insightful roundtable discussion with Judith D. Pryor, First Vice President and Vice Chair of the Board at the U.S. EXIM Bank. The event offered valuable perspectives on how EXIM Bank can support Omani businesses through financing opportunities for U.S. goods and services.
Key highlights included strategies for leveraging EXIM’s resources to drive growth, with a particular focus on sectors critical to Oman’s economic development. The dynamic conversation provided our members with practical tools for expanding their operations internationally.
Events
On October 8, 2024, Oman Arab Business Council (OABC) held an inspiring HR Community event focused on Crafting Family-Friendly Policies. The session highlighted the significant benefits of such policies for companies and their employees.
Key insights included:
- Companies implementing family-friendly policies experience higher employee retention.
- Introducing mother-and-child-friendly services can reduce absenteeism by 9%.
- 51% of companies offering childcare solutions report increased profitability.
- 61% have become employers of choice after establishing childcare services.
- Programs supporting women’s health lead to fewer work errors and improved performance.
Thank you to all participants for contributing to a fruitful discussion! We look forward to continuing the conversation around creating supportive workplaces.
Oman Arab Business Council (OABC) recently hosted an impactful webinar with Stories, a premium member, on September 30, focusing on the importance of purpose in driving business success.
Led by the Founder of Stories and Purpose Coach, the session explored how aligning business strategies with a clear purpose can ignite action, foster sustainable growth, and create new revenue streams. Attendees gained valuable insights on leveraging purpose to inspire teams and enhance decision-making.
The event underscored OABC’s commitment to providing resources and support for business leaders in today’s unpredictable landscape. We thank all participants for their engagement and look forward to more opportunities for learning and collaboration.
The Oman American Business Council (AmCham Oman), in collaboration with Better Medical Solutions, successfully hosted its annual Back to Business Networking Night on Wednesday, September 25th, at the Sheraton Hotel Muscat. This event served as a dynamic platform for Omani and international businesses to reconnect after the summer break, facilitating meaningful networking opportunities while promoting the strategic benefits of the US-Oman Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The Back to Business Networking Night brought together over 180 esteemed members of the Oman business community after the summer break. Attendees enjoyed a vibrant evening of engaging conversations, fostering new connections and strengthening existing relationships. As part of the event, Better Medical Solutions demonstrated their utilization of the US-Oman FTA by importing premium U.S. medical devices into Oman, exemplifying how local businesses can capitalize on the agreement for mutual growth and prosperity.
The event was made even more exciting with a raffle draw, offering attendees a chance to win fantastic prizes. Better Medical Solutions, Sheraton Hotel Muscat, and Europcar generously provided the raffle prizes, with Europcar offering the grand prize of the evening (a luxurious weekend getaway in Bahrain for the Europcar Open and Gala Awards).
“I have been in the healthcare field for over 3 decades,” says Khaled Kassar, CEO of Better Medical Solutions. “I never imagined I’d be venturing into any new business, but since joining OABC in 2022, my company has branched into AI, construction and project management, and recently launched a manufacturing facility. We’re seeking to become FDA-registered to export to the vast U.S. market under the Free Trade Agreement. Indeed OABC is the platform I needed to build the right network so I could diversify my portfolio and create a new business line. Tonight was all about celebrating these new connections.”
“The room was absolutely buzzing and there is a real momentum in the air,” says Rebecca Olson, CEO of OABC. “One thing is for certain, that there is a hunger for business networking in Oman. Professionals want a place to connect with others who are focused on business, in a friendly atmosphere. We are proud to deliver an opportunity like this to the members and the wider business community, and look forward to many similar events throughout the coming season. And special thanks to BMS for sponsoring the night and sharing their success story with others.”
With over 180 member companies and as Oman’s largest and most active business networking organization, OABC remains dedicated to organizing impactful events that facilitate networking, knowledge-sharing, and business growth within the Oman business community.
Click here to see a snapshot of the event
On September 18, OABC Premium Members were treated to an exclusive culinary journey at the stunning St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort. From the rich flavors of Greece to the classic elegance of Italy, and the vibrant tastes of Peru and Oman specialties influenced by Zanzibar and India, it was a night where exquisite cuisine took center stage. Our members experienced a world of flavors in one evening—along with opportunities for networking, of course.
A big thank you to the St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort team for curating such a wonderful event and to our Premium Members for joining us.
Click here to watch more!
On September 11th, the OABC proudly launched its HR Community, the Oman HR Community (OHRC), with over 80 attendees joining this significant event. We are immensely grateful to Takaful Oman for their generous sponsorship, which made the creation of the OHRC possible. Their support has been instrumental in bringing together HR professionals across Oman to share knowledge and foster growth.
We would also like to thank Oman Arab Bank for hosting us, and a special appreciation goes to our keynote speaker, Mutheer Al Kalbani, for his enlightening presentation on “Building a High-Performance Driven Culture.”
This marks the beginning of an exciting journey, with a series of valuable events already lined up to benefit HR professionals in Oman. Thank you to all who participated and contributed to the success of the launch.
If you’re not yet an OABC member and are interested in joining the HR Community, please reach out to us at info@oabc.org for more information.
On September 9, the OABC Tourism Committee held a highly successful meeting, and we extend our deepest gratitude to Crowne Plaza Muscat OCEC for their exceptional hospitality. A special thank you is also in order for our esteemed guest, Shabib Al Maamari, Managing Director of Visit Oman for his participation and presentation.
The meeting was marked by dynamic discussions focused on key strategies to enhance Oman’s tourism sector. Industry leaders shared invaluable insights, fueling an optimistic outlook for future collaborations and the growth of Oman’s tourism industry.
We are excited about the promising direction and look forward to driving growth and innovation in this vibrant sector. Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to advance our initiatives.
Salalah, Oman – September 2024 – The Oman American Business Council (OABC) successfully hosted an engaging event in Salalah, in collaboration with the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry Dhofar Governorate and the U.S. Embassy Muscat, Consular Section. The event, held at OCCI Salalah on September 1st, provided a valuable opportunity for companies interested in exploring business opportunities in or with the United States.
The morning session featured a presentation from the U.S. Embassy Muscat Consular Section, which offered guidance on U.S. Business Visa services. The team took time to explain each step, and answered all questions from attendees. Additionally, OABC’s team gave an overview of the history of the US Oman FTA, key provisions of the FTA, success stories of Omani companies exporting to the United States and an overview of OABC’s trade services, including the Export Compass and Gateway USA programs, which are designed to facilitate trade and investment between Oman and the United States.
A significant focus of the event was on untapped potential: ways for Omani companies to take advantage of the U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The FTA, one of only four such agreements in the entire MENA region, offers unique opportunities for Omani businesses to enter the U.S. market competitively. The discussion highlighted opportunities to create a more favorable environment for Omani exports. The event also underscored potential growth in exporting medical devices and certain produce items from the Dhofar region to the U.S. market.
“We are delighted with the strong interest shown by the business community in Salalah, and we are grateful to Chairman Naif and his team at OCCI for welcoming us so warmly,” said Rebecca Olson, CEO of OABC. “Their collaboration and support made it clear that there will be many more opportunities for such meetings, as well as longer training sessions and programs, to be held in the future. The enthusiasm among Omani exporters for leveraging the U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement is evident, and we are committed to supporting our members in maximizing these opportunities to access the U.S. market and achieve mutual growth.”
The event attracted a diverse group of business leaders and entrepreneurs from across the Dhofar region, who were eager to learn more about practical strategies for accessing the U.S. market and the specific support available from OABC.
As the leading business association fostering economic relations between Oman and the United States, OABC continues to provide a robust platform for business networking, knowledge exchange, and trade facilitation. With a series of upcoming events and initiatives, OABC remains dedicated to helping companies navigate international trade and investment opportunities.
OABC’s office is in Bait Al Reem Business Center which means we share a building with several dozen other companies in Oman. So of course we had to plan a “Meet Your Neighbors Networking Event”! On June 2nd, 2024, business minds converged for a brief coffee hour of connection and camaraderie at the whole-building social. We’d like to offer special thanks to our sponsor 3rd Street Donuts, for adding a sweet touch to the occasion. Follow us to know more.
Was an exciting “Afternoon with AI” at COMEX on May 30, 2024! Our newest overseas member from Dallas, Texas, MindPropel, presented a captivating session on Generative AI Adoption titled “Real Business Value in 90 Days or Less with the InnovAIt Framework.”
Event Highlights:
Generative AI’s Global Impact:
MindPropel showcased how generative AI is revolutionizing industries worldwide.
GenAI in Oman and the MENA Region:
The session explored the immense potential and specific implications of generative AI for our region.
Essential GenAI Adoption for Businesses:
Participants learned why integrating generative AI is crucial for maintaining competitiveness.
Bridging Vendor Offerings and Business Needs:
The discussion highlighted existing disparities and effective strategies to address them.
Introducing the InnovAIt Framework:
MindPropel demonstrated how their InnovAIt Framework bridges gaps and delivers tangible value.
Achieving Results in 90 Days:
Companies discovered how to implement GenAI quickly for substantial benefits.
Next Steps – GenAI Masterclass:
Kickstart your AI journey with MindPropel’s in-person 2-day GenAI Masterclass in Muscat on September 2 & 3. Invite your leadership teams to stay ahead of the curve.