OABC News

Muscat, Oman – The Oman American Business Council (OABC), Oman’s largest and most active business networking group and the official affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Oman, in partnership with OABC Premium Member Dentons, the region’s leading law firm, was delighted to host a successful morning session on the new regulations Personal Data Protection Law in Oman.

The event took place on May 15th at the Intercontinental Hotel Muscat and brought together over 100 esteemed legal professionals, executives, and business leaders to discuss the significant changes introduced by the new data protection law. After networking and coffee, Dentons’ team delivered a comprehensive presentation that left no stone unturned, addressing all aspects of the law and ensuring clarity for attendees. Their expert panel adeptly fielded questions, clarifying doubts and providing additional insights to the audience.

Highlights of the event included:

1. Presentation by Dentons, providing a comprehensive overview of the new personal data protection law and its implications for businesses and employees in Oman.
2. Q&A session providing participants with the opportunity to seek clarification on specific aspects of the law.
3. Networking breaks, allowing attendees to connect with like-minded business people and expand their professional network.
   
   

Jamie Gibson, Managing Partner and Head of Corporate at Dentons Oman, commented, “The Dentons team of data protection experts were very pleased to present this session on the Oman Data Protection Law to a room full of very engaged OABC members. Thank you to the OABC team for this opportunity and support in making this such a successful event.”

“Some companies do not realize that they need to quickly comply within the next year with these new regulations, for example, the requirement to appoint a data protection officer (DPO), whether your company is large or small,” says Rebecca Olson, CEO of the OABC.  “We were astonished at the amount of questions raised to the Dentons’ team and of course, not surprised by their skills in answering each one. We would like to once more thank Dentons for sponsoring the event and giving their valuable time to support the community.” 

The event was free for OABC members, as are all OABC events, which number between 30-40 per year.

On April 30th, the Oman American Business Council, in partnership with the National Hospitality Institute (NHI), hosted a dynamic business lunch at NHI’s Classroom Restaurant.

OABC members enjoyed an enriching Engage and Exchange experience, featuring delightful cuisine and engaging discussions. Attendees savored a culinary experience while connecting with peers and exploring networking opportunities.

Throughout the event, OABC members discovered exciting plans for the upcoming season and contributed fantastic event ideas, showcasing their enthusiasm and creativity. As always, our members’ input is invaluable, driving the success of our programs and events.

The atmosphere was vibrant as members connected, exchanged insights, and explored potential collaborations, underscoring the strength and innovation within our community. Be sure to check out the full video highlights!

The OABC’s Tourism Committee came together on April 29 for an inspiring brainstorming session. The OABC extends its heartfelt gratitude to Grand Hyatt Muscat Hotel for graciously hosting the meeting.

The session was marked by the exchange of brilliant ideas and enthusiastic discussions on enhancing tourism initiatives. From innovative strategies to collaborative partnerships, members contributed valuable insights aimed at advancing Oman’s tourism sector. Click here for more!

The Oman American Business Council (OABC) celebrated its annual Ramadan Suhoor Gathering, sponsored by Odys Aviation at The Diplomatic Club on March 27th. The event welcomed OABC members from all sectors of Oman’s business community, and special guests from the public and private sector. The evening featured traditional cuisine, engaging conversations, and a vibrant atmosphere, in partnership with two organizations devoted to supporting people with disabilities in Oman.

James Dorris, Co-founder and CEO of Odys Aviation, a California-based advanced VTOL aircraft company, took a few moments to introduce Odys’ groundbreaking technology to support low-carbon regional flights.

One of the highlights of the evening was the opportunity to support a noble cause. Through a partnership with Azm and Adatee Hayatee, guests were able to explore and purchase high-quality arts and crafts created by talented trainees and artists with disabilities.

Rebecca Olson, CEO of the OABC, expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thanks to tonight’s sponsor, Odys Aviation, we’ve had a wonderful evening of learning about the future of aviation, and also connecting with new faces in the business community. Our members were introduced to two incredible organizations that support talented and passionate people with disabilities in Oman. We’d like to thank each person who made it such a memorable evening for all.”

“My team and I were thrilled to be back in Muscat this week to discuss opportunities with organizations that share our vision at Odys of transforming an industry and creating new employment opportunities in Oman through innovation and technology,” says James Dorris, CEO of Odys Aviation. “We continue to be impressed by the forward-thinking mindset of the OABC and its members and together, we’re looking forward to creating real change and positioning Oman as a leader in the next generation of aviation.”

The OABC remains committed to providing opportunities for professionals to connect, collaborate, and thrive in Oman’s business landscape. As the year progresses, the organization looks forward to organizing more engaging events contributing to the growth and success of the business community in Oman and the utilization of the US-Oman FTA.

On March 4th, our members enjoyed an amazing Tex-Mex Monday! A big thank you to everyone who joined us for this lively evening of networking and tacos. A heartfelt thank you to DCM Leslie Ordeman for graciously hosting us, and to all our sponsors who helped make this event possible. Read more.

On March 3rd, The OABC hosted an insightful session on “Oman Logistics Update – The Red Sea: Navigating Stormy Waters” at the Sheraton Hotel Muscat. OABC events are always buzzing with energy and participation. Participants explored the challenges facing regional logistics (and a way through the crisis). Thank you to everyone who attended this session.
A very big thank you to our sponsor, RA Logistics, for their invaluable support in making our “Oman Logistics Update” event a success! Special gratitude to Colin McKinlay, the founder and managing partner of RA Logistics, for sharing insightful strategies to overcome challenges and seize emerging opportunities in the logistics sector. Read more.

On February 29, OABC and Ambassador Ana Escrogima were thrilled to host an event in honor of Omani alumni of U.S. universities. Alumni from schools across America joined us at the Ambassador’s residence, bringing a contagious energy and enthusiasm for the Global Connections and Education Partnership. Read more.

2024 OABC’s Community Sustainability Fair was a fantastic success! A big shout out to our main sponsors, Bauer Nimr LLC, for their unwavering support. The W Muscat provided an outstanding venue and delicious snacks, adding to the enjoyment of the event. Special thanks to our Silver sponsors, Arab Lead and Five Oceans for their valuable contributions. Gratitude goes out to our supporting organizations, ESO, Oman Botanic Garden, GUTech, EFP and Plasbin, for their collaborative efforts. Special thanks to our Media Partner, Apex Media, and Be’ah for providing recycled bags that everyone was carrying around. And a big thank you to Move Green for the eco-friendly tunes. Heartfelt appreciation to the OABC members and everyone who visited the fair. Visit for more.

On February 22nd, the Oman Tourism Committee kick-off meeting took place at the Sheraton Hotel Muscat, and it was nothing short of inspiring! It was a focused gathering where the best ideas came together, setting the stage for exciting initiatives ahead. Read more

On February 21st, OABC members actively engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue. We extend a big thank you to all participants for their valuable contributions. It was truly enlightening to hear from industry experts as they provided insights into the evolving cybersecurity landscape in Oman and beyond. A special appreciation goes out to our esteemed panelists for sharing their expertise and insights. We also express our gratitude to OABC’s member and U.S. Fulbright Scholar, Benjamin Lotto, for his support in bringing this event together. Click here for more.