Events

Last week, we hosted a practical session for members interested in doing business with the U.S. government in Oman and the region, in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy Muscat.

Ahead of a larger May 20th event, OABC members enjoyed open discussion, direct access to Embassy procurement officials, and valuable insights tailored for our business community.

Participants gained a clear understanding of U.S. procurement principles—ethics, competition, and fairness—the importance of local vendor partnerships, regulatory protections, pre-award preparation, and a full overview of the procurement lifecycle from planning to closeout.

Thank you, @radissonmuscatpanorama for the incredible hospitality — the team went above and beyond for this session.

A big thank you to everyone who joined us for the OABC HR Community event with Great Place to Work.

It was an insightful afternoon exploring the power of employer branding, how to retain top talent, and the importance of adapting workplace culture to engage different generations, especially Gen Z!

Special thanks to our speakers, Jules Youssef and Mona Seleim, for sharing data-driven strategies, success stories, and real-world advice that sparked great conversations among our members.

Also special thanks to Neelmani and Ismail from Takaful Oman — sharing their experience of becoming a “Best place to work” in the country.

The Tour of California Food & Beverage Pairing event brought our Premium Members together for a truly memorable evening of elevated cuisine, executive-level networking, and stunning sunset views at Siddharta Lounge.

Guests experienced expertly paired tastings and flavors inspired by iconic U.S. restaurants.

A special thank you to our partners at the W Muscat and OUA and to U.S. Ambassador Ana Escrogima for joining us.

Read more – https://www.instagram.com/p/DJZduYAASRB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Muscat: The Oman Internship Fair 2025 was proudly presented on 21st April 2025 at the Diplomatic Club by Europcar, powered by Oman American Business Council (OABC), in partnership with The Diplomatic Club, Strategic partners the British Business Forum (BBF) and the Indo Gulf and Middle East Chamber of Commerce( INMECC), and supported by Crowe, in collaboration with the Arab Open University, German University of Technology, and Majan University College. The landmark event brought together over 60 leading companies, 300 aspiring interns, and 5 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for a day of professional networking and career exploration. In its first edition, the fair provided a dynamic platform that forged new pathways for Omani youth to engage directly with potential employers and discover internship opportunities across various industries.

Advisory board comprising distinguished leaders from industry and academia played a pivotal role in shaping the fair’s program and ensuring its relevance to both students and employers. The advisory board members included:

• Nitin Sapre, CEO of Europcar Oman & Bahrain

• Rebecca Olson, CEO of OABC

• Charm Majolica, Director of The Diplomatic Club

• Maggie Jeans OBE, Founder Director of BBF

• Davis Kallukaran, Director of INMECC and Managing Partner of Crowe

• Dr. Kabaly Subramanian, Dean Faculty of Business Studies, Arab Open University

• Dr. Fatma El Madkouri, Head of Registration & Student Affairs, GUtech

• Dr. Ramalingam Dharmalingam, Asst. Professor Faculty of IT, Majan University Collage

The fair offered a rare opportunity to meet prospective employers and explore real-world career pathways. Participating businesses – spanning sectors from finance and technology to tourism and engineering – showcased structured internship programs and were able to identify promising talent early. The inclusion of five NGOs underscored the broader community’s commitment to youth development, highlighting avenues for social impact careers alongside corporate opportunities. Together, the diverse participants created an energetic environment of mentorship, professional growth, and community engagement aimed at empowering Oman’s next generation of leaders.

Nitin Sapre, CEO of Europcar Oman & Bahrain, underlined the company’s commitment to youth empowerment and professional development. “At Europcar, we actively hire young talent and believe in their long-term value — not just for our business, but for Oman. We wanted to do something meaningful for the country, so we brought this idea forward and invited business groups to join us. Internships are a practical way for companies to give back while discovering future talent,” said Sapre.

Rebecca Olson, CEO of OABC, highlighted OABC’s role in connecting students with industry. “OABC’s member companies were thrilled to meet so many talented future employees at the internship fair. It was a win win for all attendees and a great chance to connect face to face with other employers as well.” Olson stated.

Charm Majolica, Director of The Diplomatic Club, reflected on the venue’s mission to host transformative, community-impacting events. “We are honored to host this impactful event and support initiatives that build bridges between education and industry,” noted Majolica.

Maggie Jeans OBE, Founding Director of BBF, spoke on the importance of nurturing young talent for Oman’s economic future. “BBF is delighted to support this initiative. Investing in youth talent is crucial for the future of business in Oman,” said Jeans.

Davis Kallukaran, Advisory Board Member, Director of INMECC, and Managing Partner of Crowe, emphasized the long-term economic significance of such initiatives: “Oman’s youth are among its greatest assets. By connecting them early with the business ecosystem, we not only empower individuals but also lay the groundwork for a more innovative and resilient economy. INMECC is proud to be a part of this mission.”

The Oman Internship Fair 2025 stands as a testament to the power of cross-sector collaboration in cultivating the next generation of Omani professionals. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, Europcar Oman and their partners have created a sustainable platform for talent development that will benefit Oman’s economy for years to come. Organizers of the fair expressed optimism that this successful inaugural event will pave the way for future editions, further strengthening the link between education and employment in the Sultanate of Oman.

Article featured on Times of Oman: https://timesofoman.com/article/157265-europcar-presents-the-oman-internship-fair-2025-bridging-talent-and-industry

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our webinar, “Unlocking AI’s Potential in HR.”

A special thanks to our expert speakers from HumanSense Labs for sharing their knowledge on how AI can serve as a strategic partner by supporting, not replacing HR professionals, and the practical ways to integrate it into everyday workflows.

And of course, a big thank you to Takaful Oman for sponsoring the OABC HR Community and making sessions like this possible.

The Oman American Business Council (OABC) brought together members and professionals for an evening of connections and conversation at its highly anticipated “Networking Under the Stars” event.

Held at the stunning Dolphin Village, the event was made possible through the generous support of Ken and his team, to whom OABC extends its sincere appreciation. A special thank you also goes to the organization’s Premium Members and sponsors, whose continued support fuels OABC’s growth and success.

Attendees enjoyed a relaxed, engaging atmosphere with short speeches and presentations and quality networking opportunities. The event also featured an exciting raffle draw, ensuring an evening full of great interactions and surprises.

OABC looks forward to hosting more dynamic networking events in the coming months. Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to connect and collaborate!

Muscat, Oman — The Oman American Business Council (OABC) held its much-anticipated Holiday Gathering at the newly opened SiO2 Beach Lounge, Shangri-La Muscat. The festive evening brought together valued members, partners, and special guests to celebrate the successes of the year and foster meaningful connections.

The event was honored by the presence of H.E. Ambassador Ana Escrogima, U.S. Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman, who addressed the attendees and underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral relationships and fostering collaboration between the U.S. and Oman.

The SiO2 Beach Lounge, with its stunning seaside views and elegant atmosphere, provided the perfect setting for the OABC community to network, celebrate, and enjoy the spirit of the season.

“This year’s Holiday Gathering was a reflection of the strong partnerships and collaborative efforts that drive the OABC forward,” said Rebecca Olson, CEO of OABC. “We are honored to have U.S. Ambassador Escrogima join us as our Guest of Honor, and we look forward to continuing to support business connections and opportunities for our members in the coming year.”

OABC also extends its sincere gratitude to the generous raffle prize sponsors, whose contributions added excitement and joy to the evening. Their support was instrumental in making the event a success and further exemplified the strong community spirit within the OABC network.

The Oman American Business Council remains committed to fostering business growth, knowledge sharing, and strategic networking opportunities for its members in Oman and beyond.

For more information about the Oman American Business Council, upcoming events, and membership opportunities, please contact: info@oabc.org.

About the Oman American Business Council (OABC): The Oman American Business Council is Oman’s largest business network, fostering trade, investment, and partnerships between Oman and the United States. Through events, resources, and advocacy, the OABC supports its members in navigating the complexities of international business and advancing bilateral economic ties.

On November 12th, the OABC held its first-ever Taco Tuesday Business Networking Night at The Oasis Club, and it was a smashing success!

OABC members enjoyed an evening of networking, delicious tacos, and fantastic raffle prizes, with our special guest Leslie Ordeman, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy. A big thank you to our amazing sponsors for their generous contributions, making the night even more memorable.

Stay tuned for more great events like this – we can’t wait to see you at the next one!

On November 6th, 2024, OABC hosted its 3rd HR Community gathering, powered by Takaful Oman, at Oman Arab Bank, Al Ghubra. HR professionals and business leaders came together for an engaging discussion on how technology is changing the HR game.

We were joined by Marwa Al Kharusi, Senior VP of HR & Admin at Ominvest, and Dinesh Gagnani, Head of Learning & Development at Takaful Oman, who shared their valuable insights on the growing impact of AI in HR. The session sparked a lively and stimulating conversation about how technology is reshaping HR practices, with a particular focus on the evolving role of AI in the workplace.

What made this gathering truly special was the opportunity for attendees to actively participate, share their experiences, and contribute their thoughts on how AI and other innovative technologies are being implemented in HR today.

A big thank you to our speakers and everyone who joined us — it was a fantastic opportunity to learn, connect, and chat about the future of HR in a digital world.