OABC News

Tariffs, Trump, Trade Finance, and the U.S.-Oman FTA: of course it made for an interesting discussion!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our webinar, “Finance in the Age of Tariffs,” presented by Mamun.

It was a highly insightful session exploring how global tariffs and shifting trade dynamics are impacting finance for importers, exporters, and re-exporters in the region. A special thank you to Saleh and Mohammed Al Tamami for sharing their expert insights and practical guidance.

It was especially valuable to have an open discussion session. Hearing directly from our members about their pain points, challenges, and questions brought important context to the conversation and highlighted the real-world impact of these changes.

OABC is focused on offering timely, relevant programming that supports our members in navigating today’s evolving global business landscape.

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==

The OABC Board had the privilege of meeting with Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for European and Middle East Affairs, Bryant Trick, and the Director of European and Middle East Affairs, Jason Buntin, from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to engage in vital discussions on reciprocal tariffs and the future of U.S.-Oman trade relations. Strengthening economic ties and fostering mutual growth remain at the heart of our mission.

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.

Muscat, Oman – The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) and the Oman
American Business Council (OABC) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU), marking a significant step forward in strengthening business, trade, and investment ties
between Oman and the United States.

The signing took place during a special Suhour event held at Intercity Hotel in Al Khuwair,
attended by over 200 OABC members. The evening not only included the announcement and
signing of the MOU, but also meaningful networking with a focus on giving back, as the event
spotlighted local charitable initiatives during the month of Ramadan.

The MOU outlines a framework for sustained cooperation between the two organizations, with a
focus on increased programming for U.S.–Oman collaboration. Key areas include support for
trade delegations, awareness-building around the U.S.–Oman Free Trade Agreement and EXIM
Bank financing, co-hosted high-level business roundtables, and joint promotion of opportunities
for Omani exports to the U.S. market.

His Excellency Sheikh Faisal bin Abdullah Al Rawas, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the
Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated:

“This Memorandum of Understanding represents a significant step towards strengthening
economic and trade relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the United States.
Collaboration with the Omani American Business Center underscores the importance of
enabling Oman’s private sector to benefit from investment and trade opportunities with the U.S.
market and expand commercial partnerships.

The Chamber is committed to providing a supportive environment for business owners and,
through this partnership, aims to enhance trade exchange, empower Omani enterprises to
access new markets, and leverage shared expertise and knowledge. This will serve common
interests and contribute to sustainable economic development.”

“This MOU is not about words on paper—it’s about delivering real value,” said Ali Daud,
Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Oman American Business Council. “It reflects our
shared commitment to move beyond handshakes and headlines, and toward tangible outcomes
that benefit businesses on both sides. With OCCI as our strategic partner, we’re doubling down
on trade and investments.”

Fouad Eid, Vice President of the Oman American Business Council shared: “OABC’s mission is
to improve bilateral trade between the Sultanate of Oman and the United States. There is still so
much untapped potential in increasing Omani exports to the U.S. and attracting U.S. investment into Oman.

With this strategic cooperation, we believe that OABC and OCCI can fulfill this
mission more effectively—because we are better together.”

Rebecca Olson, CEO of the Oman American Business Council, added, “We’re proud to
formalize this partnership with OCCI at such a pivotal time for U.S.–Oman relations. This
collaboration amplifies the strengths of both organizations and allows us to support our
members in a deeper, more strategic way. Together, we’re building a stronger foundation for the
future of business between our two nations.”

The MOU reflects the strategic alignment of both organizations in advancing Oman’s Vision
2040 and in leveraging the U.S.–Oman Free Trade Agreement to unlock new growth and
investment opportunities.

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!