OABC News - Oman American Business Council (OABC)

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A Very Special Taco Tuesday, Celebrating Rebecca Olson

On Tuesday, October 11, 2022 the Oman American Business Center hosted one of their most popular networking events, Taco Tuesday, to recognize former Executive Director, Rebecca Olson, and her 5 years of dedication to the OABC. The evening was hosted by the U.S. Embassy Muscat’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Jay Munir. More than 70 members spent the evening networking while enjoying a delicious Taco Bar provided by Los Amigos Mexican Kitchen.

Rebecca’s contributions to the OABC were recognized by Ali Daud, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the OABC, Vice President of the OABC, Fouad Eid and DCM Jay Munir. During her tenure, Rebecca, drastically reshaped the OABC. She more than doubled membership and tripled the number of annual events. She also extended the reach of the OABC by joining AmCham MENA and forming a partnership with AmCham GCC. The Board of Directors presented Rebecca with artwork done by Omani artist Safiya Al Bahlani, who was the keynote speaker at OABC’s Iftar earlier this year.

The evening was also supported by OUA. And a few lucky OABC members won fantastic raffle prizes donated by Intercontinental Muscat, Talabat Oman and Los Amigos Mexican Kitchen.

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Protecting Intellectual Property Using Blockchain Technology

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.

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Premium Members welcomed at the residence of H.E. Leslie M. Tsou, U.S. Ambassador to Oman

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.

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The Oman American Business Center welcomes new CEO, Heather Redling

On August 28, 2022 the Oman American Business Center (AmCham Oman) held a welcome reception for their new Chief Executive Officer, Heather Redling. The event was hosted by the U.S. Embassy Muscat’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Jay Munir.

A buzz of excitement was in the air as OABC members representing over 50 companies networked and reconnected after the summer holidays. Ali Daud, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the OABC provided opening remarks highlighting the strong, fruitful relationship between the U.S. Embassy and the OABC before introducing Heather. In her speech, the new CEO focused on the power of the organization’s members in making the OABC, the best business networking group in Oman. Heather also spoke to maximizing the newly formed partnerships with AmCham MENA and AmCham GCC and new initiatives to increase commercial activity between the United States and Oman.

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The event was catered by Cowboy Steakhouse and members enjoyed delicious American prime cuts of meat that were being grilled on site. The Cowboy’s team brought their fun cowboy vibe to the event, including their “fire show” to everyone’s delight. The evening was also supported by OUA and their new General Manager, Michael Wimmer with a generous beverage donation. And a few lucky OABC members won fantastic raffle prizes donated by Dusitd2 Naseem Resort, Jabal Akhdar and Cowboy Steakhouse.

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The American Chambers of Commerce in the GCC sign MoU, to Strengthen their Partnership

The GCC’S American Chambers of Commerce (AmCham) Officially signed an MOU amongst themselves that signifies unity across borders in upcoming events and collaborations.

AmCham strives to discuss and pursue common commercial interests and maintain relations with
commerce and other commercial organizations. AmCham Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Oman and Qatar are committed to coming together and hosting events and initiatives as a consortium within the GCC, for the purpose of ensuring collaboration and building strong relationships amongst their members.

After two years of countrywide shutdowns due to the 2020 pandemic, there is no better time for this
announcement. Mere months before the FIFA World Cup, AmChams across the GCC continue supporting their members by hosting events and initiatives together for the benefit of their members and friends. If you are not a member of your local AmCham, it is not too late to take part in these upcoming awe-inspiring events. Contact your local American Chamber of Commerce today.

“The only thing better than being part of an AmCham as a member company, is being part of an AmCham network like this one, that connects companies regionally in a personal, professional way,” says Rebecca Olson, Executive Director of the OABC. “Our members in Oman can connect with companies all over the region through their membership, and our staff teams can share best practices and methods together, or lead joint regional events to the benefit of all our members. It’s a win-win-win and we’re so excited to formalize what has already been an incredibly beneficial relationship with our regional counterparts.”

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OABC, FedEx Express, and AmCham Dubai present “Providing Connections to Power Global Access” Networking Night Members and guests enjoyed an evening of business networking and new international connections

On June 15, 2022, Oman American Business Center (AmCham Oman) hosted its last networking event of the spring season at Sama Terraza on the Park Inn by Radisson Rooftop for members of the Oman business community. At the event, held in collaboration with AmCham Dubai and FedEx Express, attendees had the opportunity to network with small and medium businesses (SMEs) and explore new business opportunities.

Sammy Bousaba, Managing Director of Middle East and Africa Sales at FedEx Express said: “Oman connects the East and West of the GCC region, and in addition to its business-friendly environment, the Sultanate has comprehensive initiatives to integrate its road, airport, and port networks. With access to our unparalleled Middle East road network and the world’s largest air express network, FedEx Express connects Oman to more than 220 countries and territories around the world.”

“We are committed to supporting small and medium businesses in Oman by providing them with the right resources, digital tools, and infrastructure that are crucial for their growth. Now more than ever, businesses can benefit from opportunities in global markets, and through our alliance with AmCham, we look forward to providing SMEs with our expertise to support their growth across the region and beyond,” added Sammy.

“FedEx Express connects people and possibilities,” says Fouad Eid, Vice President of the OABC. “That is exactly what tonight’s event was all about. Thank you to FedEx Express for the generous sponsorship and the opportunity to work together. We are also proud to partner with AmCham Dubai for our first co-hosted event in Oman, to present an evening of new relationships and opportunities for OABC’s vibrant networking community.”

“As the newly appointed Vice-Chair of AmCham MENA, AmCham Dubai hopes to continue this outreach to our GCC neighbors by providing connections to power global access. Creating these relationships helps us to foster trade and goodwill from the USA to the Middle East, we thank the Oman American Business Council for hosting this fantastic event said Cara Nazari, Managing Director, AmCham Dubai.

As the official affiliate of the US Chamber of Commerce in Oman (AmCham Oman), the OABC promotes understanding, partnerships and 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 170 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.

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AmCham MENA Regional Council Welcomes AmCham Oman as Member

The AmCham MENA Regional Council is proud to announce the joining of the Oman American Business Center (AmCham Oman) as a new member organization, adding over 150 new member companies to the Council’s Membership, representing different sectors around the region.

The Oman American Business Center (OABC), also known as AmCham Oman was founded in 2003 to foster the development of commercial activity between Oman and the United States, and to support the Oman business community through programs and events focused on professional development, thought leadership, and high-level networking.

As the official affiliate of the US Chamber of Commerce in Oman, OABC promotes understanding, partnerships, and other matters of mutual economic interest between business communities in Oman and the United States. AmCham Oman hosts about 30 events annually and is considered to be Oman’s most active business networking group.

“Joining the regional Council of MENA American Chambers of Commerce is a natural step for AmCham Oman (OABC) to take as we continue serving our growing membership of companies in Oman.” says Ali Daud, President and Chairman Emiritus of OABC. “This opportunity to be part of the MENA Council will provide strong connections in the region and support OABC’s mission of facilitating trade and commercial relations between Oman and the United States.”

In welcoming AmCham Oman to the AmCham MENA Council, AmCham MENA Council Chairman, and President of AmCham Egypt, Tarek Tawfik commented; “We are honored to have AmCham Oman join the regional family of the MENA Council. With the addition of AmCham Oman, AmCham MENA welcomes its 11^th member country. Oman is an important country to the region and to the United States. Trade between Oman and the United States reached more than four billion dollars in 2021. With AmCham Oman, the AmCham MENA regional council will continue working on advancing interregional cooperation and promoting trade and investment between the United States and other countries of the Region”.

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COMEX 2022 Networking Event

On May 23rd, in partnership with OABC Corporate Member OITE, members attended a special networking event at COMEX. During the event, members had the opportunity to meet company representatives from different companies participating in Oman’s largest and longest-running technology conference and exhibition.

We were also honored to welcome Haider Adnan Al-Zaabi from Mays EV — designer and founder of the first Omani electric vehicle company, to speak. Amr Babood, the organizer of the event, also shared remarks and led a tour to go check out the MAYS model car.

It was a very interesting event full of new connections. Thank you OITE for your support.

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IP Roundtable meeting with Pete Mehravari, U.S. Intellectual Property Attache for the MENA Region

On May 15, the OABC welcomed Pete Mehravari, U.S. Intellectual Property Attaché for the MENA region. The event included a conversation about IP opportunities and challenges. Members of the OABC shared their own experiences. They also learned about Pete’s work as an IP attaché and received updates on what he’s seeing lately in the region.

We would like to thank Pete and the members of the OABC for the much-needed informative conversation.

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Oman American Business Center (OABC) hosts meaningful Iftar event with a talented group of Omani artists

On April 19, the Oman American Business Center (OABC), Oman’s largest and most active business networking organization, and the official affiliate of the US Chamber of Commerce in Oman, hosted its annual Ramadan Iftar and art exhibition in partnership with Adatee Hyatee, a group of Omani artists who each live with a physical disability. The event is an annual initiative focused on honoring the incredible artistic contribution of these artists in Omani society, promoting understanding and inclusion between communities, and celebrating the spirit of Ramadan.

The iftar took place at the Intercontinental Muscat Hotel’s Jabrin Ballroom. Approximately 150 guests attended, including OABC’s long-time members, brand new members, Board members, U.S. Ambassador Leslie Tsou, members of Adatee Hyatee, gifted oud player Younis Al Amri, and Omani artist and motivational speaker, Safiya Al Bahlani.

Each artist showcased their art in a silent auction, allowing members and guests to appreciate and purchase the artwork on display. Every one of the 32 beautiful pieces was sold. After remarks from the OABC and U.S. Ambassador Tsou, Safiya Al Bahlani, an Omani artist, graphic designer, disability rights activist, and motivational speaker, shared a heartfelt message with the audience.

“Saifya’s inspirational message to the business community was incredibly moving,” says Ali Daud, Chairman Emeritus and President of the OABC. “She reminded the audience to keep things in perspective, finding the unexpected blessings which the pandemic brought to each of us, even amidst suffering. We thank each of our guests of honor for joining us and enjoying this time together during the month of Ramadan. It was truly a meaningful evening.”

“I want to thank the OABC for hosting the Iftar, and the talented artists of Adatee Hyatee whose work was on display,” said Ambassador Tsou. “This night was truly special and is another example of the strong economic and cultural partnership between the United States and Oman.”

“We are grateful for the invitation from the OABC” said Laila Al Wahaibi, Founder of Adatee Hyatee, “and we would like to thank them for their continuous support to the group of artists at Adatee Hyatee.”

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.

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