OABC News

The Oman American Business Council (OABC) recently hosted a highly successful event, “Demystifying Bitcoin, Cryptos, and Blockchain: A 101 for Executive Success in Both Business and Personal Finance,” on October 30th at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Muscat. The event provided attendees with valuable insights into the world of cryptocurrency, empowering them to navigate digital assets with confidence.

The keynote speaker, Kevin Wippermann, Chief Technology Officer and expert in Digital Transformation and Innovation, delivered an engaging session that simplified complex concepts in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Business leaders and executives gained practical knowledge to help them explore how cryptocurrency and blockchain could play a role in their business strategies and personal investment portfolios.

Rebecca Olson, CEO of the Oman American Business Council, emphasized the importance of this session: “Cryptocurrency and blockchain are rapidly evolving fields that have the potential to reshape aspects of both business and finance. We’re thrilled to offer our members this opportunity to deepen their understanding and explore where digital assets like Bitcoin might be headed. Events like this help our business community stay informed and ready for the future.”

Reflecting on the event, Kevin Wippermann shared, “Bitcoin and blockchain technology are still in their early stages, but they hold immense potential. My goal was to give executives a clear understanding of the fundamentals and to outline the possible directions in which this technology could develop. It was inspiring to see OABC members engaging with these ideas and exploring the future possibilities.”

This event is part of OABC’s ongoing commitment to support the business community in Oman by offering valuable knowledge and resources in emerging areas of interest. With the rapid development of digital assets worldwide, OABC aims to equip its members with relevant information to help them make informed decisions in an evolving landscape.

OABC welcomed delegates from the space industry this past week at our office in Bait Al Reem for a conversation on business in Oman.

We were honored to welcome Farhat Jahangir to share his relevant insights on GSME’s entrance into Oman’s (growing!) semiconductor sector, how the U.S.-Oman FTA influenced the decision to set up in Muscat, and his experience working with Omani entities to expand the business. Thank you, Farhat, for sharing areas of crossover that relate to other new sectors like space, and for joining OABC’s CEO, Rebecca Olson, in sharing positive remarks about the Sultanate with our guests.
We hope the session will pave the way for more communication, in-person visits, partnerships and eventually, success in Oman and growth for these companies. Thanks to the Department of State’s Office of Global Partnerships for their work in organizing the delegation, to the U.S. Embassy Muscat for the collaboration, and to each delegate for your questions and interest in OABC. Read more here.

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.

Read more here.

OABC was honored to host Judith D. Pryor, First Vice President and Vice Chair of the Board at the U.S. EXIM Bank, for an exclusive, high-level roundtable with senior representatives from Oman’s banking sector.

The discussion centered on the $500 million Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Oman and the U.S., designed to increase financing for key projects in Oman and facilitate the purchase of U.S. exports. Judith Pryor shared valuable insights on how EXIM Bank can work alongside Omani banks to support economic growth and enhance financing solutions for major sectors.

This high-level dialogue underscored the significant opportunities created by the MOU and set the stage for strengthened financial cooperation between the U.S. and Oman.

Click here to see more.

Our premium members had the exclusive opportunity to engage with Jason Buntin, who played a key role in drafting the Oman-USA Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Jason shared invaluable insights on the FTA and offered practical guidance on how businesses can leverage this agreement for success.

Click here to see more.

Muscat, Oman – The Oman American Business Center (OABC) recently hosted a successful Oman Future Fund Webinar, showcasing investment opportunities through the Oman Future Fund. The event saw high engagement from OABC members and a strong presence from U.S. companies, keen to explore business prospects in Oman.

The webinar, held in partnership with the Oman Embassy in Washington DC, featured a presentation by Sultan Al Busaidi, representative of the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) and the Future Fund Oman, who highlighted the submission requirements, target segments, key investment sectors including agriculture, mining, information technology and communication, green energy, fisheries, logistics and more.

Ali Daud, President and Chairman Emeritus of the Oman American Business Council, emphasized the significance of Oman’s investment potential, stating, “The Oman Future Fund offers a strategic gateway for international investors to access Oman’s growing economy and diverse sectors. We are excited to see so much interest from U.S. firms in partnering with Oman for long-term growth.”

OABC’s CEO, Rebecca Olson, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the event, saying, “This webinar is a testament to the willingness of Omani entities to engage with U.S. companies and investors across a variety of ways. We’re proud to have connected our members with such valuable information, and the participation from U.S. companies speaks volumes about the interest in Oman’s investment potential.”

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.

Click here to see more!

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!