Events

If you missed the event, check out the video here.

The Oman American Business Council (OABC), in collaboration with Better Medical Solutions, successfully hosted its annual Back to Business Networking Evening on Tuesday, September 12, at the Sheraton Hotel Muscat. This event provided a platform for Omani and international businesses to reconnect, network, and prioritize their well-being while promoting the utilization of the US-Oman Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The event welcomed guest of honor U.S. Embassy Charge d’affaires Leslie Ordeman and provided a platform for dynamic business networking

The Back to Business Networking Evening brought together 180 esteemed members of the Oman business community after the summer break. Attendees enjoyed a delightful evening of culinary delights and engaging conversations, fostering new connections and strengthening existing relationships. Each attendee was given a gift voucher for use at BMS’ various medical centers and clinics, and was offered a 5-10 minute health consultation in areas such as skin care, allergies, weight loss and physical therapy. As part of the event, Better Medical Solutions showcased their example of utilizing the US-Oman FTA by importing high-quality US medical devices, further highlighting the benefits of this trade agreement for Omani businesses.

“OABC takes great pride in being the primary organization hosting networking events of this magnitude. The Back to Business Networking Evening exemplifies our commitment to fostering a vibrant business ecosystem in Oman. We are dedicated to providing platforms that enable Omani businesses to connect, collaborate, and thrive,” stated Ali Daud, President and Chairman Emeritus of OABC.

OABC was honored to welcome the new Chargé d’affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Muscat, Mr. Leslie Ordeman, as the evening’s guest of honor. He highlighted the strong economic ties between the United States and Oman and the shared commitment to fostering business relations. “The U.S.-Oman economic partnership has never been stronger, with trade last year soaring to record high of $4.2 billion in 2022, a 30 percent increase from the prior year,” he said. “I’m proud the Embassy can support OABC’s efforts to build the relationships between U.S. and Omani companies that serve as the bedrock of that partnership.”

Fouad Eid, Vice President of OABC emphasized the importance of networking events like this in supporting the FTA. “The Back to Business Networking Evening not only provided an opportunity for businesses to connect, but also showcased the impact and untapped potential of the US-Oman FTA. We are proud to promote companies like Better Medical Solutions, who are importing medical devices and contributing to the growth of the healthcare sector in Oman, and we hope to see many other companies following this example in the near future.”

“We are thrilled to have partnered with OABC for the Back to Business Networking Evening. It was an impactful evening for all attendees, enabling each executive to strengthen relationships and explore new opportunities,” commented Khaled Kassar, CEO of Better Medical Solutions.

With over 170 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.

In line with its mission to foster the development of trade and commercial activity between Oman and the United States, AmCham Oman hosted an informational webinar on February 15, 2023, with the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), in partnership with the U.S. Embassy Muscat. The presentation was conducted by a team of regional experts from EXIM including, Ms. Ebru Bozacioglu Sr. Business Development Officer for Europe, Eurasia and the Middle East and Mr. John Ahn, Sr. Business Development Specialist for Asia and the Pacific, both from EXIM’s Office of Global Business Development. In addition, the team was joined by Mr. Charles Barnett, Vice President, China and Transformational Exports Program (CTEP).

Ms. Bozacioglu discussed the various programs that EXIM can offer those looking to export from the United States, including credit insurance, working capital guarantee, loan guarantee and direct loans. EXIM offers short term financing as well as medium and long-term (18 years max.) Mr. Barnett focused special initiatives for the purchase of U.S.-made environmental goods and services or purchases that support in competition against China while highlighting several case studies. If you were unable to attend or would like to review the session, please find the full presentation here.
If you have questions or a project that is ready for financing, Ebru expressed her willingness to be contacted by members, so please save her address for your records:
ebru.bozacioglu@exim.gov

What is EXIM?
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is the official export credit agency of the United States. EXIM supports the purchases of US-made capital equipment and ancillary services by creditworthy international buyers that cannot obtain credit through traditional trade finance sources. EXIM offers trade financing solutions and helps turn business opportunities into real transactions.
EXIM does not compete with private-sector lenders but provides financing products that fill the gaps in trade financing. It assumes country and credit risks that the private sector is unable or unwilling to accept. EXIM also helps to level the playing field for U.S. companies by matching the financing that other governments provide to their exporters. In more than 85 years of operation, EXIM has supported more than $400 billion of U.S. exports to international markets.

As the official affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Oman, AmCham man promotes understanding, partnerships & other matters of mutual economic interest between business communities in Oman and the United States. For 20 years, AmCham Oman’s mission has been to foster the development of commercial activity between Oman and the United States. With more than 25 events annually and over 160 member companies, AmCham Oman is Oman’s most active business center and networking group.

The AmCham Oman (Oman American Business Center) hosted their first networking event of 2023, in partnership with Cigna, a global health service company dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being, and peace of mind. Over 75 AmCham Oman members enjoyed an evening of networking on the terrace of Hormuz Grand Muscat while learning about solutions to health and wellness. Members also had the opportunity to check their stress level on the stress visualization kit provided by Cigna. A few lucky OABC members won fantastic raffle prizes donated by Muscat Pharmacy, Harub Dental Surgery, Hormuz Grand Hotel Muscat and Fresco Oman.

As the official affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Oman,  AmCham man promotes understanding, partnerships & other matters of mutual economic interest between business communities in Oman and the United States. For 20 years, AmCham Oman’s mission has been to foster the development of commercial activity between Oman and the United States. With more than 25 events annually and over 160 member companies, AmCham Oman is Oman’s most active business center and networking group.

The Oman American Business Center (AmCham Oman) hosted their first-ever family Christmas party as their last networking event of 2022.  The event was held at the Oasis Club, a private membership club supported by the U.S. Embassy.  Over 100 OABC members enjoyed a night of festive networking while their children were busy making Christmas crafts and decorating cookies. Friends and families also enjoyed a pop-up photo studio by OABC member Sarah Hale of Booma Photography and 3^rd Street Donuts provided delicious donut Christmas Trees.

Family events were introduced to AmCham Oman earlier this year and based on positive responses will continue to happen several times throughout 2023.

As the official affiliate of the US Chamber of Commerce in Oman (AmCham Oman), the OABC promotes understanding, partnerships & other matters of mutual economic interest between business communities in Oman and the United States.

Formed in 2003, the OABC’s mission is to foster the development of commercial activity between Oman and the United States.  With more than 25 events annually and over 160 member companies, OABC is Oman’s most active business center and networking group.

On November 21, 2022, the Oman American Business Center (AmCham Oman) hosted one of its most anticipated events of the year, the annual Thanksgiving Dinner. More than 150 members came together to enjoy this tradition American meal in the beautiful gardens of the Grand Hyatt Muscat.

The guest of honor was Her Excellency Leslie Tsou U.S. Ambassador to Oman.  Ambassador Tsou reflected on her time in Oman, its gracious people and the meaning of Thanksgiving during her keynote address.

Several OABC member companies sponsored wonderful raffle prizes, including The Grand Hyatt, Europecar Oman, TravelPoint and Primeclass, Muscat International Airports.

As the official affiliate of the US Chamber of Commerce in Oman (AmCham Oman), the OABC promotes understanding, partnerships & other matters of mutual economic interest between business communities in Oman and the United States.

Formed in 2003, the OABC’s mission is to foster the development of commercial activity between Oman and the United States.  With more than 25 events annually and over 160 member companies, OABC is Oman’s most active business center and networking group.

The Oman American Business Council (AmCham Oman) hosted it’s first-ever U.S. Alumni networking evening in partnership with the U.S. Embassy Oman. The evening was a celebration for Omani citizens and residents who studied at U.S. universities and attended U.S. cultural programs. The event was attended by more than 300 alumni representing 92 U.S. colleges and universities.

The celebration was designed to provide a platform for alumni to reconnect to fellow alumni and renew the positive connection with their educational experiences.  “Not only did it strengthen my professional network it brought back wonderful memories as well” commented Ahmed Al Balushi, California State University Northridge class of 2019.

Junaid “Jay” Munir, Deputy Chief of Mission was the guest of honor at the event and emphasized how education advances one of the most important parts of the U.S.-Oman relationship: people-to-people ties. Nabila Al Amri, Culture and Engagement Executive at Oman Flour Mills Company, also spoke at the event. Ms. Amri shared her experience and learnings while participating in the 2016 Goldman Sachs-U.S. Dept of State 10,000 women entrepreneurs program at Harvard Business School.

The U.S. Alumni event was held at the Sheraton Oman Hotel and guests enjoyed an American themed buffet while Muscat based band The What provided played a diverse range of American classics.

As the official affiliate of the US Chamber of Commerce in Oman (AmCham Oman), the OABC promotes understanding, partnerships & other matters of mutual economic interest between business communities in Oman and the United States.

Formed in 2003, the OABC’s mission is to foster the development of commercial activity between Oman and the United States.  With more than 25 events annually and over 160 member companies, OABC is Oman’s most active business center and networking group.

On Wednesday, October 26, 2022, we had an insightful session with our member Global Advocacy and Legal Counsel. Their team of experts took us through the new Foreign Capital Investment Law which has made Oman a more attractive destination for foreign investors. They also highlighted aspects related to Investor-State Dispute Settlement. If you missed it, the presentation can be found here on our website. We’d also like to thank Crowne Plaza Muscat for such a beautiful meeting room and a delicious breakfast.

Last week the Oman American Business Center partnered with our Premium Member CMS to offer a first-of-its-kind seminar on using Blockchain Technology to protect Intellectual Property. Together with Silverline Consultancy, CMS spoke about the importance of properly protecting intellectual property. They also shared several local and global case studies that demonstrated the financial loss a business can experience when they don’t properly protect their IP. Silverline Consultancy facilitated a fantastic session on blockchain technology and demonstrated how easy and cost effective it is to protect your ideas and intellectual property from as early as the initial conception.

The seminar was very well received by our members and created quite a robust Q&A time, followed by an engaging networking session. We’d like to thank all of our members that were able to attend as well as CMS and Silverline for leading such an informative seminar.

As the official affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Oman (AmCham Oman), the OABC promotes understanding, partnerships & other matters of mutual economic interest between business communities in Oman and the United States. Formed in 2003, the OABC’s mission is to foster the development of commercial activity between Oman and the United States. With more than 30 events annually and over 160 member companies, OABC is Oman’s most active business center and networking group.

On Wednesday, September 14, 2022 Oman American Business Center premium members were
invited to a special reception at the residence of H.E. Leslie M. Tsou, U.S. Ambassador to Oman. The guest of honor was Mr. Thomas Bruns, Regional Senior Commercial Officer for the Gulf, and Commercial Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in the UAE. Throughout the evening our members had meaningful discussions with the Ambassador, Mr. Bruns and other U.S. government representatives on strengthening the bilateral trade relationship between the United States and Oman.

As the official affiliate of the US Chamber of Commerce in Oman (AmCham Oman), the OABC promotes understanding, partnerships & other matters of mutual economic interest between business communities in Oman and the United States. Formed in 2003, the OABC’s mission is to foster the development of commercial activity between Oman and the United States. With 30 events annually and over 180 member companies, OABC is Oman’s most active business council and networking group. The Oman American Business Center (OABC) is best known for hosting high-level professional networking events and informational sessions for professionals across the Sultanate.