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Following the success of its first Tech Talk the Oman American Business Center (OABC) hosted its second such event in partnership with worldwide technology leader Cisco. The event, titled The Internet of Things in Oman focused on driving digital transformation to achieve better business outcomes. It also discussed key topics such as innovation and boosting productivity, to enable organisations to harness new levels of data and insight to better engage stakeholders.

Rebecca Olson, OABC Executive Director, said: “The first Tech Talk was a huge success for our professional community. The event discussed a brand new, surprising, innovative technology and its application, specific to Oman and its market. We are grateful to OABC’s corporate member Cisco for sharing their local experience with the community.”

Olson added, “We are shifting towards a digital world and need to be prepared for the changes that are yet to come. With its extensive portfolio of smart solutions and outcome-based approaches, Cisco has well-tested practices in enabling digital transformation. As organisations in Oman seek to optimise costs and drive efficiencies, there is great potential for growth in areas such as mobility, security, cloud storage, big data, and analytics.”

Turki al Yahmadi, Technical Manager at Cisco Oman, said, “I was delighted to present the event and share my expertise with the public. Oman has seen great strides in its digital strategy in line with the 2040 vision.”

From Oman Observer.

More pictures here.

 

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Oman is filled with the festive sounds, sights and tastes of the season!  Please see all offers, events and promotions of OABC member hotels below.

Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel

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The Al Bustan Palace – a Ritz Carlton Hotel will host a festive tree lighting, gingerbread decoration, and of course, exquisite holiday meals and New Year’s celebrations.

Click here for a festive season brochure.  Or view a full overview here.

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort

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Anantara Jebel Akhdar has given the OABC membership a never-seen-before rate for those able to take advantage of this December offer – a premier canyon-view room, dinner and breakfast for 100 OMR (inclusive of taxes).

If you’re missing truly cold weather this December, a cozy getaway on the mountain is a great way to celebrate the season.

Please follow up with the hotel reservations or Sajeev directly at svasudevan@anantara.com.

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Crowne Plaza Muscat, Oman

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The Crowne Plaza Muscat is hosting unique holiday events from “A Jazzy Christmas at the Edge” with singer Sacha Al Busaidy, to a Black and White New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner. Spend your last night of 2018 in relaxed elegance and enjoy a dinner under the stars in one of our assigned dining areas on the ground floor.

Visit the Crowne Plaza Facebook page for more details on each.

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Grand Hyatt Muscat

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The Grand Hyatt Muscat is giving OABC Members a special rate on their Christmas Day Jingle Bell Brunch: 20% off for 8 guests total bill. Members can avail from the below exclusive offer upon the presentation of their Membership Card.

There are many more phenomenal events planned for the whole month of December, ending with the Paris by Night New Year’s Celebration.

Click here for a festive season brochure.

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Häagen-Dazs Muscat

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Special offer for Christmas & New Year Party Pack:

Ice Cream Bulk Pack (9.45 Ltrs) @ RO 50/-

This will come with FREE: Cones –  25 Nos; Disposable Haagen Dazs Cups – 25 Nos; Disposable Spoons – 25 Nos.

Address: Oman Avenues Mall & Al Masa Mall , Shatti Al Qurm

Phone: +968 24509333

Members can avail this exclusive offer upon the presentation of their Membership Card.

InterContinental Muscat Hotel

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The Intercontinental Hotel Muscat continues its annual tree lighting tradition with goodies for kids and beautiful carols on December 13th at the Main Lobby of the hotel.  The event is free, open to the public, and starts at 5:30pm.

From kids activities to a fantastic Hollywood New Year’s bash, the team has put together an amazing lineup: Click here for a festive season brochure.

The Intercontinental Hotel Muscat is offering a special discount only for OABC members on their Hollywood New Year’s Eve as per flyer below.  Members can avail this exclusive offer upon the presentation of their Membership Card.

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Kempinski Hotel Muscat

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The Kempinski Hotel Muscat has not only planned gorgeous events to celebrate the whole holiday season, in a variety of beautiful locations throughout the property, but has invited a choir to sing a medley of favorite carols and tunes daily in the hotel lobby from 6pm.

Check out the full lineup and calendar of events here, with a number of great New Year’s options to consider.

Park Inn by Radisson Muscat

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The Park Inn by Radisson Muscat is offering a 10% discount only for OABC members on their Christmas Eve and New Year’s dinners.  Members can avail this exclusive offer upon the presentation of their Membership Card.

From festive events on the rooftop, to a delectable roast turkey station, the Park Inn team is celebrating the season with a number of fun events – Click here for a festive season brochure.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Muscat

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Book your scrumptious Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dinner with the joy of family and friends at the Radisson Blu.

Check out the festive flyers below to reserve your place.

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Shangri-La Resorts in Muscat

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The holiday season at Shangri-La Resorts in Muscat commences with the magnificent Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Thursday the 13th December.  Enjoy a chorus of festive carols in the outdoor Sablah area of Al Bandar Hotel.  Several events in a variety of beautiful locations throughout the resort are planned for the entire season, til the ringing in of the new year.

Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa: Click here for a festive season brochure. 

Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa: Click here for a festive season brochure.

*OABC members can contact Arzu Rzayeva arzu.rzayeva@shangri-la.com ,to avail special offers and rates.

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Sheraton Oman Hotel

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Visit Sheraton Hotel Muscat’s delightful Christmas village, and consider a 7-course festive feast to celebrate this season! A Pirates of the Night New Year’s Eve celebratory countdown is a fun way to end 2018.

You can view the full brochure with all details and more events here.

Sundus Rotana, Muscat Hotel

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Sundus Rotana Muscat kicks off its festivities for the holidays with a December 6th, 7 pm Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The event is free for everyone.  Santa Claus is bringing gifts for the little ones, and finger foods with soft drinks will be served.  Please contact the team to book in advance!

The taste of the season continues with special offers, turkey takeaways, and options for dazzling new year’s celebrations: Click here for a festive season brochure.

The Radisson Collection Hotel, Hormuz Grand Muscat

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The Hormuz Grand Muscat — A Radisson Collection Hotel has unique and fun events for every age this holiday season.  The Bar Snowman will give guests a chance to mix their own holiday cocktails, with a winner chosen at the end of the month, and a Mad Hatter’s tea invites attendees to don their best fascinators or hats to win a crowning prize.

Check out the full line up, including the Celebracion de Ano Nuevo Havana Night New Year’s eve bash on Dec 31st.

Click here for a festive season brochure.

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Over 200 business people and executives representing companies from every sector in Oman recently came together for an evening of networking at the Grand Hyatt Muscat, for the sixth annual Back 2 Business event.

The Oman American Business Centre (AmCham Oman), in conjunction with ABGO, BBF and EPBG, hosted the event, with event partners Grand Hyatt Muscat and Oman Air.

Attendees were joined by H.E. Marc J Sievers, US Ambassador to Oman, H.E. Hamish Cowell, UK’s Ambassador to Oman, H.E. Qais al Yousif and a number of other distinguished guests and Oman business leaders. The evening included a special address by H.E. Yousif, chairman of the Board of Directors, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

H.E. Yousif discussed the lasting importance of face-to-face, real-life networking and encouraged the groups to continue such meetings, stating that ‘business in Oman is all about people’. He also shared about the great strides made recently in various sectors in Oman, including a huge leap forward in the fisheries and aquaculture sector, stating that although there were recent economic challenges, Oman has come through it all stronger and more resilient than ever.

Ali Daud, president of the OABC, said, “Back to Business is a chance for the whole business community to come together under one roof for some very real conversations.

Rebecca Olson, executive director of the OABC, said, “This year, the biggest change was that the invite was for members only, and it was still a huge event. Our experience is that despite recent challenges in the region, more companies are joining our membership now than ever.”

From Muscat Daily.

More pictures.

 

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Members of the Oman American Business Center were invited to a sneak peek of the newly renovated Al Bustan Palace on October 22nd.  The tour divided members into several groups and highlighted the brand new lagoon rooms and new features of the hotel.  Drinks and canapés were enjoyed during a special indoor and outdoor networking time at the Beach Pavilion, which features an expanded deck area.  General Manager Katrin Herz welcomed members and explained the new activities, weekly events and ongoing benefits for residents of Oman looking for relaxation or luxury ‘staycations’.

More pictures.

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This September, U.S. Chamber’s Middle East team worked very closely with the Oman American Business Center to revitalize this important organization in Oman which serves as the AmCham and the bridge between the two business communities. During the visit, Steve Lutes, Vice President of Middle East Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, met with many key leaders to discuss ways to strenghten the U.S.-Oman business relationship, including Ministry of Commerce & Industry Undersecretary Al-Dheeb; the Head of the Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development; and leadership from the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the U.S. Embassy in Muscat. In addition, the U.S. Chamber was proud to partner with U.S. Embassy Muscat and OABC to host a networking session with OABC’s members, which provided a timely opportunity for a discussion on the administration’s trade agenda.

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Pictured: Oman Ministry of Commerce & Industry Undersecretary Ahmed Hassan Al-Dheeb; Steve Lutes, U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Andrew Barwig, Economic & Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy Muscat;  and Rebecca Olson, Executive Director, Oman American Business Center. 

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U.S. Chamber, OABC, and U.S. Embassy Muscat representatives meet with Oman Chamber CEO and his team. 

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U.S. Chamber, OABC, and U.S. Embassy Muscat representatives meet with Ithraa’s head of Investment Promotion. 

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Connecting businesses, people, and opportunities through exclusive events, the Oman American Business Center (OABC) hosted its first ever ‘Tech Talk’ in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Oman. At the event, held at Mercedes-Benz’ flagship showroom in Muscat, CEO Lawrence Good spoke about the leading technologies in autonomous driving and electric vehicles, providing OABC members with a sneak peek into the future of mobility.

Rebecca Olson, Executive Director at the Oman American Business Center said, “Innovation is critical to the success of any company, as is the ability to adapt to changes. For many new technologies entering Oman, it’s not a matter of if, but when. Successful businesses are already getting prepared for what’s to come. At OABC, we provide a forum for the exchange of insights, information, and ideas with the hopes of providing the member companies with real, tangible opportunities for growth.”

Lawrence Good, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Oman said, “Mercedes-Benz is known for its innovation. Pushing the boundaries to create superior vehicles, we are constantly looking at ways to provide drivers with something that is more than just luxurious: a product that is also powerful and beautifully designed. It was a pleasure hosting the OABC members at our showroom and speaking to them about how Mercedes-Benz is looking to the future of mobility, inventing new technologies and making them accessible to everybody.”

On the local front, renewable energy within Oman is gaining traction. Earlier this year the country celebrated the installation of its first ever Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station as part of the Middle East Global Electric Vehicle Road Trip, which showcased EVs as a sustainable solution for drivers and businesses.

From Oman Observer.

More photos here.

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The Oman American Business Center launched the Discover America Festival, a month-long celebration of US foods and products in Oman, at a special networking event sponsored by Lincoln.  Over 150 businesspeople representing companies in every sector, enjoyed fantastic US foods from Lulu Hypermarket and US beverages sponsored by OUA.  US Ambassador Sievers shared about the full month of American-themed activities for the Oman public in October.

More photos here.

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People in Oman can look forward to experiencing and celebrating American cuisine and products through October under the Discover America Festival.

The festival, designed to highlight the strong economic relationship between the US and Oman, has returned for the fourth year. The official launch reception of the Discover America Festival 2018 will be on October 8 at the Hormuz Grand Hotel. The Oman American Business Center (OABC) will host this event for member companies, festival partners, and other VIPs, with special guest H.E. Marc J Sievers, US Ambassador to Oman.

Presented by OABC, in partnership with the US Embassy, the festival will feature over a dozen events, promotions, and activities across Muscat’s hotels and retailers. The event, planned in coordination with the 150-member companies of the OABC, will highlight regional American cuisines at themed events such as a Big American Brunch – ‘Taste of the American South’ – and an evening BBQ event with a movie screening on the beach.

H.E. Sievers expressed his support for the many upcoming events highlighting the strong commercial relationship between the US and Oman. “The Discover America Festival is a celebration of the strong brand recognition US products enjoy in Oman, almost all of which enter duty free under the US-Oman Free Trade Agreement,” he said.

Hotels across Muscat will highlight their American flavours and imported beverages from the US. “Members of the OABC, and especially the hotel members, have been planning very creative and unique events for Discover America,” said Rebecca Olson, executive director, OABC. “Many people don’t realise the variety of cuisines available in the US – we’re proud to help OABC’s member hotels highlight everything from Tex-Mex to Cajun foods this month, and hope the Oman public will come taste the many flavours and delicacies presented.”

After the launch event, promotions and discounts would be available to the public for the rest of the month. Retailers will offer sales and promotions on everything from burgers and ice cream, to scented candles and workout gear, said Rebecca.

“Some hotels have month-long special menus featuring American foods or specialty beverages. And as is true every year of the festival, Lulu Hypermarket will present a large display of US products, showcasing all of the many US brands the store has to offer,” she added. Events, discounts and other initiatives of the festival will be promoted via social media (@oabcoman #discoveramericaoman) and on oabc.org/discoveramerica

From Muscat Daily.