OER July 24

UNPARALLELED GROWTH

Musallam Al Maashani CEO, Al Baraka Oilfield Services SAOC

shares insights on the new headquarters building and the company’s strategic partnerships with other industry leaders

Excellence I Quality I Trust

PIPELINE & FLOWLINE CONSTRUCTION

MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS

Manpower services

Logistic support for international oil companies

EDITORIAL

Editor-in-chief

Said Masoud Almashani

Executive Vice President and Group Editor Mayank Singh

Editor Oommen John P

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Cover concept

Rakesh Radhakrishnan

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Business Manager

Dhanish Pillai

CORPORATE

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Atulya Sharma

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Forwardlooking approach

OER’s annual listing of the 100 Most Influential CEOs in Oman showcases leaders who have achieved remarkable professional success through their vision and determination.

These CEOs are propelling their companies to new heights in a dynamic and rapidly evolving business landscape. Demonstrating a keen understanding of key market trends, these leaders exhibit excellence in navigating their organisations through challenges while seizing emerging opportunities. Their forward-looking approach, coupled with unwavering resolve, serves as a guiding principle for aspiring executives.

The most successful companies are led by CEOs who share a critically important trait: attention to detail. They are accomplished and possess a long-term vision to create enduring value. Moreover, they employ a variety of practices to ensure that no aspect is overlooked. Further, these leaders have inspired their teams to work towards a common goal, while seamlessly adapting to changing market conditions and changing customer needs. Their sphere of influence extends beyond their leadership roles, stemming from their accomplishments and ability to drive transformation. They recognise the importance of innovation and are willing to take calculated risks to stay ahead of the competition. Ultimately, what makes these leaders successful is their ability to balance short-term and long-term objectives while staying true to their values and vision.

The process of selecting the top 100 CEOs was rigorous, involving months of research and due diligence by the OER team. While we do not claim the 100 Most Influential list to be definitive, we hope our readers will find it highly informative.

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FAST-TRACK MODE

Your cover story on ‘Oman’s Manufacturing Sector,’ made an interesting read. It is interesting to note that the ‘Industrial Strategy 2040’ aims to triple the contribution of manufacturing industries to the domestic product by 2040, reaching a total of RO 11bn. Some of the key targets outlined in the strategy include increasing nonoil commodity exports to RO24.9bn and attracting investments at an annual rate of RO2bn, with a cumulative investment of RO40bn by 2040.

Manufacturing is one of the key sectors that has been identified by the government of Oman as part of its economic diversification strategy 2040. The government has implemented various incentives and policies to promote the growth of the sector, such as tax breaks, free trade zones, and investment in industrial infrastructure. Oman is increasingly promoting sustainable and eco-friendly manufacturing practices, aligning with global trends, and enhancing the competitiveness of its manufacturing sector. Developing downstream industries should be the focus as the industrial strategy 2040 sets a visionary roadmap for Oman›s transition to a diverse and resilient economy.

POSITIVE OUTLOOK

Oman’s residential real estate market is poised for significant growth in the coming years. The market is estimated to be valued at $4.38bn in 2024 and is projected to reach $6.80 billion by 2029, reflecting a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.19 per cent during the 2024-2029 forecast period. Real estate, particularly the construction sector, plays a crucial role in realising the goals outlined in Oman Vision 2040. The sector is a vital component of the country’s economic diversification process, driving overall growth. While the real estate sector trading value did see a 19.8 per cent decline to reach RO760.2mn by the end of April 2024, there are positive signs indicating the sector’s growth in the coming years. Sales contracts have shown a positive trend, with the traded value of sales contracts rising by 2.5 per cent to RO359.4mn across 21,385 sales contracts, representing a slight 0.7 per cent increase in the number of contracts compared to 2023. This uptick highlights some resilience in the market’s sales segment. Over the past few years, the Sultanate of Oman has been actively working to shift its economic dependence away from the oil sector. These concerted efforts are expected to yield positive results and provide a strong foundation for Oman’s future prosperity.

Zeeshan Ahmed, Seeb

Simon Douglas, MQ

64 BANKING PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS

Human Resource Development: A cornerstone of Bank Muscat’s success

Dar Global sets a new benchmark in luxury hospitality with the launch of the $500mn Trump International Oman in AIDA

Human-centric, Hybrid AI will open new possibilities

Hybrid AI could be the determining denominator to users’ safety and privacy while creating an intelligent ecosystem of modern smartphones

Inma Fund finances over RO161mn for economic sectors since its inception

Since beginning operations in 2014, the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Fund, Inma, has provided RO161mn in financing for 1,409 projects undertaken by SMEs in Oman

Bank Muscat recognised as the Best Retail Bank in Oman

In recognition of the Bank’s achievements underscoring its excellence in customer service through offering a full suite of banking products and facilities to customers, Bank Muscat, the leading financial service provider in the Sultanate of Oman, has recently received the prestigious Best Retail Bank in Oman Award for the year 2024. MENA Banking Awards from MEED recognise the leading banks in the retail banking sphere across the region and which stand out in terms of providing customers with innovative banking solutions aiming to enhance their banking experience.

Bank Muscat emerged as a winner after an extensive selection process and consultations with experts and analysts across the globe.

Speaking on the occasion, Abdulnasir Al Raisi, General Manager, Personal Banking, Bank Muscat, said, “We would like to thank MEED for recognising Muscat Bank as the best retail bank in the country. The constant recognition which the Bank continues to receive every year comes as a result of the stance of excellence which the Bank is committed to upholding through the delivery of innovative

Bank Nizwa unveils buyout offering with unmatched lifestyle perks

Solidifying its commitment to delivering unparalleled banking experiences and innovative Sharia-compliant solutions, Bank Nizwa, the leading Islamic bank in the Sultanate of Oman, recently unveiled its attractive Buyout offering. In alignment with the bank’s goal to create value for its customers, the Buyout offering allows individuals to seamlessly transfer their existing home loans/financing to Bank Nizwa, and enjoy the hassle-free management of their financial obligations.

With a competitive profit rate of 5 per cent,

Bank Nizwa’s Buyout offering is crafted to provide customers with peace of mind and financial efficiency. Additionally, the offering is bundled with a free Credit Card, poised to enrich customers’ lifestyles with an array of exclusive benefits, enhancing their travel experiences and elevating their luxury living.

Commenting on the offering, Mohamed AlGhassani, Chief Retail Banking Officer, said, “At Bank Nizwa, we are dedicated to meticulously crafting solutions grounded in Islamic finance principles that streamline

banking services tailored to the recent needs of customers. The Bank remains dedicated to its customer-centric vision by introducing value-added banking services and products that meet the diverse needs of customers.

Abdulnasir Al Raisi added, “Bank Muscat is keen to contribute to the ongoing digital transformation of Oman, strategised as a part of Oman Vision 2040 and this is reflected in the continuous launch of a diverse range of products and services for different customer segments. We would like to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to all our valued customers for their continuing trust and confidence in our services and products. The Bank will continue its commitment to developing more innovative services in the future to fulfil customers’ needs and aspirations.”

Emphasising its commitment to scaling its services to a wider customer segment, Bank Muscat is committed to its strategy of expanding its branch network across the Sultanate, considering that these branches represent the Bank’s main interface and a major channel for customer service. The Bank currently has 183 branches and service centers distributed across the governorates, backed with a dedicated team who deliver the Bank’s services to customers, aiming to meet their evolving needs. During the past period, the Bank inaugurated a number of branches in Muscat, Sohar, and other locations and relocated some of its branches which feature high bespoke design standards to keep pace with the present and future advancements.

customers’ financial commitments and enable them to manage their finances prudently.

Our Buyout offering highlights our efforts to provide comprehensive products that transcend traditional banking, empowering our customers to live the life they deserve. By integrating travel and lifestyle perks, we create significant value for our customers, thereby supporting their aspirations for a luxurious and adventurous lifestyle.”

Bank Nizwa’s Buyout customers can benefit from a plethora of exclusive lifestyle benefits with their free Credit Cards. Travel lovers can enjoy access to over 1,000 premium airport lounges worldwide, discounts on hotel bookings through Booking.com, IHG Hotels, and discounts on Farfetch.

Sohar International assumes role as exclusive banking partner for Socca World Cup 2024

Sohar International, Oman’s Best Bank has signed an agreement to become the exclusive banking partner in the golden category for the Socca World Cup 2024. The upcoming event, organised by Sport Makers, is scheduled to take place from November 29 to December 7, 2024, at Madinat Al Irfan, and marks the pinnacle of the International Socca Federation’s annual calendar for Six-a-Side Football. This landmark collaboration underscores Sohar International’s strategic focus on positioning Oman as a premier destination for global sports tourism, while also empowering Omani youth by offering them invaluable exposure and experience through participation in international events. Commenting on the sponsorship, Ahmed Al Musalmi, CEO, Sohar International said, “As the exclusive banking partner for the Socca World Cup 2024, Sohar International aims to position Oman as a premier destination for global sports tourism. The event presents an opportunity for the Sultanate to showcase its exceptional organisational capabilities in hosting large-scale international events, spotlighting its world-class locations, facilities, and renowned Omani hospitality. Our objective is to play a complimentary role in further enhancing Oman’s positioning as a dynamic center for sports and entertainment, drawing sports enthusiasts and tourists from around the world.”

Al Musalmi added, “Additionally, the influx of tourists and participants will stimulate the local economy, supporting local businesses

com, in addition to other offers.

Ensuring that the rewards extend beyond travel and into everyday living, Bank Nizwa customers can enjoy discounts on food and grocery delivery services. Gamers can also avail special offers on Geekay Games merchandise and the ‘Gamer Pass’ with Go Gamers. The Buyout offering from Bank Nizwa exemplifies the bank’s dedication to pioneering services that not only address financial needs but also help customers achieve their dreams of a comfortable and fulfilling life. Customers can experience luxury in alignment with their values and beliefs, while enjoying a seamless transition of their loans and finances with Bank Nizwa.

and creating job opportunities, thus driving significant economic growth. As a sport that is as popular as conventional football, the event also offers young Omanis the chance to participate in and learn from an international event, enhancing their skills and providing them with invaluable experience. Furthermore, this event will create a platform for local talent to interact and engage with the international sports community on a deeper level, inspiring a new generation of players to achieve their full potential.”

With Oman hosting the Socca World Cup 2024, this marks the first time the event will be held in the Middle East and Africa. Featuring 40 to 48 teams from around the globe, this prestigious tournament is set to create a lasting legacy of sportsmanship, cultural exchange, and economic prosperity

for Oman and its people. Established in 2017 and headquartered in Birmingham, United Kingdom, the International Socca Federation boasts over 85 member countries and is dedicated to promoting and developing minifootball across various formats, particularly six-a-side football, while uniting amateur football league organisers worldwide.

Sohar International’s sponsorship of the Road to Socca World Cup 2024 signifies its commitment to promoting sports excellence, community engagement, and national pride in Oman. Through initiatives like the Socca Oman Championship, Socca Gulf First Championship, Oman Corporate Championship, and Socca Kids Oman Championship, Sohar International is fostering grassroots participation and talent development across the nation.

National Finance recognised for outstanding brand evolution at Transform Awards MEA 2024

Recognising the success of its exceptional brand transformation and strategic redesign, National Finance, the Sultanate of Oman’s leading finance company, was recently honoured with the award for ‘Best Brand Evolution’ at the prestigious Transform Awards Middle East and Africa 2024. Held at the Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah Beach, Dubai, the ceremony witnessed the attendance of industry luminaries from the region, C-suite executives and distinguished ministerial dignitaries. Receiving the award on behalf of the company were Her Highness Sayyida Wisam Jaifar Al Said, AGM - Marketing, Corporate Communication, Events and ESG, and Marwa Al Siyabi, Marketing Supervisor at National Finance.

The Transform Awards MEA 2024 is the region’s premier event dedicated to celebrating the transformative power of brand strategy and design. The ceremony marks the success of rebranding, repositioning and brand development endeavours across the region, highlighting their continuous strive for improvement and operational enhancement.

First unveiled in early 2023, National Finance’s brand transformation exemplifies the company’s commitment to excellence and growth, blending the company’s 36-year

history, expertise and trusted reputation with a fresh identity. Alongside, the new strategic business direction showcased the company’s renewed dedication to customercentricity and organizational transformation to ensure employee satisfaction.

Commenting on this accomplishment, Tariq bin Sulaiman Al Farsi, CEO, National Finance, said, “At National Finance, we are truly humbled by this honour. Receiving

recognition on the distinguished regional platform that is the Transform Awards MEA, is a testament to the company’s vision to revamp all facets of its approach, from a refreshed identity to service portfolio, to enhancements in the work culture, and employee engagement and growth opportunities. This achievement is a collective win for the National Finance team, as it is through the hard work and dedication of our talented staff that we have been able to scale new heights.”

NBO and Al Jabr partner to launch ‘NBO Fintech Accelerator,’ the first of its kind in the banking sector

In a significant move to bolster Oman’s entrepreneurial landscape, the National Bank of Oman (NBO) and Al Jabr have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) marking the launch of the ‘NBO Fintech Accelerator,’ the first of its kind in the banking sector. The initiative aims at nurturing startups and fostering sustainable business growth within Oman. The strategic partnership underscores NBO’s commitment to innovation and their dedication to the economic development of Oman. The signing ceremony, led by Abdullah Zahran Al Hinai, CEO, NBO, and Mohammed Al Wahaibi, CEO of Al Jabr, took place at the bank’s booth during COMEX 2024 at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC).

Alizz Islamic Bank kicks of the second edition of the ‘Manahil Alizz’ educational programme

Alizz Islamic Bank has announced the launch of second edition of the ‘Manahil Alizz’ internship programme. The programme which is designed to empower and prepare third year university and college students and augment their capabilities by equipping them with the essential skills and knowledge required to successfully enter and thrive in the job market saw great success in its pilot programme last year; with the participants expressing gratitude to being part of such and an enriching program that not only aims to enhance their leadership, personal development and project management skills but also teach them how to overcome challenges in the business sector and find suitable solutions.

The programme will broaden the students’ perspectives and equip them with skills beyond their academic specialisation. This holistic approach is demonstrated through a comprehensive range of lectures and classes encompassing topics such as Islamic economics, Islamic banking,

Mustahil Ahmed Al Mamari, Assistant General Manager - Head of Strategy and Transformation at NBO, said, “Our partnership with Al Jabr in the NBO Fintech Accelerator stands as a key element of our strategy to nurture and sustain Oman’s dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly focusing on the fintech sector. This initiative is designed to spark innovation and equip young entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and support to launch, develop, and expand their fintech ventures successfully. By harnessing the comprehensive resources and expertise offered through the Accelerator, we are dedicated to generating substantial value and opening new opportunities, thus playing

endowment (Waqf), voluntary work, and other relevant disciplines. Additionally, the 3-month programme boasts a distinguished group of both internal and external experts, including specialized instructors well-versed in the principles and regulations of Islamic law as it pertains to Islamic banking. Alizz Islamic Bank’s Learning and Development Department has meticulously crafted an integrated curriculum that seamlessly blends theoretical knowledge with practical training.

The second batch of the programme consists of 35 male and female students from various universities and colleges across the Sultanate of Oman, regionally. The selection process involved nominations from their respective academic institutions, while Alizz Islamic bank has meticulously prepared a suitable framework, comprehensive curriculum and high-level classes and sessions to enhance their educational skills using the latest modern techniques. This approach ensures that knowledge is accessible to all

a crucial role in the economic growth and diversification of Oman.” The NBO Fintech Accelerator is designed to inspire and support the nation’s youth by transforming new fintech ideas into successful enterprises with robust and sustainable strategies, which promise high growth and are critical to the diversification of the Omani economy. Participants will benefit from an array of services including business incubation, development sessions, direct mentorship from industry leaders, and access to an extensive network of business contacts. Mohammed Al Wahaibi, CEO, Al Jabr, said, “We are thrilled to partner with the National Bank of Oman on this visionary

students, obtained flexibly and easily equips them to understand the corporate working environment, banking sector characteristics and fostering innovative thinking that enables them to become decision-makers and effective initiators in addressing key industry needs.

Sumaya Al Nabhani, Head of Learning and Development at Alizz Islamic Bank, emphasised that the primary objective is to provide students with a thorough development plan that will assist them in their future careers. Students will benefit from a distinguished group of lecturers who will transfer knowledge and expertise to them. “We take pride in and value the significant praise and positive impact of the pilot edition of the Manahil Alizz programme and we place great importance on education, training and development, empowering future generations and equipping them with the skills and capabilities needed to contribute their creative potential towards serving their communities, meeting their requirements, and keeping up with the rapid changes and transformations of our modern era.

project. The Innovation Lab represents a critical step forward in our commitment to nurturing the next generation of Omani entrepreneurs and contributing to the nation’s economic diversification efforts. By providing startups with essential resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities, we aim to create an environment where innovative ideas can thrive and contribute to Oman’s sustainable growth.”

As Oman continues to promote innovation and entrepreneurship, initiatives such as the Innovation Lab are essential for turning inventive ideas into tangible businesses that contribute to the broader economy.

CUSTOMER-CENTRIC SOLUTIONS

Bank Nizwa signs digital partnerships with Omantel and Oman Data Park

In a strategic move to further strengthen the Fintech landscape in the Sultanate of Oman and contribute to the nation’s digitalisation agenda, Bank Nizwa, the leading and most trusted Islamic bank in the country, has signed two Digital Partnerships with Omantel and Oman Data Park (ODP). These alliances, established during the recently held COMEX 2024 and the New Age Banking Summit 2024, respectively, underscore Bank Nizwa’s commitment to advancing Islamic Fintech solutions while simultaneously driving digital transformation across the local financial sector.

Khalid Al Kayed, CEO, Bank Nizwa, signed the agreements on behalf of the bank, while Sheikh Talal Said Al Mamari, Omantel’s CEO, and Eng. Maqbool Al Wahibi, CEO, ODP, represented their respective organisations. The partnership with Omantel is dedicated to integrating banking services into Omantel’s mobile network, thereby enriching customer experiences with valueadded financial services, and open banking initiatives through Omani Fintechs. Moreover,

optimise expenditure, enhance operational efficiency, and bolster cybersecurity measures. Meanwhile, the collaboration with ODP aims to identify and capitalise on opportunities for developing and utilising cutting-edge infrastructure and mobile telecommunications solutions to support Bank Nizwa’s projects, operations, and associated personnel.

Commenting on the signing of the agreements, Khaled Al Kayed said, “Amidst today’s digital revolution, Bank Nizwa stands as a vanguard of innovation, continually harnessing modern advancements in both IT and telecommunications. Our digital partnerships with Omantel and Oman Data Park signal a new chapter of collaboration, poised to propel growth within the Islamic Fintech domain. These alliances hold immense significance not only for our institution but also for the broader Islamic Fintech landscape. By leveraging our collective expertise, we aim to tap into new demographics, drive cost efficiencies, and pioneer the development of ground-breaking products and services.” As a forward-thinking

solutions, Bank Nizwa’s partnership with Omantel forms a robust nexus between Islamic banking and telecommunications. With mobile banking integration, customers gain direct access to financial services via Omantel’s mobile network, enhancing convenience and accessibility. Through the Mobile Wallet, Bank Nizwa leverages Omantel’s infrastructure to ensure secure transactions, while valueadded services like mobile takaful and micro-financing further help enrich customer offerings. Furthermore, cross-promotion and loyalty programs are geared at fostering engagement and a sense of community.

An essential component of the partnership is the collaboration in data analytics, critical for gaining collective insights from both the financial and telecommunications sectors within the regulatory norms. This collaboration facilitates a deeper understanding of consumer behaviour and empowers targeted marketing endeavours. This synergy not only expands market reach but also drives revenue growth. Pioneering a pragmatic approach to digital convergence, Bank Nizwa and Omantel, through open banking, seek to consistently co-create innovative solutions to address evolving customer needs.

In line with the same, Bank Nizwa’s collaboration with ODP exemplifies its efforts to bolster its technological infrastructure. This comprehensive initiative spans exploration of innovative solutions such as system integration, 5G network deployment, cloud services, mobile application, smart CCTV solutions, and IoT technologies. Additionally, the bank remains committed to delivering customised mobile telecommunications solutions for its staff and contractors, while concurrently addressing the diverse telecommunication requirements essential to its operations and activities.

Through strategic partnerships like these, Bank Nizwa reaffirms its commitment to lead the charge in digital transformation within Islamic banking. This dedication ensures that the benefits of technological advancement are accessible to all, fostering inclusivity and transparency within the financial landscape.

PRIMED FOR GROWTH

ahlibank announces the successful completion of RO40mn AT1 Bonds issue

ahlibank has announced the successful completion of its Additional Tier 1 Capital Instruments (AT1 Bonds) issue aggregating RO40mn, through private placement. This includes a base issue of RO20mn and a Green Shoe Option of RO20mn. The AT1 Bonds issuance is set to strengthen the overall capital adequacy of the Bank. The subscription period for the issuance opened on June 13, 2024, and closed on June 25, 2024. The issue received strong response from investors and was oversubscribed by more than two times, leading to the Bank exercising the green shoe option in full.

Earlier in June 2024, the Bank had exercised its first call option on AT1 Bonds of RO20mn, issued by the Bank in June 2019. A diverse demographic of investors, including foreign investors, corporate entities, government bodies, sovereign institutions, and highnet-worth individuals, participated in the subscription, underscoring the widespread popularity of ahlibank’s financial instruments. Besides attracting a significant number of new

marquee investors, another notable aspect of the subscription was the continued support from a large proportion of investors who had previously subscribed to the 2019 AT1 Bonds.

Commenting on the success of the issue, Said Al Hatmi, CEO, ahlibank, said, “With the successful completion of our AT1 Bonds issuance, ahlibank has achieved yet another milestone. This strong demand for our AT1 Bonds is a testament to the resilience of our business model and the effectiveness of our strategic initiatives. We are indeed grateful for the continued support from our existing investors and delighted to welcome new participants to our growing community of stakeholders. We would also like to thank the Central Bank of Oman, Financial Services Authority, Muscat Stock Exchange, and Muscat Clearing and Depositary who have played a quintessential role in facilitating the entire process.”

He added saying, “The issuance of AT1 Bonds plays a pivotal role in fortifying our capital

structure, ensuring financial robustness, and maintaining the trust and confidence of our stakeholders. The strengthened capital base resulting from this issuance also enhances our ability to continue with the growth trajectory of the bank in line with our strategy, continuing to offer competitive and innovative financial solutions. Furthermore, the significant interest witnessed in the subscription reflects the high confidence the market places in ahlibank’s financial strength and strategic vision. It solidifies our image as a reliable and forwardthinking institution, truly making us a Partner in Excellence for each of our stakeholders.”

Through such accomplishments, ahlibank reaffirms its conviction in innovation, customer-centricity, and sound financial practices. As ahlibank continues to pioneer advancements in the realm of banking, it remains dedicated to fostering sustainable growth and contributing to the overall prosperity of the local banking sector as well as the economy of the country.

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A CUT ABOVE THE REST

The new headquarters of Al Baraka Oilfield Services SAOC reflects the company’s commitment to deliver cutting-edge, sustainable, and employee-focused work environment. The building is designed to facilitate the company’s continued growth and success in the oilfield services sector, says, CEO, Musallam Al Maashani in an interview with Oommen John

What are the factors that have contributed to Al Baraka Oilfield Services establishing itself as one of Oman’s most respected oilfield services contractors in Oman today?

Al Baraka Oilfield Services is a Super Local Community Contractor (SLCC) representing around 1,200 Omani shareholders in the Wilayat of Shaleem and Al Halaniyat Islands in Dhofar Governorate. Registered in 2011, the company has been consistently delivering high-quality services in workover rigs and flowline/pipeline construction and commissioning, meeting or exceeding industry standards and client expectations.

Al Baraka employs a skilled and experienced workforce, including technical experts and management professionals who ensure the efficient and safe execution of projects. Over the years, the company has built and maintained strong relationships with key clients, such as Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), by providing reliable and responsive services tailored to their needs. By prioritising safety and environmental sustainability in all operations, it has earned the trust and respect of clients and regulatory bodies. Further, it has gained recognition from clients and OPAL while implementing best practices in project management, logistics, and supply chain management

to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery. The company has also been engaging in CSR initiatives that contribute to the local community and economy, enhancing the company’s reputation and goodwill.

Al Baraka exemplifies the resilience of SLCCs that have successfully bucked the protracted downturn in the oil and gas sector stemming from the oil price crash of 2014 and subsequent demand destruction in 2020 owing to the COVID crisis, to deliver unparalleled growth year on year. The company leadership acknowledged the crises, tightened belts, restructured, cut costs, optimised on various fronts and encouraged all employees to deliver notwithstanding the impending difficulties. In the end, the financial results were there for everyone to see.

As an oil and gas industry veteran, who has steered the company’s growth since 2016, what have been the key achievements during your tenure?

Starting with just Conventional Hoists and SNLP Integrity Contract in 2013, we successfully diversified and expanded the company’s service offerings to include advanced electrical workover rigs, flowline/pipeline construction, and commissioning services, and EPC projects catering to a broader range of client needs.

We managed to secure and maintain long-term contracts with major clients such as Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) et al, significantly increasing

the company’s client base and market share. We enhanced operational efficacy by implementing process improvements and operational efficiencies that have boosted project delivery timelines, reduced costs, and improved overall service quality. We managed to achieve significant safety milestones, including a record number of accident-free man-hours, reflecting our strong commitment to health, safety, and environmental standards.

We have invested in state-of-the-art technology (e.g. Electric WO Rigs) and equipment, which has improved operational capabilities and allowed the company to undertake more complex and challenging projects. Our focus has always been on employee training and development programs to build a highly skilled and motivated workforce, contributing to higher productivity and job satisfaction.

As part of our CSR initiatives, we have launched and implemented several programmes demonstrating our commitment to corporate social responsibility. In the end, the financial KPIs indicate steady growth and profitability, reflected in increased revenue, improved margins, and a strong cashflow position. We have formed strategic partnerships and alliances with other industry leaders and suppliers, enhancing our service capabilities and market reach. Consequently, we have received industry recognition and awards for excellence in operations, service delivery, safety standards, and ICV fulfilment, bolstering the company’s reputation.

The company has celebrated over a decade of excellence in workover rigs and pipeline/flowline construction? What has been the key to the company’s success in this realm?

Our unwavering commitment to maintain the highest standards of quality and safety has been fundamental to our success. In an industry, where the margin for error is minimal, our focus on stringent safety protocols and quality assurance processes ensures that our projects are

executed flawlessly. This dedication not only protects our workforce but also builds trust with our clients.

Embracing innovation and staying at the forefront of technological advancements has allowed us to enhance our operational efficiency and service delivery. By integrating state-of-the-art equipment like PLC controlled VFD, data analytics assisting remote operations, and reducing diesel consumption, we have been able to improve productivity, reduce downtime, minimise pollution (both noise and emissions) and deliver superior results. Our willingness to pioneer the electric workover rigs in Oman has positioned us as a leader in the industry.

The expertise and dedication of our workforce have been crucial to our success. We prioritise continuous training and development to ensure our team possesses the latest skills and knowledge. Our leadership team fosters a culture of excellence and collaboration, empowering employees to take initiative and contribute to our shared goals. This synergy between skilled professionals and effective

leadership drives our ongoing success.

Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and strategic partners has been a cornerstone of our growth. We focus on understanding our clients’ needs and delivering customised solutions that exceed their expectations. Our reputation for reliability and excellence has resulted in long-term partnerships and repeat business, which are vital for sustained success.

The oilfield services industry is characterised by volatility and rapid changes. Our ability to adapt to market fluctuations and geopolitical developments has been key to our longevity. Whether it is navigating periods of low oil prices or responding to regulatory changes, our agility and resilience enable us to stay competitive and capitalise on emerging opportunities.

Diversifying our service offerings has been a strategic move that broadened our market reach and revenue streams. We have moved from conventional to electric in the Hoist business. On the ODC side, we are now capable of

delivering EPC projects. We are always looking at developing new clients. This diversification not only mitigates risks associated with market dependency but also opens new avenues for growth and innovation.

Our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship has become increasingly important in today’s business landscape. By adopting eco-friendly practices and investing in renewable energy projects, we will not only reduce our environmental impact but also align with the global shift towards sustainable development. This commitment enhances our corporate reputation and appeal to environmentally conscious clients.

Can you share details on the key features of Al Baraka’s new office building that will host the company’s headquarters?

Al Baraka Oilfield Services is proud to introduce its new office building, which will serve as the company’s headquarters. This state-of-theart facility is designed to reflect our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence. The new headquarters of Al Baraka Oilfield Services embodies our dedication to providing a cutting-edge, sustainable, and employee-centric work environment. By integrating advanced technologies, sustainable practices, and a focus on employee well-being, the new office building is poised to support our continued growth and success in the oilfield services industry. We look forward to welcoming our team, clients, and partners to this remarkable new space.

The building incorporates advanced HVAC systems, LED lighting, and smart sensors to optimise energy use and reduce our carbon footprint. Environmentally friendly materials and sustainable construction practices have been used throughout the building, ensuring minimal environmental impact. The office is equipped with smart building management system that monitors and controls lighting, temperature, and security to enhance operational efficiency and comfort. The building is equipped with a

Centralised Air Conditioning system with VRF (Variable Refrigerant Frequency System). Server rooms are equipped with standby AC supporting temperature control arrangements. There are electronic gates and access control is through face recognition / bio -metric devices. Independent prayer halls (male and female) facility have been catered to.

Staff break-out areas are equipped with relaxation facilities. There are state-of-the-art conference rooms equipped with advanced audio-visual systems and teleconferencing facilities to support local and international meetings. The Event Halls are equipped with video wall presentation, podium, and audience seating arrangements. The meeting room bookings are access controlled through MS Outlook Scheduler. A live streaming facility from PDO Hoist site to Muscat is available on 24-hour basis and there is an IVMS/ DFMS network connected monitoring capability. The office design prioritises employee comfort with ergonomic furniture, adjustable workstations, and ample natural lighting to create a productive and healthy work environment. An open-plan design encourages collaboration and communication across teams, fostering a culture of innovation and teamwork. Various types of workspaces, including private offices, and collaborative meeting hubs, cater to different working styles and needs, allowing employees to choose the most suitable environment for their tasks. Dedicated spaces include a break-out area and silent rooms which provide employees with opportunities to relax and recharge. These are strategically placed to facilitate spontaneous discussions and ideasharing. A dedicated parking facility and easy access to public transportation will make commuting convenient for employees and visitors alike.

What are the new EPC projects, electric workover rigs and the digital transformation initiatives that the company is undertaking to optimise operations?

On the EPC project front, there are several opportunities ahead within PDO, e.g. Hawqa Asfoor WI, Hazar

South Off Plot, Rima DWD Network Upgrade, Sadad North Water Injection, Bahja Rima MSV Phase III, Bahja Rima MSV Phase IV, Bahja Rima Safeguarding, Adeela Development Project and Thayfut Polymer Flood Phase-1 Project.

On the Workover Rigs, in addition to the earlier 4 Conventional ones, we have commissioned 6 new Electric Hoists over the last three years. We are looking at opportunities to procure additional Well Pulling Hoists and Flush-By Units to cater to the growing demand in the region.

Digitalisation initiatives, especially AI can have a significant influence on business improvement in various ways:

Predictive Maintenance: AI can be used to monitor the condition of critical components of workover rigs, such as the hoist system, in real-time.

Optimised Operations: AI can optimise the operation of workover rigs by continuously analysing data from various sources, including geophysical data, and well conditions.

Improved Safety: AI-powered monitoring systems can detect anomalies and potential safety hazards during rig operations.

Enhanced Drilling Efficiency: AI algorithms can analyse geological data and drilling performance to optimize drilling strategies.

Data Analytics: AI can analyse historical drilling and rig performance data to identify patterns and trends. This information can be used to make data-driven decisions, such as selecting the most suitable equipment, optimising drilling techniques, and improving overall rig performance.

Remote Monitoring and Control: AI-driven remote monitoring systems allow operators to monitor and control workover rigs from a central location.

Energy Efficiency: AI can optimise the energy consumption of workover rigs by adjusting power usage based on operational needs.

Inventory Management: AI can manage inventory and spare parts more efficiently by predicting when components are likely to fail and automatically ordering replacements.

Training and Simulation: AI-driven simulators and training programs can help operators and rig personnel improve their skills and make better decisions in various scenarios.

Cost Reduction: By optimising operations, reducing downtime, and improving equipment utilization, AI can help workover rig companies reduce operational costs and increase profitability.

Data Integration: AI can integrate data from various sources, including sensors, IoT devices, and historical records, to provide a comprehensive view of rig operations.

What are the challenges and opportunities that the company foresees in the year ahead?

The major challenges will be navigating the risks associated with fluctuating oil prices in the years to come. The uncertainty around the Russia-Ukraine war and the Gaza conflict will continue to weigh heavily. Shipping lines across the Red Sea are still fraught with disruptions resulting in availability issues of imported equipment. There is a drive to contribute towards the ICV cause in every way we can, through our core business opportunities while engaging sub-contractors. This is a national priority for the years ahead to train and develop Omani skilled workforce. The topic of sustainability presents a challenge as well as an opportunity. We are trying to contribute to the nation’s Net Zero Carbon Emissions goal by 2050 in every way we can. We are in discussions with the MEM on feasibility of Geothermal Energy supplementing Natural Gas as source of power in oil & gas operations. We are tying up with MDO on sourcing Grounded Calcium Carbonate as a mining opportunity. Digitalisation will present its own set of challenges and we are gearing up to see how AI applications can support our core business activities.

CEOs MOST IN

OMAN INFLUENTIAL

AbdulAziz Mohammed Al Balushi

Group CEO, Oman International Development and Investment Company (OMINVEST)

AbdulAziz Mohammed Al Balushi is the group CEO of OMINVEST since January 2014. With over 37 years of professional experience, AbdulAziz has extensive and indepth knowledge of the global financial services industry. At OMINVEST, he was the key driver behind the merger of OMINVEST and ONIC Holding, which created the largest publicly listed investment company in Oman. AbdulAziz and the management team were also responsible for several key initiatives at OMINVEST, such as the IPO of its flagship insurance company National Life; the development of its iconic headquarters OMINVEST Business Centre; the merger of National Finance and Orix Leasing Company;

Abdul Hakeem Omar Al Ojaili

CEO, BankDhofar

Abdul Hakeem Omar Al Ojaili has been the CEO of BankDhofar since April 2017 and served as acting CEO of the bank since October 2013. He is also the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oman Banks Association (OBA) for the period 2020 – 2022. Al Ojaili is a veteran banker with over 30 years of progressive banking experience. He assumed the leadership of BankDhofar in 2013 with a proven track record of vast experience in corporate and retail banking, operations management, technology and

Capital Raising initiatives such as the issuance of perpetual bond for OMINVEST; the merger of Oman Arab Bank with Alizz Islamic Bank, which led to Oman Arab Bank’s listing on the Muscat Stock Exchange and becoming an SAOG and NLGIC acquiring RSA Middle East which led NLGIC to become one of the top ten insurance companies in the region. Currently, AbdulAziz is also the Deputy Chairman of Jabreen International Development Company SAOC; and a Board member at Oman Arab Bank SAOG, National Finance Company SAOG and National Life and General Insurance SAOG. Additionally, he is a member of Oman American Business Centre, an organisation formed to foster the development of commercial activity between the United States of America and the Sultanate of Oman. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Financial Services, an organisation supporting professionalism in Financial Services.

corporate support services – all gained while navigating through the organisation from its embryonic stage, aiding it to become one of the leading banks in Oman. Prior to his current role, Al Ojaili was the general manager of corporate services where he led the restructuring and transformation of the bank’s entire support functions including operations, technology, support services and human resources.

Before that, he headed the retail banking and marketing division. Al Ojaili holds a BA and MBA from Exeter University in the UK and is also an alumnus of both Harvard and London Business School’s executive education programmes

Abdullah Zahran Al Hinai CEO, National Bank of Oman

Abdullah Zahran Al Hinai is the CEO of NBO. Having held a number of senior management positions in the banking sector, he is an industry veteran with over two decades of experience. Prior to his current role, he was the Chief Wholesale Banking and Strategic Growth Officer at a leading financial institution, and was credited for setting up the organisation’s Strategic Growth function and architecting a number of ground-breaking transactions in both investment and commercial banking. Al Hinai serves as a Board Member of Oman Banks Association. He has

Abdulrahman Salim Al Hatmi

Group CEO, Asyad

Abdulrahman Salim Al Hatmi is the Group CEO of ASYAD, Oman’s flagship logistics and supply chain group, offering end-to-end solutions from ports, free zones, maritime shipping and last-mile express delivery. Abdulrahman is a logistics pioneer and a business-growth leader; building startups, establishing competitive businesses and advancing homegrown companies to become global brands. Al Hatmi was a key player in the development of Oman’s National Logistics Strategy 2040 – now overseeing its implementation and spearheading the

also held several board memberships across various industries including manufacturing, investment and urban development. Al Hinai holds an Executive Masters in Business Administration from the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne, Switzerland, a Postgraduate Diploma from Manchester Business School, UK, and a B.Sc. in Business Administration from Boston University, USA. He also attended the Advanced Management Program (AMP) at INSEAD, Fontainebleau, France, the General Management Program (GMP) at Harvard Business School, Boston, MA, USA, and is a holder of Chartered Financial Analyst designation as well as being a Certified Public Accountant (USA).

sector’s economic growth through his current role. He led the inception of ASYAD Group, consisting of 16 companies and spanning three major Ports with their associated Freezones, as well as Oman Shipping, Oman Post, Oman Dry Dock and Transport companies including Oman Rail, the latter was established by Al Hatmi to direct and manage the development of the GCC and national rail project in Oman. As a mechanical engineer, Al Hatmi’s worked in the oil and gas industry for 14 years, subsequently, he founded two successful start-ups, winning market share in a highly competitive business environment and delivering double-digit EBITDA growth.

Abdullah Nasser Al Hadhrami

CEO, Gulf Mushroom Products Company

Abdullah Nasser Al Hadhrami is the CEO of Gulf Mushroom Products Company. He has served over 30 years in the government and private sector in Oman. He has travelled extensively across the globe and attended numerous seminars and workshops for senior corporate executives on industry, business and management practices and corporate governance. He has a Master’s

Adrian Hamilton-Manns

CEO, SalamAir

Adrian Hamilton-Manns was recently appointed as the CEO of Oman’s budget airline SalamAir. With a career spanning over eight years as a CEO in the aviation sector, Hamilton-Manns brings a wealth of experience and a fresh strategic vision to the airline. HamiltonManns’ appointment marks a significant phase for

Aftab Patel

CEO, Al Omaniya Financial Services

degree in Science from University of New Haven, USA. The Gulf Mushroom Products Company is an Omani public company listed on the Muscat Stock Exchange.

Established in 1997, it has its head office and flagship mushroom farm in Barka besides a state-of-art compost factory in Thumrait and a branch in UAE. The company is largely export oriented and moves about 90 per cent of its production to markets outside Oman.

SalamAir, as the airline seeks to expand its horizons and enhance operational efficiencies. His career spans 28 years in aviation executive management, with a notable 14 years dedicated to the low-cost airline industry. His previous roles at renowned airlines such as South African Airways, Virgin Australia and FlyArystan highlight his capability to drive significant growth in challenging market environments.

Dr. Aflah Al Hadhrami

Managing Director, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO)

Dr Aflah al Hadhrami was recently appointed as the managing director of Petroleum Development Oman (PDO). He is the first Omani national to head the company. Dr Aflah has been working in the Oil and Gas sector for almost three decades starting in the early 1990s and has excelled in executive, operational and commercial roles, in multinationals and government. Prior to his appointment at PDO, he served as the CEO of Integrated Gas Company (IGC). He also served as the CEO of Alshawamikh Oil Services, where he drove exponential business growth. His professional career started with Petroleum Development of Oman (PDO),

Aftab Patel is the founding member, promoter, and CEO of Al Omaniya Financial Services, the premier non-banking financial institution in the Sultanate. Al Omaniya has evolved from a humble beginning in 1997 to a pioneer and unequivocal leader in its industry. Aftab Patel is a commerce graduate and a chartered accountant. He started his career with AF Ferguson and Co in Mumbai and then moved to Associated Cement Company. He moved to Muscat in 1984 and was with Omar Zawawi Establishment (OMZEST). In 1990, he was appointed profit centre head for Bank Muscat. In 1997, he helped found Al Omaniya along with a group of investment bankers and pension funds. Patel was listed among 50

and thereafter followed increasingly important and senior leadership roles at various oil and gas organisations namely in senior supply chain management positions at Oman Refinery LLC, Schlumberger Overseas S.A, and Occidental Oil and Gas Corporation where he was VP of Middle East Supply Chain Management (VP ME SCM). Dr. Aflah also worked in BP, managing the Middle East Region as Regional Director for BP Exploration Middle East.

He holds a PhD from the University of Liverpool (UK) in Business Management. He is also a member of the Royal Chartered Institute (MCIPS UK) and CILT. In addition to his work in Oil and Gas, he lectured for 5 years at Sultan Qaboos University as an adjunct lecturer at the College of Economy and Political Science.

best CEOs in the GCC in a ranking by INSEAD Business School and Deloitte for the year 2016, and was conferred with Lifetime Achievement Award at the GCC Banking Summit in 2016. Under his stewardship and vision, the company has been rated as the number one Non-Banking Financial Institution by Ernst & Young in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2012. The company has also been rated as number one Non-Banking Financial Institution by OER and GBCM, when they first instituted this award in the year 2012. Patel is on the board of directors of Dhofar Cattle Feed SAOG and also chairs the board Audit Committee. He is a board member of Oman India Friendship association since its inception in 2020 and has also been nominated as the Board member of Indo Gulf chamber of Commerce Oman Chapter (under formation).

Ahmed Al Esry

Dr. Ahmed Al Abri

CEO, ASYAD Ports

A senior executive with demonstrable, consistent business accomplishments. He has extensive experience with critical business processes and drivers in a global maritime industry manipulated by multiple markets and economies.

Dr. Ahmed started his career as a Junior Naval Architect with Vosper Thorneycroft Shipbuilding yard

Managing Partner EY Muscat and MENA Tax Leader

Ahmed Al Esry is the Managing Partner of EY Muscat office and MENA Tax Leader. Ahmed’s experience spans across servicing oil and gas, construction, manufacturing and financial services industries where he has led tax advisory, audit, and consulting assignments across the region. He has assisted with the acquisition of new businesses for both local and multinational companies,

Ahmed Al Mahrizi

Group CEO, Nama Group

in Southampton, then spent years with the Omani Navy which he left as a chief naval architect. He gained first-hand knowledge of shipbuilding and extensive maritime experience from participating in major projects in UK, Singapore, Holland and Romania.

He then became the Deputy CEO of Oman Drydock Company in Duqm for three years before becoming the CEO of Oman’s Ports operations and management company “ASYAD Ports” in 2018.

leading on multi country tax due diligence projects. Ahmed was actively involved in introducing Islamic Banking in Oman, working closely with the banking industry and Central Bank of Oman. He joined EY over 20 years ago from Petroleum Development Oman, the national oil company of Oman. Ahmed holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Nairobi, Kenya. He is also a member of the ACCA, UK.

Ahmed Al Musalmi

CEO, Sohar International

Ahmed Al Musalmi was appointed as the CEO of Sohar International in May 2018. In his role as CEO, Al Musalmi spearheads the bank’s efforts towards further realising exponential and sustainable growth. Prior to joining Sohar International, Al Musalmi was the CEO of National Bank of Oman (NBO) for four years.

Before that he had served as the deputy CEO, general manager and chief operating officer at NBO. Under his leadership, NBO focussed on delivering long-term sustainable growth and promoting a culture of high

Ahmed Al Mahrizi currently holds the position of Group CEO of Nama Group. He earlier held the position of acting Vice President at Nama Holding, with the key responsibility to spearhead the implementation of a nationwide programme of reforming the water and wastewater sector in the Sultanate of Oman.

Additionally, he was responsible for executing the initiative of privatisation of the electricity companies within Nama

performance and excellence across the organisation. Al Musalmi’s career spans more than two decades and has included senior leadership roles at National Bank of Abu Dhabi and Majan International Bank.

He is a graduate of Harvard Business School, holds an MBA with distinction from the University of Luton, UK and international diploma in financial services. He is also a chartered market analyst with financial analyst designate, chartered portfolio manager and chartered wealth manager. Al Musalmi is a fellow of the American Academy of Financial Management and has attended a number of advanced programmes.

Group. Prior to this, Ahmed held various management positions in the telecom arena. Notably, a 10-year tenure as Vice President at Virgin Mobile Middle East and Africa, in which Ahmed played a key role in starting up new telecom businesses in multiple geographies including Oman, UAE, KSA, Jordan, Malaysia, and South Africa.

Ahmed completed his bachelor’s degree in Commerce and Economics from Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman. He has also attended executive leadership courses at IMD and other renowned institutes.

Ahmed Barwani

CEO, Muna Noor

Ahmed Al-Azkawi

Chief Executive- Upstream, OQ

Ahmed is the OQ Upstream Chief Executive responsible for Exploration, Production and the Gas Network. His career in Oil and Gas started with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) in 1997 as a petroleum engineer. Where he worked in gas fields, light oil, heavy oil, and enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Ahmed was posted in the USA to work in EOR before returning to PDO as a Well and Reservoir Management TL, a cluster manager and later

a senior value assurance consultant. Prior to his present role, Ahmed was the head of procurement, contracts, and inventory in OQ and was the CEO of Oman Logistics company SAOC (Khazaen) before joining OQ.

Ahmed Barwani is the CEO of Muna Noor, a leading Omani manufacturing company specialising in advanced piping systems and innovative water solutions. With a strong engineering and business administration background, Ahmed has spearheaded numerous initiatives to enhance sustainability and efficiency within the

Dr. Amor Al Matani

industry. Under his leadership, Muna Noor has expanded its market reach, embracing cutting-edge technologies and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Ahmed’s vision and strategic acumen have positioned the company as a key player in the region’s infrastructure development, driving progress and contributing to the economic growth of Oman.

Sheikh Aiman Al Hosni

CEO, Oman Airports

Sheikh Aiman Ahmed Al Hosni led the seamless grand opening of Salalah Airport in June 2015, Muscat Airport in March 2018 and Duqm Airport in August 2018. Under his leadership, the new Muscat International Airport was awarded three World Travel Awards in 2018 and 2019, and was named the World’s Leading New Airport in 2018. In 2018, Salalah International Airport was certified by Skytrax as the first 5-Star Regional Airport in the Middle East.

In September 2019, Muscat International Airport received the prestigious Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Award for being the most improved Airport

and Finance at the Royal Hospital, Oman’s largest hospital for specialised medical care.

CEO, Oman LNG Development Foundation (ODF)

Dr. Amor is the CEO of Oman LNG Development Foundation. He joined Oman LNG in 2002 as Deputy CEO. After graduating from Teesside University, the United Kingdom in 1999 with a degree in Instrumentation and Control Engineer, he joined Petroleum Development Oman in upstream operations and commissioning.

In 1993, he moved to the Ministry of Health where he occupied a number of executive positions, including Deputy Director General for Administration

He completed his MBA (Newcastle) in 1997 before being appointed as Director General for Sur Industrial Estate in the Public Establishment of Industrial Estates (Madayn).

Keenly interested in academics, he completed a PhD in Business Sustainability, and is a member on a number of university and technical college boards, and is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for OLNG’s HAS school. He is also Chairman of OLNG’s Tender Board.

Ali Issa Shammas

CEO, Nama Dhofar Services Company

Ali Al Lawati

Country Leader for Oman & Yemen-CISCO

Ali Al Lawati is the Country Leader for Oman and Yemen- CISCO. With more than 20 years of experience in the Omani ICT market, Al Lawati has held various roles within the sector, including as CEO and Consultant and Head of Projects, in addition to having served on the Board of Directors for a commercial data centre entity. Prior to joining Cisco, Al Lawati was the CEO

Ali Issa Shammas is the CEO of Nama Dhofar Services Company. He has vast experience in the industry and his previous roles include CEO of Dhofar Power Company and General Manager, General Cargo Terminal at Port of Salalah.

Ali Kashoob

of Nasma Telecommunications and the Head of IT and Telecommunications Projects at Petroleum Development Oman. Ali holds a double master’s degree: one for communications systems and signal processing from Bristol University in the UK and the second in business administration (MBA) from the Strathclyde University, also in the UK. He earlier received his bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering from Sultan Qaboos University in Oman.

In the electricity sector, Nama Dhofar has undertaken several projects, which include the construction of primary substations and the expansion of the distribution network. The company has also activated several new electricity distribution projects for a reliable and uninterrupted supply of electricity during the Khareef season.

CEO, Atyab Food Industries.

Ali Kashoob is the CEO of Atyab Food Industries, a homegrown Omani brand and one of the leading industrial bakeries in the Gulf region. Kashoob has over 16 years of experience in different fields such as project management, strategic marketing, and Business planning. Ali is also a Board Member of Oman Manufacturers’ Association.

He holds a Master degree from Strathclyde University in Business Management and a bachelor’s degree from Sultan Qaboos University in Information system and is an alumni of the National CEO Program.

Ali Al Mani

CEO, Alizz Islamic Bank

Ali Al Mani is the CEO of Alizz Islamic Bank. Ali has over 22 years of experience in the Finance and Banking industry in both Islamic and Conventional banks, with expertise across areas of Corporate Banking, Retail Banking, Operations, Finance, Project Management and Technology. He has held various leadership positions at major local banks and prior to joining Alizz Islamic Bank, Al Mani was the Deputy CEO of

National Finance Company overseeing the performance of one of the largest finance companies in Oman. Ali Al Mani holds a Master’s degree in Innovation, Leadership and Management from York University, United Kingdom. He also has a Bachelor’s of Arts in Computer Applications and Internet from the University of Bedfordshire, United Kingdom, in addition to a number of specialised qualifications in Banking and Finance.

Anacin Kum

CEO, Hutchison Ports Sohar

With an impressive work history and knowledge of three decades in the maritime logistics industry, Anacin Kum started his career in the shipping business and held various senior executive positions in P&O Nedlloyd before joining Hutchison Ports in 1998. Kum was assigned to its investment in the Sultanate of Oman as the CEO of Hutchison Ports Sohar since 2018, overseeing the container terminal business. Prior to Sohar Port, Kum held various CEO and senior

Ashraf Hamed Al Mamari

Group CEO, OQ

Ashraf Al Mamari has over 19 years of experience in various organisational leadership roles, including Human Resources, Corporate Affairs, and Strategic Management. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in General Management from Sultan Qaboos University and is currently enrolled in a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme with Coventry University. Al Mamari has held multiple leadership positions in the energy

Bader Al Zidi

CEO, Vodafone Oman

management positions of Hutchison Ports’ investments in the Middle East and Africa region including Saqr Port of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab of Emirates, Dar es Salaam Port in Tanzania and the world busiest ports in Shanghai, Yantian & Hong Kong in China.

Hutchison Ports is the port and related services division of CK Hutchison Holdings Limited (CK Hutchison). Hutchison Ports is the world’s leading port investor, developer and operator with a network of port operations in 52 ports spanning 26 countries throughout Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, the Americas and Australasia.

sector in Oman and abroad. He joined OQ in 2013 as a Learning and Development Manager in one of the Company’s legacy companies, Takatuf Oman.

He then worked in OQ Exploration and Production and OQ Chemicals in Germany before leading the People, Technology and Culture function of OQ. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of Abraj since 2017 and a member of the Board of Directors of Marafiq since 2023. He was previously a member of the Board of Directors of OPAL and InstOG.

Bader Al Zidi was appointed CEO of Vodafone in Oman in October 2021, with almost two decades of experience working in ICT. His business and strategic acumen, coupled with a forward-thinking digital perspective, helped him navigate the successful set-up and launch of the third telecom operator in the Sultanate of Oman.

Al Zidi’s career started with Omantel, before moving to Oman Broadband, where he ascended to become CEO in 2020. Under his leadership, the company surpassed targets and achieved several operational milestones, including the introduction of new products

Badar Mohammed Al Nadabi

CEO, Mwasalat

Badar Mohammed Al Nadabi is the CEO of Mwasalat, Oman’s national transport company. He has experience that spans over 26 years in senior leadership positions, including Marketing, Technology, Finance, Human Resources, Supply Chain & Corporate Affairs. He also has extensive experience in developing corporate culture and driving change & digital transformation projects. Oman National Transport Company “Mwasalat,” a member of ASYAD Group, has been engaged in offering a modern and efficient public transport

such as Leased Capacity services; significant growth of its annual revenues to more than RO18mn; and increased sales volumes to more than 150,000 active broadband connections across Oman, in line with the Sultanate’s National Broadband Strategy. During his time at Oman Broadband, he represented the company as a Board Member in the FTTH MENA council and chaired the Policy and Regulation Committee. Al Zidi holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) and a Master’s (MBA) in Business Administration and Management from the University of Strathclyde, UK. In addition, he has a certification in Corporate Finance and Strategy from London School of Economics, UK, and a Master of Program Management from George Washington University, United States.

system. Mwasalat is reshaping its business units to ensure they are equipped to take advantage of emerging trends in public service sector.

These steps are targetted at making Mwasalat more agile, cost-efficient with the focus to improving safety, reliability, and quality of public transport services. Mwasalat has invested in developing intelligent transportation system, with the aim of creating additional values and enhancing customer satisfaction and is working on a daily basis with its stakeholders to provide a World-Class Public Transport service.

Bassam Yousef Al Ibrahim

CEO, Ooredoo Oman

Bassam Yousef Al Ibrahim is the CEO of Ooredoo Oman, since March 1, 2023. Bassam moved to Ooredoo Oman from his role as Chief Executive Officer of Ooredoo Algeria, bringing to his new position over 20 years of experience in the telecoms industry and in several leadership roles within the Group. He is a member of the Boards of Ooredoo Tunisia. During his tenure as Ooredoo Algeria’s CEO, Bassam successfully steered the company through the challenges of the pandemic

Con Korfiatis

CEO, Oman Air

Con Korfiatis is the CEO of Oman Air. He has extensive aviation experience, including leadership roles across Asia Pacific and the Middle East. A highly accomplished leader with over 30 years of experience in the aviation industry, he is set to steer Oman Air’s ongoing transformation, which aims to turn the airline’s financial operations around. His three-decadelong career includes numerous CEO appointments

Devaki Gulabsi Khimji

Executive Director, Al Tasnim Group

and realised great successes, including conducting a major network modernisation project across the country, which led to a significant increase in customer base and a substantial improvement in revenues year on year. Under his leadership, Ooredoo Algeria had also bagged a number of awards, including the ‘Best Exemplary Employer’ accolade for its human resources strategy during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Global Carrier Award in the Best ESG initiative category and many more.

across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, with notable accomplishments including founding four start-up initiatives in Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Singapore and China. He has also held a string of other executive management roles in finance, strategy, commercial, alliances, operations, network, branding and marketing, across some of the world’s most successful airlines.

Dawood bin Salim Al Hadabi

CEO, Madayn

Eng. Dawood bin Salim Al Hadabi is the CEO of Madayn. With his Master in Business Administration and Information Technology from Coventry University and Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Glasgow Caledonian University, Eng. Dawood Al Hadabi has over 24 years of expertise

Devaki Gulabsi Khimji’s journey in Al Tasnim Group began in 2012 and has been an extremely dynamic one so far. Upon joining, she restructured the group into manageable divisions and with focused approach and sheer dedication navigated and propelled the group in the right direction through the introduction of new product lines. She has led the group to become one of the most diverse, dynamic, professional, ingenious and successful business conglomerates in Oman and other

GCC countries. Khimji combines her passion for fitness with a keen business sense, which has made her one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the fitness industry.

She is solely responsible for the smooth functioning of all K11 projects, which have grown from a band of 11 people to a company with almost 400 employees due to her vision and management abilities. She has served as the managing director and partner of India Circus, a company dedicated to online retail of lifestyle products in India. Her business acumen and foresight were essential to India Circus’ launch and financial growth.

S Durgaprasad

Group CEO, Bahwan CyberTek Group

S. Durgaprasad is the co-founder, director and group CEO of the Bahwan CyberTek Group, a global provider of digital transformation solutions. In his experience, spanning over 30 years, he has led several organizations in their growth journeys making them strategic business partners. A people-centric leader, Durgaprasad brings a unique combination of intense focus on value delivery, business acumen, and hyper customer centricity that have been instrumental in elevating Bahwan CyberTek Group’s standing in the global IT landscape. His hands-on leadership has carried the organisation from strength to strength, facilitating its growth and today

Emile Hoogsteden

CEO, SOHAR Port

Emile Hoogsteden is the CEO of SOHAR Port, a joint venture of the Port of Rotterdam Authority and ASYAD Group. Emile has worked for the Port of Rotterdam Authority for 15 years and served as VicePresident Commercial. Emile brings a solid track record of building and managing robust business strategies in the global logistics’ industry.

His stellar background will continue to pave the

stands tall as a 4000+ member-strong organisation, catering to over 1,000 global customers. Durgaprasad’s deep understanding of the market and his passion for creating a world-class IP-driven organisation have led to the launch of BCT’s flagship product suites, joint ventures and multiple global business initiatives.

Based on the growth and evolution of BCT, the company was featured in two case studies by Stanford University making Bahwan CyberTek the only organisation from the region to be featured by Stanford University. An Engineer from College of Engineering (Anna University), Chennai, DP did his management development programme at Kellogg and XLRI.

way for more growth opportunities for the port and tenants at SOHAR. Under this new leadership, SOHAR will continue to be one of the fastest-growing Port and Freezone complexes in the world.

To date, the company has attracted close to $30bn in investments by serving diverse industries including metals, raw materials, and plastics to name a few. As a future-ready port capable of welcoming the world’s largest container vessels, SOHAR will take a leading role in achieving the national economic priorities within the Oman 2040 Vision.

Erkan Aydogdu

CEO, Oman Cables Industry

Erkan Aydogdu is the CEO of Oman Cables Industry. Aydogdu, coming from his recent position as the CEO of Oceania and Southeast Asia at the Prysmian Group, brings a wealth of experience from his various roles within the Prysmian Group. He holds a Global Executive MBA from SDA Bocconi University in Milan, earned between 2015 and 2017.

Oman Cables Industry holds a prominent position

Haitham Mohamed Ali Al Fannah

CEO, Oman Flour Mills

Haitham Mohamed Al Fannah was appointed as CEO of Oman Flour Mills (OFM) in April 2018. Prior to joining OFM, Al Fannah spent 17 years at Al-Sulaimi Group, and had been CEO of the company since March 2016. He was earlier the chief operations officer. Al Fannah received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Missouri, St

among the top 100 global wire and cable producers. It is recognised for its advanced facilities and outstanding services, offering a comprehensive range of electrical products. These products include medium voltage power cables, low voltage power and control cables, instrumentation cables, pilot cables, overhead power transmission line conductors, and building wires. Aydogdu has strong capabilities in areas including logistics, continuous improvement, research and development, quality assurance, and management.

Louis, USA, and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Strathclyde, UK.

Oman Flour Mills is engaged in the milling and food processing sector. The company’s primary activities are milling of wheat and other cereals, flour sales, and the processing and sale of animal feed. The company’s flour products are sold under the Dahabi brand, while its feed products are marketed under the Barakat brand.

Hamed Al Naamany

CEO, Oman LNG

Hamed Al Naamany is the CEO of Oman LNG. Hamed assumed charge at a time when Oman LNG embarked on a two-pronged strategy designed, on one hand, to boost output through a major debottlenecking exercise coupled with the power project to reduce Greenhouse Gases (GHG) footprint; and on the other, to extend the life of the LNG business well beyond its current concession that expires in 2025. He has over 20 years in the industry, including working at Oman LNG and

Hamed bin Salim al Maghdri

CEO, Al Maha Petroleum Products Marketing Company

Hamed bin Salim al Maghdri is the CEO of Al Maha Petroleum Products Marketing Company. Since joining, Al Maghdri has been utilising his significant oil and gas experience to strengthen the company’s foundations and grow sales revenues and profits, while delivering a high-value added service to its primary customers throughout Oman.

international roles in LNG Ventures in Europe, the United States and Canada. During his tenure, Hamed held diverse roles in Technical Operations, Production and Project Management, and Business Development.

In 2016, Hamed returned to Oman LNG from international assignment to lead the LNG plant rejuvenation, Power Project and the Debottlenecking Project prior to his appointment as Oman LNG’s Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer.

Al Maha supplies high-quality fuel and petroleum-based products to the retail, industrial and aviation markets. Its network of over 195 service stations is supported by an effective and efficient distribution organisation.

As one of the three major petroleum products marketing companies operating in the Sultanate, Al Maha offers first-class customer service while providing value for money. The company strives to continually develop and improve its products and services.

Hamoud Sultan Saif Al Hosni

CEO, Muscat Bay

Sheikh Hamood Sultan Saif Al Hosni is the CEO of Muscat Bay, a luxury community nestled in a picturesque natural cove at the foot of the Al Hajar mountains. Muscat Bay, previously known as Saraya Bandar Jissah, was formed in 2008 through a partnership between Saraya Oman Holdings and the Government of Oman’s tourism development and investment arm, Omran. In his current role, Al Hosni provides direction and guidance in the strategic development and execution of the project, as well as building and enhancing relationships with

Dr. Hammoud bin Rashid Al Tobi

CEO, Galfar Engineering and Contracting Company

Dr. Hammoud bin Rashid Al Tobi is the CEO of Galfar Engineering and Contracting Company.

Dr. Al Tobi is an accomplished CEO with a track record of working or complex assignments and

regulatory bodies, government agencies, industry specialists, key account clients, and the public at large. In addition, Al Hosni oversees all matters related to marketing and sales, financial modelling and project finance, and nurtures a work culture that places integrity and personal growth at the centre of its ethos.

Al Hosni began his career in 1994 as a civil engineer at Muscat Municipality, where he went on to become director general of technical affairs in 2007. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Sultan Qaboos University in 1994.

leading organisational transformations. Al Tobi has spent over 16 years working within the oil and gas industry, having served with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and Royal Dutch Shell.

Over the past six years, Al Tobi had been spearheading Al Shawamikh OiI Services as CEO, making significant achievements and reforms during his tenure.

Hanaa Al Hinai is the CEO of Liva Insurance, one of the leading insurance players in Oman. She began her career over two decades ago in the banking industry in one of Australia’s largest banks, Westpac, in the field of Financial Advisory for a couple of years, followed by 16 years in the banking sector in Oman. This diverse background provided a strong foundation in retail banking, investments, digital transformation, strategy implementations, product innovation, and understanding of regulatory frameworks. In 2021, she joined RSA Middle

Harssha Shetty

CEO, Jindal Shadeed Iron and Steel

Harssha Shetty is the Chief Executive Officer of Jindal Shadeed Iron & Steel LLC. (JSIS). Located in Oman and with a capacity of 2.4 million tons per annum, JSIS is one of the largest integrated steel producers in the Gulf of Arabia, and has one of the lowest carbon footprints in the

Hilal Saif Al Dhamri

Group CEO, Raysut Cement Company

East as the Deputy CEO for UAE and Bahrain operations before joining Al Ahlia Insurance in Oman as the CEO. She has participated in numerous leadership programmes, including the Oman National CEO programme with IMD, London Business School, Queen University to name a few.

These educational and leadership trainings have been instrumental in shaping her strategic vision and contributed to receiving awards such as the ‘Premium Insurtech CEO of the Year’ and ‘Insurance CEO of the Year’ and “Woman of the Year.” A significant milestone in her career was overseeing the successful integration of NLGIC and Al Ahlia Insurance.

international steel industry. Harssha has 20 plus years of diversified leadership experience in Aluminium, Zinc and Steel industries. His past leadership roles include Chief Marketing Officer with Jindal Steel & Power Ltd India, Chief Marketing Officer-Aluminium business (BALCO & Vedanta Aluminium) and Chief Marketing OfficerHindustan Zinc Ltd (Vedanta Group) and member of the Executive Committees in the Vedanta group companies.

Hilal Ali Al Kharusi

Chief Executive-Commercial and Downstream, OQ

With over 29 years of international business experience in the energy sector, Kharusi is the Vice President of Retail at OQ, and is responsible for developing and driving OQ global retail business strategy locally and internationally. He started his career with Petroleum Development Oman and Shell International managing a number of energy projects across the Middle East,

CIS, Africa and Russia. Prior to joining OQ, Hilal was the Executive Vice President for Emerging Businesses at Oman Oil Company where he developed large-scale energy projects locally, managed the Group’s international M&A activities, and was responsible for managing a diverse energy portfolio. Currently, he serves as Board Chairman in Oman Oil Marketing Company and Chairman in Oman Sustainable Water Services. Hilal holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geosciences - Economic Geography in 1999 and an MBA in 2007 from the UK.

Dr. Hilal Al Dhamri is the Group CEO of Raysut Cement Company since May 14, 2024. He has over 24 years of experience in the Cement industry. RCC is the largest Cement Company in Oman that has capacity production of 6.5-million-ton cement annually having several subsidiaries in Oman and internationally.

Dr. Hilal received his MSc in Chemistry from Sultan Qaboos University, Oman in 2010 and PhD in Civil Engineering from University of Leeds, United

Kingdom in 2019. He was awarded MBA from Hut International Business School in London in 2021. He has made significant contributions towards the growth of the cement industry in Oman.

His work has helped elevate the cement sector to lead in the circular economy and integrate industries in Oman to achieve best-in-class waste management. He has published extensively in several peer-reviewed international journals. His research has been applied in industry, including the utilisation of byproducts from aluminum smelters, petroleum refineries, and oil drilling operations.

Hassan Mohammed Juma

Chairman and Managing Director, Al Osool Group

Hassan Mohammed Juma is the Chairman & Managing Director of Al Osool Group. With over 25 years of leadership experience in various aspects of business management, including real estate, industry, project management, banking, and business development; he oversees the Group’s strategic direction and continual growth.

Hasan Yaseen Al-Lawati

CEO, Oman Qatar Insurance Company (OQIC)

Hasan Yaseen Al-Lawati is a prominent figure in the insurance industry, serving as the CEO of Oman Qatar Insurance Company (OQIC) since 2020. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping the company’s success. Under his guidance, OQIC seamlessly integrated its operations with Vision Insurance, solidifying its market presence and showcasing Hasan’s strategic vision and ability to navigate complex business environments. This achievement earned him recognition as one of the top 100 CEOs in the Middle East, highlighting his exceptional leadership and impact on the industry. Hasan’s academic background and professional experience highlight his commitment to

He has also chaired Oman Real Estate Association in the past and has acted as a Mentor in the Public Authority for SME Development (Riyada).

He is also a member of the Entrepreneurs Organisation, as well as a Member of the International Real Estate Federation for Arab Countries(FIABCI). Additionally, he was awarded Business Leader of the Year of 2018.

achieving exceptional results. He possesses a Bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance and Institutional Risk Management from Monash University. Further demonstrating his dedication to continuous learning, he has pursued certifications from renowned institutions, including Strategic Decision Making and Risk Management from Stanford University USA, ACII from the British Insurance Institute, and Institutional Innovation Certificate from Stanford University USA. Hasan actively contributes to the industry’s governance through his board positions. He serves as a Director for the Oman Insurance Association and a Vice Chairman for the Board of Directors of Omani Unified Bureau of the Orange Card. Hasan combined expertise, strategic thinking, and leadership have positioned him as a driving force shaping the future of the insurance industry.

Hashil bin Obaid Al Mahrouqi CEO, OMRAN Group

Hashil Al Mahrouqi spearheads the OMRAN Group, as its CEO. Under his able leadership, OMRAN Group, the executive arm for tourism development in the Sultanate of Oman, is on a consistent path towards the development, and progress of the tourism sector, viably contributing to drive growth, economic diversification, and boost investment returns, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and the National Tourism Strategy. Al Mahrouqi’s distinguished experience in the management of a range of mixed-use real estate developments and tourism investments, managing local and international real

Himansu Mohapatra

Group General Manager, Al Tamman Investments LLC

Himansu Mohapatra is the Group General Manager of Al Tamman Investments LLC, which is primarily engaged in investment activities including security portfolio and other businesses through the subsidiaries and associate companies. Himansu has over 18 years’ experience that spans into investment banking, portfolio management, private equity, real estate development, strategic management and organisational development. He has set up, acquired and managed multiple new businesses and projects for the Group in real estate,

estate investment portfolios in the sectors of hospitality, entertainment, logistics, retail and multi-purpose projects, has helped enrich the OMRAN Group’s strategic direction, and way forward business plans. He has held many senior positions in the Oman Investment Authority and named to a number of Boards of Directors and associated committees within the Authority’s real estate investments in both the United Kingdom and the Republic of Germany. Al Mahrouqi holds a PHD in Philosophy - Information Studies from Sultan Qaboos University, in addition to multiple academic and professional qualifications in the fields of investment, real estate management and leadership from prestigious institutions, including the Harvard Business School, and the INSEAD International Business School.

education, healthcare, industrial, aquaculture, media & communication, entertainment and hospitality sector. He holds directorship in several companies including Gulf Investment Services Company SAOG, Deepak Oman LLC, Al Tamman Group Limited, MOG Holding Limited and English Education Management Company LLC. He is also a member of the Executive Committee of Muscat Overseas Group Companies. His key fortes are investment evaluation, fund raising, deal structuring and negotiation, strategic tie-ups, setting up new ventures and executing exit strategies. He holds a Master Degree in Commerce (Advance Accountancy) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management (Finance).

Hussein bin Ali Al Lawati

these roles, he managed substantial assets and fostered strong relationships with partners and customers.

Development Bank (DB) is at the forefront of financing development and economic diversification in the Sultanate of Oman. Through the provision of tailored business loans and working capital for start-ups, SMEs and large enterprises in sectors key to Oman Vision 2040, DB plays a vital role in promoting sustainable economic growth and prosperity across the nation.

Ibrahim bin Sultan Alhosni

Acting CEO, Oman Post and Asyad Express

Ibrahim Alhosni was appointed as the Acting CEO of Oman Post and ASYAD Express with a vision to reduce Oman Post’s dependence on government subsidies and make Asyad Express a local and internationally successful e-commerce entity. Alhosni has a wide spectrum of experience spanning over 24 years both in private and government sectors through his work at Arthur Anderson, Ernst and Young, Ministry of Finance, OMRAN, Duqm Development Co, Asyad, Oman Road and Transport Management Co. and currently at Oman Post and Asyad

Express. He was Head of Investment Section at Ministry of Finance and represented MOF in the boards and committees of several large organisations such as PDO, SGRF, Oman Air, ODC, etc. During his time at MOF, he made significant contribution towards the establishment of The Wave Muscat (Al Mouj Muscat) and the government’s takeover of Oman Air to bring economic benefits to the country. In OMRAN, Alhosni was monitoring the performance of all joint venture ITC investments such as Sifah, Salalah, Muscat Bay and Yiti and creation of new JVs. As the CEO of DDC, he was overlooking the investment and development of real estate business.

Jamie Hoyzer

CEO, Siemens Oman

Ibrahim Al Sulaimi

CEO, Al-Sulaimi Group Holding

Ibrahim Al Sulaimi is the visionary CEO of Al Sulaimi Group Holding, a role he has excelled in for several years. His leadership has been pivotal in guiding the Group Companies through significant transformations and driving remarkable growth. Under his stewardship, Al Sulaimi Group Holding has become a dominant force in its sector, achieving notable milestones in strategic expansion and operational excellence. Ibrahim’s strategic foresight and business skills have been instrumental in enhancing the company’s market leadership and

Jamie Hoyzer is the CEO of Siemens Oman. He joined the Siemens apprenticeship programme in 2002 and continued to work for the company in various roles in Germany, the UAE and Oman over the course of his career. He became the General Manager of Siemens in Oman in 2021 and CEO of Siemens in Oman in October 2022.

Hoyzer is a seasoned manager with broad experience across the Siemens portfolio. In the past two decades, he has held multiple positions of increasing

broadening its portfolio of products and services. Before assuming his current role, Ibrahim held key positions including CEO of TTC, General Manager, Divisional Manager, Marketing and Business Development Manager. Throughout his career journey, he has shown a strong commitment to forging strategic partnerships and implementing innovative business strategies that drive organizational success. Ibrahim’s leadership philosophy prioritizes customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and sustainable business practices. He continues to lead Al Sulaimi Group Holding towards new heights, solidifying its reputation as a forward-thinking industry leader committed to excellence and innovation.

responsibility in management, production, finance, controlling, sales and tendering, customer relationships and project management. As a business executive, Hoyzer is an advocate of implementing technologies in infrastructure and industries that transform our lives and protect our planet. These days his focus is on melding technologies – such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, additive manufacturing, 5G and the future of automation – into a cohesive bundle that will create immense value for Siemens’ customers.

Keld Mosgaard Christensen

Keld Mosgaard Christensen is the CEO of Port of Salalah. Christensen most recently served as Managing Director of APM Terminals (APMT) Poti in Georgia. Christensen has vast industry experience, most recently from having successfully served as MD of APM Terminals Poti in Georgia.

Kenneth Macfarlane

Managing Partner- Oman

KPMG Lower Gulf

Kenneth Macfarlane is the Managing Partner-Oman of KPMG Lower Gulf. He has been in the Middle East region for over 20 years, primarily based in Oman, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. He was previously the senior partner for another big four firm in Oman and Bahrain.

Kenneth’s primary focus is providing audit and related accounting services to financial services clients, and

He joined A.P. Moller - Maersk in 1997, later worked outside the company for several years for ISS A/S and for the Danish foreign service as Consul General in Istanbul, before he moved to Poti in 2019. Christensen has held various leadership positions during more than 25 years of experience and holds a Master of Science in Air Transport Management from City University, London and a Master of Laws, LLM, from Aarhus University.

he also has extensive experience in advisory and compliance engagements. In the Lower Gulf, KPMG has been established since 1973, with practices in the UAE and Oman. Being a leading professional services firm, KPMG has a reputation of delivering cuttingedge solutions and exceptional client value. With over 100 partners, directors and associate directors leading 1250 professionals across offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Muscat, KPMG works with its clients, assisting them in solving their most complex business issues in support of their growth objectives.

Khalid Al Kayed CEO, Bank Nizwa

Khalid Al Kayed who is the CEO of Bank Nizwa is a financial industry veteran with over 25 years of experience. Al Kayed was the chief finance officer of the bank before taking on the current responsibility. As the CEO, he is responsible for spearheading the bank’s overall business growth and strategies.

He won the Best Islamic Bank CEO at the New Age Banking Summit (NABS) and at the Global Islamic

Khalid Al-Araimi

Country Manager, Future Pipe Industries

Khalid Al-Araimi is an experienced top-level executive who has made a significant and lasting contribution to business operations management. Boasting over 24 years of experience in the energy sector, his skills and knowledge are in high demand by notable local and international organizations, serving regions across the MENA, Southern Asia, Africa, GCC, and the UK. AlAraimi’s strategic approach to business has consistently resulted in increased revenue generation, showcasing his adeptness at seizing strategic opportunities and implementing high-value business strategies. His leadership roles in companies such as Future Pipe Industry, Zenith Oilfield Technology, MI-SWACO, and Gulf Energy SAOC have been pivotal in driving business transformation and restructuring. Al-Araimi’s

of Management Accountants and an alumni of Columbia Business School. Prior to joining Bank Nizwa, Al Kayed held various posts in a host of well-respected financial institutions including deputy CEO and chief financial officer at Jordan Dubai Islamic Bank, chief financial officer at Standard Chartered Bank Jordan and financial controller at offshore banking unit of Jordan National Bank Cyprus.

accomplishments extend beyond business operations, with a robust academic background that includes an MBA from Hull University and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Innovation & Design Thinking from MIT.

Al-Araimi’s blend of strategic acumen, leadership, and commitment to innovation continues to set him apart. Throughout his career, Al-Araimi has been instrumental in the formation of several startups. This experience has developed his entrepreneurial skills and given him a deep understanding of the venture capital landscape. His involvement in these startups has equipped him with the ability to identify promising opportunities, secure funding, and drive business growth. This hands-on experience in the startup ecosystem has been invaluable in strengthening his strategic decision-making and leadership abilities.

Majid Al Amri

CEO, Thawani Technologies

Sheikh Khalil Al Harthy

Khalil Al Harthy is an experienced leadership practitioner with a demonstrated history of working in the financial and management consulting industry. He is skilled in business planning, operations management, HR consulting, coaching, and entrepreneurship.

From 1992 to 2003, he worked as a portfolio Manager for the Central Bank of Oman and from

From his early years, Majid Al Amri was inspired by the limitless possibilities offered by computers, innovative software platforms and emerging technologies.

Guided by his spirit of innovation, Majid enrolled with Sultan Qaboos University and graduated as a Computer Engineer in 2003. He has since been using technology to augment and improve every facet of his daily life, be it personal or in the workplace.

An individual with deep experience gained in roles across numerous sectors, Majid has been involved in the start-up and establishment of few businesses

Mahmoud El Kordy

CEO, GBM Oman

2003 to 2010 as Assistant General Manager for Al Ahlia Insurance Oman. In 2010, he co-founded the Performance Factory, a management consulting firm.

He joined Credit Oman SAOC which is Oman’s ECA in 2019. He holds a bachelor’s in finance from the University of New Orleans with a double-minor in MIS and management, insurance professional certification,

in the past prior to setting up Thawani as the first Omani Mobile Payment Platform in Oman and one of the few in the region and taking up his position as Chief Executive Officer at the company.

Finally, after 10 years spent planning, Thawani Technologies LLC was established in March 2016 and app released in March 2018. Since then, it has been successfully providing smart innovative payment solutions through mobile phones and other electronic channels. The system has been tailored to meet local market requirements and comply with local and global regulations and standards such as PCI-DSST for ensuring a secure environment for the system and the work environment.

Mazin Al Lamki

CEO, Energy Development Oman (EDO)

Mazin al Lamki is the CEO of Energy Development Oman (EDO) – the newly established state-owned energy firm to fund the expansion of the Petroleum Development Oman operated Block 6 concession area and the Sultanate’s energy offerings, including renewables.

Lamki, who was serving as the chief operating officer of

Mahmoud El Kordy is the CEO of GBM Oman. El Kordy has over 30 years of experience in the IT industry internationally, and joined GBM from IBM Middle East and Africa where he held several sales and leadership positions across Systems and Big Data & Analytics.

Prior to this appointment, El Kordy was in IBM Europe for several years leading Services Sales. As GBM’s General Manager, he will lead GBM’s Oman operations to drive the company’s strategy aimed at accelerating the Oman digital transformation and aligning with Oman vision 2040. Mahmoud holds a bachelor’s degree in Engineering and a master’s degree from Maastricht School of Management in the Netherlands.

Marco Parsiegla

CEO, Amouage

Maqboul Al-Wahaiby

CEO, Oman Data Park

Maqboul Al-Wahaiby is the CEO of Oman Data Park (ODP). He joined ODP as deputy general manager in 2012 and was part of the executive management and founding team of the company. Prior to joining ODP, he worked with the government of Oman for over 20 years on strategic national IT initiatives and projects in the area of information security. Al- Wahaiby holds a Master’s degree in computer software engineering from the University of York. After graduating in 2003, he

Marco Parsiegla was appointed as CEO of Amouage in 2019, marking a new chapter in the brand’s acclaimed legacy. With a vision of global expansion, Parsiegla is transforming the business model ensuring that Amouage’s passion for beautiful creations can be experienced around the world. Not too long after his appointment, Marco had to face what has proved to be one of the most challenging times for people and businesses all over the world, COVID-19. Yet under his leadership, Amouage has been able to navigate the new normal where many companies faltered, launching several highly successful products

worked in the government sector as a project manager and provided consultancy to organisations in the public sector such as the Information Technology Authority (ITA), Royal Oman Police and Ministry of Justice. In 2004, Al-Wahaiby was promoted as an IT infrastructure section head to manage different pillars, which were software development, IT infrastructure, and information analysis. In 2010, he was appointed as deputy head of department in the government sector where he was responsible for strategic planning, resource management, software development, information technology and so on.

and adapting its services to cater to the ever-increasing demands for online service. What’s more, in the early days of the pandemic, Amouage adapted its factory operations in Muscat to make hand sanitisers in support of the country’s fight against coronavirus. With over two decades of experience in the fragrance and cosmetics industry, Parsiegla has a track record that spans marketing, sales and strategy across the luxury market. Parsiegla holds a Swiss and German nationality and has been living in various countries across Europe, in the Unites States and Australia before relocating to Oman. He holds a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering and Economics from the Technical University Karlsruhe, Germany, and is a graduate of the Harvard Business School.

Mohamed Hamed Al Maskari

CEO, Infoline

Mohamed Hamed Al Maskari is the CEO of Infoline LLC. With over 25 years of senior management experience, Maskari has held various executive positions in his previous roles. His last assignment was as the Director General of Knowledge Oasis Muscat, Oman’s First Technology Park.

Prior to this, he was heading the Information Center, Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE-

Mohsin Hani Al Bahrani

CEO, Automotive, Construction Equipment & Renewable Energy (ACERE) MHD

Mohsin Hani Al Bahrani, is the CEO of Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC’s automotive division, which has been integrated with various other functions and named as ACERE (Automotive, Construction Equipment and Renewable Energy). A business management graduate from Brunel University, London, Mohsin Hani Al Bahrani was the Director of MHD’s Automotive and Commercial Vehicles Division, before being named as the CEO of MHD ACERE. MHD is the sole distributor of brands Jaguar, Land Rover, McLaren, MG Motor, Ashok Leyland, Ford Trucks, CMC, Jetour, Hongqi, Michelin, BF Goodrich, Riken, Terex Finlay, XCMG, Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks,

Madayn) supervising all the ICT applications and as a software developer in one of the leading IT firms- Oman Information Technology (OITC). He was on the board of Oman Telecommunication Company (2007-2019) and has served as a board director in The Research Council (TRC) from 2005 until 2016. He was also appointed as the regional president of the West Asia and North Africa, WANA in the International Association of Science Park and area of innovation, IASP 2012-2014. He holds Masters in Business Administration from Bedfordshire, UK and Bachelor’s degree in Science from the Sultan Qaboos University.

Abus, and Drager in Oman. He completed his Masters of Arts in ‘Middle Eastern Studies’, achieving a distinction, at Kings College London; and has learnt the nuances of the automotive industry, by working with various stakeholders in order to bring synergies for operational efficiencies. Mohsin is also the founder of MHD Leasing LLC, which targets the tourism sector and AutoExpert, providing a range of car accessories to auto enthusiast in Oman.

He has set up 13 new sales facilities in Oman and expanded after-sales from three facilities in 2019 to 11 in 2022, which has led to MG securing the third position in car sales volume in Oman as per MEAC report. He has overseen the newly-formed HospiCare division of MHD ACERE bringing world-class medical instruments. Mohsin is the youngest person to ever chair a Sports club in Oman.

Dr. Mohammed Al Balushi

CEO, Shell Oman Marketing Company

Dr Mohammed Mahmood Al Balushi, CEO of Shell Oman Marketing Company SAOG, brings over 32 years of leadership experience across various sectors. He comes with a diverse expertise in corporate banking, equity financing, projects management, social investment, government relations in addition to energy sector. He is also currently serving as a board director in Shell Pakistan Limited, and was serving as an executive board member in Shell Oman Marketing, representing Global Shell Gas BV, as well as several government advisory boards and executive committees. Before becoming CEO, he was Shell Retail Country Manager and Senior Management Team member.

Dr. Al Balushi has been pivotal in driving Shell Oman’s growth and innovation in downstream technologies, while upholding the highest standards of HSSE, ethics, compliance, and sustainable ICV practices. He has led the company’s energy transition strategy, focusing on reducing carbon emissions and investing in renewable energy. His leadership aims for a sustainable energy future, balancing economic goals with environmental

Mohammed Al Shuaili

CEO, Phoenix Power Company

Mohammed Said Al Shuaili serves as the CEO of Phoenix Power Company since April 2022. He has over 15 years of experience in the field of electricity and water production.

Mohammed has worked extensively in the Oman electricity generation and water desalination

stewardship. Through the Powering Progress strategy, which is aligned with the country’s net zero emissions goal by 2050, his initiatives include the first solarpowered fuel station, the first EV chargers at service stations, and the introduction of carbon-neutral lubricants. He is spearheading the launch of the first green hydrogen fuel service station in Oman, which will be the first of its kind in the Middle East. His leadership has been key in the profitability of Shell Oman while navigating through different challenges, regulatory changes, internal restructuring and change programmes. Dr. Al Balushi has Doctorate in Business Administration from the UK, where he also received his MBA and a diploma in management. Additionally, he holds degrees in industrial credit and banking and financial studies.

Dr. Mohammed Al Balushi has been honoured with numerous awards, including The Exemplary Leadership Award in Oman Business Excellence Award (2020), Top Middle East CEO Award by INSEAD Business School (2019), the Best Arabian CEO in the sector by Arab Best Awards in 2018, Named among the top 50 CEOs in Oman (2018) and was awarded Shell Retail Global EVP Award in operation Excellence (2009).

sector, most recently as the PGM of the Ibri I IPP project and Ibri II Solar PV IPP Project.

Mohammed holds a Bachelor’s degree from Sultan Qaboos University in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Maintenance Management from Caledonian Engineering University.

Mohammed

Ajmal Basha CEO, Voltamp Energy

With over 29 years of experience in various business operations across India and the GCC region, Mohammed has spent more than 16 years working in Saudi Arabia and Oman. He has been associated with reputed multinational companies. His responsibilities ranged from business operations, project management, quality, testing, manufacturing, and customer services, progressing from engineering roles to leadership positions.

Starting his career in the GCC region as a General Manager, Mohammed has established a distribution transformer facility in Saudi Arabia and later advanced

to become the Assistant Vice President leading the transformer and switchgear businesses. Mohammed also served as a director in multiple joint ventures. In 2019, Mohammed joined Voltamp Energy SAOG as General Manager for the Power Transformer Unit in Sohar. He progressively took on roles such as Chief Operating Officer and Acting Chief Executive Officer, eventually becoming CEO on January 1, 2023. In this role, he reports to the board and oversees the entire business operations and profitability of the company as an authorised leader from the management team. Mohammed has a background in founding and developing companies, introducing new technologies, turning around businesses, and engaging in mergers, acquisitions, and the localisation of business entities.

Moosa Al Jadidi

CEO, Oman Housing Bank

Moosa Al Jadidi is the CEO of Oman Housing Bank. Al Jadidi is a seasoned banker with extensive industry knowledge armed with more than two decades of experience in the banking and financial industry across the Sultanate of Oman and the GCC.

As an award-winning banker, he is renowned for having expert knowledge of both conventional and Islamic Banking, notably retail banking, corporate credit, wealth management and private banking investments coupled with his focus on continuous improvement and exemplary performance. He is also an expert in digital customer

Musallam Al Maashani

CEO, Al Baraka Oilfield Services

Eng. Musallam Al Maashani is a safety-conscious veteran of the oil and gas industry who easily earns the confidence and respect of engineering teams, project crews, drilling contractors, service company representatives, peers, and key decision-makers.

Musallam has executive experience in both startup and growing organisations, with a proven track record of successfully leading project operations from start to finish, both technically and commercially. He possesses extensive knowledge of current

Najla Al Jamali

Chief Executive-Alternative Energy, OQ

experience and strategic operational management and planning. Prior to joining Oman Housing Bank, Moosa Al Jadidi was the Chief Operating Officer of Alizz Islamic Bank. Al Jadidi has extensive international and regional banking experience as he previously worked for the Royal Bank of Canada, the European Financial Group Bank as Vice President – Global Private Banking, Dubai Bank as Vice President – International Business Development and several local banks such as Bank Muscat and National Bank of Oman (NBO). Al Jadidi has a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Bedfordshire and is a graduate of the Senior Executive Program from London Business School in the UK. He is also an associate of the Canadian Institute of Bankers and a certified private banker.

economic, social, and regulatory issues in Oman.

Eng. Musallam has been the CEO of Al Baraka Oilfield Services, SAOC, Oman since January 2016. Singlehandedly, he has been responsible through his dedication and hard work to have fueled the growth of the company over the last decade from fledgling pipeline maintenance and conventional workover rigs into one of Oman’s most respected oilfield services contractors today running elaborate pipeline/flowline erection, construction, commissioning activities along with EPC projects whilst managing a ten-strong fleet of workover Hoists in the southern oilfields in the PDO concession area.

Mustafa Ahmed Salman

Chairman and CEO, United Securities

Mustafa Ahmed Salman is the Chairman and CEO of United Securities. He is also the director of Muscat Depository and Securities Registration Co., Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Oman United Insurance Company as well as a committee member of Oman Kuwait Investment Company.

Salman holds an advanced diploma in accounting, and is a holder of the International Capital Markets

Najla is the Alternative Energy CEO. She has more than 23 years of professional experience in various onshore and offshore upstream Oil and Gas operational roles, and managerial consultancy positions at globally recognised companies including Vale, Schlumberger, IHS Energy, Shell and Petroleum Development Oman (PDO). Prior to her current role, Al Jamali was appointed as Acting Executive Managing Director of Takamul

Qualification from the Securities Institute of London. He is also a registered broker with advisory license from MSM. He has close to three decades of experience in finance-related activities, of which nine years have been in government service in positions responsible for financial activities and 20 years in the Omani capital market.

United Securities initiated operations with just four employees in 1994 as a limited liability company, offering local brokerage services. Currently, the company provides a full spectrum of investment services in the local and regional markets.

Investment Company in 2016, and in 2020 she helped set up OQ’s Alternative Energy team where she became responsible for all Green Molecules Ventures.

Najla holds a Bachelor of Science degree with honours in Mathematics with Applied Mathematics/ Mathematical Physics from Imperial College, London, and attained a Master of Science degree in Financial Management from the University of London and participated in Schlumberger’s leadership programme at INSEAD, in France.

Nasser Masoud Al Sheibani

Nasser Al Sheibani is the CEO of Al Mouj Muscat, Oman’s premier waterfront development; a position he held since October 2015. Al Sheibani joined the company in 2007 and served as chief financial officer prior to his appointment as CEO. Al Sheibani takes great pride in delivering results, and throughout his career he has demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence. He was awarded the Chairman’s Award for Excellence during his tenure at Petroleum Development Oman

Nasser Saif Al Maqbali

CEO, Minerals Development Oman

Nasser Saif Al Maqbali is the CEO of Minerals Development Oman, a state-owned company that was established with a clear strategic vision to unleash the potential of the mining sector by investing directly in or enabling various projects across a range of material commodities and value chains, since April 2017.

He is also the CEO of Oman Project Management and Development Company. Nasser Saif Al Maqbali earned a

Neelmani Bhardwaj

CEO, Takaful Oman Insurance

company from 2000 to 2007 as a finance professional.

Prior to this, Al Sheibani started his career at National Bank of Oman in the treasury department from 1998 to 2000. Al Sheibani is also a non-executive board member of Oman Investment & Finance Company (a publically listed company) and chairman of its audit committee since September 2014. Al Sheibani holds a Bachelor degree in finance (with honours) from Sultan Qaboos University, and a graduate of Oman’s National CEO Programme delivered by IMD & McKinsey.

Master in Civil Engineering from University of Adelaide in 2000 and a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from The University of Salford in 1991. MDO is eyeing a host of opportunities beyond its current focus on copper-related resources in the north and northwest of the country. The company is weighing investments in prospective mineral resources at key locations around the Sultanate. Underscoring its role as a leading player in the mining industry, MDO acquired the Omani government’s 15 per cent stake in Oman Chromite Company (OCC), a publicly traded firm listed on the Muscat Securities Market (MSM).

Nasser Al Rashdi

CEO, United Finance Company

Nasser Al Rashdi, an accomplished leader and the CEO of United Finance Company, is a prominent figure in the financial industry. With an impressive track record spanning over 29 years, he has expertly managed diverse portfolios both locally and internationally. Al Rashdi holds a Master of Science in Business Engineering from the esteemed Faculte Universitaire Catholique de Mons in Belgium and is an esteemed Alumnus of the renowned London Business School. Recognised for his

Neelmani Bhardwaj is the CEO of Takaful Oman Insurance SAOG. He is a senior general insurance professional with 25 plus years of extensive international experience in the Financial Services industry of which 18 years were with American International Group (AIG) in varied roles and geographies across South Asia, GCC, Africa, Russia and Europe. Prior to joining Takaful Oman, Neelmani was the Business Executive Officer (Insurance) at Ominvest. Bhardwaj has successful experience at startups, scaling up businesses and is now leading the charge of turnaround of Takaful

exceptional leadership and the remarkable performance of his company, he was recently honoured with the prestigious title of ‘Best Emerging CEO - Retail Finance,’ at the esteemed International Finance Awards 2022. This accolade serves as a testament to his outstanding abilities and vision in guiding his organisation to new heights. Under Al Rashdi’s guidance, United Finance Company has embarked on a comprehensive transformation journey. This encompassing initiative addresses every facet of the company’s operations, including people, technology, operational standards, products, services, as well as marketing and communications.

Oman, He has been highly successful in building a collaborative and effective working environment across culturally diverse teams and geographies. He has been effective in leading teams to high performance amidst a rapidly changing external and internal environment.

He is an MBA Masters in Business Management from Amity Business School, India. Bhardwaj has served on various boards including Director of National Life and General Insurance Company SAOG and a Member of the Overseas Security Advisory Council, Oman and has also served on the Development committee as Oman American Business Council.

Niels Bormans

Group CEO, The Zubair Corporation

Niels Bormans is the Group CEO of The Zubair Corporation. Niels had earlier served as Deputy Group CEO at Ghobash Group and CEO of Aban Investment. Bormans, originally from the Netherlands had been working in the region for the past five and a half years. Bormans is responsible for each of

Omar Ahmed Salim Qatan

CEO, Techno Plastic Industry

Eng. Omar Ahmed Salim Qatan, is a well-known name in the business sector. A skilled Omani business leader who works with a clear vision and values. He had the honour of receiving the prestigious “Dahabeeyah” Gold medal and certificate signed by His Late Majesty Sultan Qaboos on the National Day Celebration in 1985. Eng.Omar Qatan has 20 years of Board experience. Currently he is the CEO of Techno Plastic Industry and the Chairman of Muscat

Ramez El Amoudi

the Corporation’s subsidiaries and has been tasked with future proofing the business in its entirety.

The Zubair Corporation is one of the leading business groups in the Sultanate. Grown from the humblest of beginnings, with a small office run by Mohammad Al Zubair in Muttrah Souq, the corporation today

Gases Company SAOG. Omar Ahmed Salim Qatan holds MSC (Eng.) Tropical Public Health, University of Leeds, BSC in Civil Engineering, University of California – Davis, and an International Board Director from INSEAD, France. Engineer Omar Qatan has 32 years of working experience, as he worked as CEO of Oman Oil Marketing Co. SAOG, GM of Gulf Stone SAOG, GM of Dhofar Vegetable SAOG, Senior Manager of Projects Galfar Engineering, and Senior Manager with Royal Oman Police for 11 years. Through his journey of success as the former CEO of Oman Oil Marketing Co., he was awarded ‘CEO of the Year’ in 2014.

Qais Saud Al Zakwani

CEO, Nama Water Services

Qais is the CEO of Nama Water services. With more than 18 years of experience, Zakwani brings a unique set of skills and utility sector knowledge, most notably in the implementation of the electricity sector restructuring and leading the Authority for Electricity Regulation as the executive director and member for six years. Zakwani has been involved with the water-restructuring

CEO, Dhofar International Development & Investment Holding Company (DIDIC)

Ramez El Amoudi is the CEO of Dhofar International Development & Investment Holding Company, DIDIC, one of the largest investment holding companies in the Sultanate. Since its establishment in 1987, DIDIC has played a prominent role in sponsoring the establishment of some of the most prominent financial

services companies in the country, including BankDhofar and Dhofar Insurance, where it remains the largest shareholder. Ramez is a commerce graduate from Canada and holds a number of professional certifications such as CFA, CAIA and PRM and has occupied the role of CEO at DIDIC since February 2020. Before joining DIDIC, Ramez had spent 16 years in the GCC where he oversaw investments across the region in industries such as real estate, tourism and hospitality, and financial services.

Reggy Vermeulen

CEO, Port of Duqm

Reggy Vermeulen is the CEO of the Port of Duqm. He joined the port in 2012 and served as the commercial director for three years before being appointed as the CEO. Prior to coming to Oman, he was the CEO of the Port and Industrial Zone of Haiphong in Vietnam. The Port and Industrial Zone of Haiphong attracted over $1.5bn of investment on his watch and was elected among the

top five companies in Vietnam. Vermeulen was also positioned in Nigeria for launching the port and industrial zone of “OK Free trade zone” next to Lagos. Vermeulen started his career as a consultant at Deloitte Consulting with a specialization in supply chain optimisation and companies restructuring. Situated on the southeastern seaboard of the Sultanate of Oman, overlooking the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean beyond, Port of Duqm is fast becoming an important reality of the Middle East region’s rapidly transforming maritime landscape.

Said Abdullah Al Hatmi

Assuming the role of CEO in June 2018, Said Abdullah Al Hatmi has taken leaps and overcome hurdles on his path to attain ahlibank unprecedented success. His legacy and forward-thinking vision underscore his talent as an exceptional leader whose unwavering commitment is showcased in his illustrious career as a driving force in the Sultanate of Oman’s banking sector. Al Hatmi ascended multiple senior management positions, gaining expertise in corporate banking, risk management, finance, and banking operations, equipping him with a stout foundation that steered ahlibank towards several remarkable achievements. Al Hatmi won the ‘CEO of the Year’ at the Banking and Finance Awards 2023; one of

Said Ahmed Safrar CEO, OIFC

Said Ahmed Safrar is the CEO of Oman Investment and Finance Company (OIFC) since 2014. He was a member of the OIFC board prior to his appointment as CEO. He is a professional with more than 20 years’ experience in the banking and telecom sectors. His previous job was as chief customer experience officer with Ooredoo. Safrar serves on the boards of various companies in both the private and public sectors. He holds an MBA from the University of Hull, Yorkshire, UK. Established in 1979,

Said Al Rashdi CEO, BIMA Insurance

the many substantial accolades he has received over the years as the harbinger of a new age at the helm of ahlibank. Al Hatmi embodies a leadership style that encourages collective decision-making, fostering a critical thinking team and empowering individuals to shape the bank’s future. His approach ushered a collaborative, inclusive, and transparent work environment, developing the skills of ahlibank’s team members and nurturing future leaders capable of driving holistic change.

At the core, Said Abdullah Al Hatmi plays an instrumental role that exemplifies his prowess as a true leader. Under his guidance, ahlibank adapted to market shifts and set industry standards, thus embodying the values of forward-thinking leadership, customer-centricity, and technological innovation.

OIFC is one of the leading investment and services companies, specialising in billing, collection and debt factoring for electricity, water and telecom services in the Sultanate over the last three decades. OIFC is the single largest private sector listed company dedicated to this line of business in the Sultanate. OIFC factors bills and debts for the Public Authority of Electricity and Water, Oman Telecommunications Co (Omantel), Oman Wastewater Services Company (Haya) and provides meter reading, billing and collection services for Muscat Electricity Distribution Co, Muscat Municipality and Omani Qatari Telecommunication Company (Ooredoo).

Said Mohammed Al Masoudi CEO, Sohar Aluminium Company

Said Mohammed Al Masoudi is the CEO of Sohar Aluminium Company since February 2011. Prior to joining Sohar Aluminium, he was the head of business development at Oman Oil Company (OOC) and led three key investment sectors namely infrastructure, power and shipping as part of OOC’s growth strategy.

Al Masoudi has also held the post of director of resources and energy sectors development at the

Said Nasser Al Rashdi is the founder and CEO of Bima, Oman’s pioneering online insurance platform. With a Master’s degree in Information Engineering and E-Business Technology from the UK, he has led Bima since 2019, transforming the insurance industry through digital innovation. Said is also the Chairman of the Board at VentureOne and Al Nasr Investment and

Ministry of National Economy and was responsible for oil, natural gas and minerals development planning.

Al Masoudi graduated in 1991 from the Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, with BSc in Petroleum and Minerals Engineering. In 2001, he completed his MSc in Energy Studies from the University of Dundee, Scotland, UK. His strengths lie in his business acumen marked by the significant results attained by the business under his leadership. Sohar Aluminium is a 380,000 tonnes per annum aluminium smelter situated in Sohar, the industrial hub of the Sultanate.

Development Company, Deputy Chairman at Infoline LLC, and a member of the Digital Economy Committee at the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

His previous roles include CEO of Sandan Development and the Omani Industrialists Association, showcasing his leadership across various sectors.

Said Salim Al Shanfari

CEO, Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre

Eng. Said Al Shanfari is the CEO of Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Sultanate premier events venue. An expert in the business event industry, Al Shanfari also represents the wider region as Chairman of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) for the Middle East and Africa chapter. This regional perspective along with his achievements at the OCEC led him to be recognised by Forbes Middle East as one of the Top 100 Travel and Tourism Leaders in 2024. With over ten years in senior management roles, Al Shanfari started his career in the telecommunication sector, managing large marketing projects for Omantel and Oreedoo. In

Said Darwish Al Balushi

CEO, Moosa Abdul Rahman and Co

With over 32 years of experience in Oman’s automotive and engineering sectors, Said Darwish Al Balushi brings a wealth of knowledge and proven leadership to Moosa Group.

Throughout his career, he has held prominent leadership positions, where he excelled at developing and

2017, Al Shanfari completed Oman’s National CEO Programme which prepared Oman’s brightest talent to compete in the global marketplace with an aim to build the next generation of Omani leaders . A leading voice in Oman, Al Shanfari was selected as one of the Top 100 Most Influential CEOs in Oman & OER Innovative CEO of the year in 2023. Al Shanfari holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Hull and a double Bachelor’s from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, in Computer Management and Information Systems, as well as Business Administration and International Business. He has completed additional leadership and management courses from the London Business School and the IMD Business School and is a qualified Associate Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation

implementing effective strategies to drive growth and efficiency. As CEO of Moosa Group, he now leads the company’s business heads, guiding them to align the organisation with His Majesty’s Vision 2040.

He has deep insights on the evolving trends in corporate governance within the automotive industry.

Salim Al Thuhli

CEO, Khazaen Economic City

Eng Salim Al Thuhli is the CEO of Khazaen Economic City. He has 25 years of experience working in diverse institutions. Prior to joining OIC Group in 2018, he worked with a number of reputed institutions including the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran).

Salem Nasser Al-Bortmany

CEO, Areej Vegetable Oils and Derivatives

Salem Nasser Al-Bortmany joined Areej Vegetable Oils and Derivatives SAOG (AVOD) in 1996, as an Executive Engineer, where he worked closely along with International Consultant Firm, USA to implement business rationalisation programme, process optimisation and overall lean management. He became Business Development Manager in 2000 and was handling international and export markets, product development, overall business development and monitoring overall competitiveness. Additional responsibilities were given to him thereafter, to develop sustainability, business growth, supply chain and logistics when he became an Executive

He is a graduate of the Oman’s National CEO Program. Eng. Salim holds training certificates in leadership from the London Business School, the Japanese Haida Center and Singapore’s Youyoing University.

Director. As a CEO, Salem aims to identify, develop and implement AVOD’s Corporate Strategy with major function in implementing the best business practices in order to achieve AVOD’s vision and objectives of utilising capacity, profitable growth and overall business sustainability. He has contributed immensely to the manufacturing sector in Oman for the past 20 years. He was a Chairman of Export Development Working Group of Ithraa and contributed to promote Oman products outside Oman through Oman Product Exhibition (OPEX).

Salem Nasser Al-Bortmany graduated from the United Kingdom with BEng in Chemical Engineering and obtained his MBA from UK. He further attended the Senior Executive Programme at HBS, USA.

Shaun Michael

CEO, Mercedes-Benz Oman

Appointed as Chief Executive Officer of MercedesBenz Oman in early 2020, Shaun Michael has taken on the mammoth task of guiding the company’s next phase of strategic direction, building upon the longestablished partnership between ZTC and Daimler whilst fulfilling the customer satisfaction objectives across the sales, service and parts operations.

An experienced executive with over 28 years premium brand automotive retail experience in Mercedes-Benz, and other luxury automotive brands such as BMW and Audi, Shaun has held a variety of roles throughout

Shahin Mohammed Al Balushi

CEO, Taageer Finance

Shahin Mohammed al Balushi was appointed as the CEO of Taageer Finance Company in March 2018, after the completion of the merger of Oman Orix Leasing Co. into National Finance. Previously, Al Balushi was the CEO of Oman Orix Leasing Co which ceased to exist after the merger.

He joined Oman ORIX Leasing Company in 1999 where he served in different capacities such as

Stephen R. Thomas

CEO,

Renaissance Services

the industry, from entry-level to the highest levels of senior management. Prior to joining Mercedes-Benz Oman, he was Chief Operating Officer at Sandown Motors Mercedes-Benz in South Africa. During his career he has been credited with a number of professional awards and has been recognised for his ability to rise to new challenges and the everchanging trends of demanding market conditions.

His diverse experience and track record have earned him, among many others, the Mercedes-Benz SA Dealer of the Year Chairman’s Award and the Mercedes-Benz SA Best Performing Sales Large Volume, both in 2019. He holds a Business Management Diploma (MAP) from WITS Business School, University of Witwatersrand.

acting CEO, deputy general manager, head of special asset management and assistant general manager. He was instrumental in setting up the company’s Sohar office and headed the office for four years.

Prior to joining Oman Orix, he worked with the Ministry of Water Resources and Oman Newspaper. Al Balushi holds a Bachelor’s degree and MBA. He is an Arab Certified Public Accountant.

Sheikh Salah Bin Hilal Al Maawali

CEO, SME Development Fund (Inma)

Sheikh Salah Bin Hilal Al Maawali is the CEO of SME Development Fund (Inma). He has more than two decades of work experience in the government and private sectors. He has served as the Director General for the Development of SMEs (DGSME), at the Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MOCI). He was also the Advisor for the Board of Public Authority of SME Development (RIYADA). The

business and management from Sheffield Hallam University (UK) and his bachelor’s in business administration from Arkansas State University (US).

Stephen R Thomas is the CEO of Renaissance Services since 1998. Thomas who joined the company in 1988 has a wealth of international experience, originally working with Grand Metropolitan Group.

He has also served as chairman of the Oman Society for Petroleum Services (OPAL). In 2010, he was appointed OBE for services to business abroad and services to the community in Oman.

Sunil Kohli

CEO, Dhofar Insurance

Sulaiman Al Harthi

CEO, Oman Arab Bank

Sulaiman Hamed Al Harthi is the CEO of Oman Arab Bank. He has over 35 years of banking experience with board level expertise and a proven track record to develop robust and sustainable business models, creating an environment where creativity is unleashed, talent is nurtured and energy of the workforce is

Sunil Kohli is the CEO of Dhofar Insurance since April 2019. With experience of more than 29 years, Sunil has in-depth knowledge of global insurance and reinsurance industry.

At Dhofar Insurance, he is spearheading the transformation initiative to digitise processes, customer centricity, optimising resources and creating value for all stakeholders. Under his leadership, Dhofar Insurance has been awarded the following

Tariq Al Farsi

CEO, National Finance

harnessed. Sulaiman has occupied several leadership roles at major local banks. He has demonstrated exceptional capabilities and has been a key contributor to the various organizations he has served. Sulaiman has an MBA in Finance from University of Leicester.

awards- “Most Innovative Insurer in Oman,” “Most Trusted Brand,” and “Excellence in Insurance.”

Prior to joining Dhofar Insurance, Sunil was Head of Reinsurance and Liability underwriting at Reliance General Insurance from 2015 to 2018 and was instrumental in developing large risk portfolio to pitch fork Reliance as a leader in Commercial lines insurance in India. Sunil Kohli holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance from the University Business School, Punjab University, Chandigarh, Bachelor of Engineering (Electronics and Communication) from National Institute of Technology, Durgapur and a Fellow of Insurance Institute of India.

Talal Said Al Mamari

CEO, Omantel

Talal Said Al Mamari is the CEO of Omantel since June 2014. He has 22 years of experience in telecom sector working for Omantel. Prior to his appointment as CEO, he held several leadership positions including his last stint as chief financial officer of Omantel.

A leader par excellence, Tariq bin Sulaiman Al Farsi is a distinguished figure in the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector in the Sultanate of Oman. Since becoming CEO of National Finance in 2021, he has led the company to exceptional achievements, solidifying its position as a leading finance company in the Sultanate. Over a career spanning 21 years, Al Farsi has held key positions in top governmental organisations, including CEO of Al Raff’d Fund and board member of the Public Authority for SME Development. He has also chaired Riyada, the Tender Committee for SME Authority and Entrepreneurship Award, and served as the Deputy Chairman of

Al Mamari played instrumental role in different initiatives and projects carried out by the company including its IPO in 2005, the restructuring of Omantel by bringing the mobile and fixed operations together and later the full legal merger of Oman Mobile with Omantel. He sits on the boards of several companies and investment funds. Al Mamari holds a degree in Business Administration from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh – Pennsylvania.

Omanisation in the Finance and Banking Sector Committee in the Ministry of Manpower. Furthermore, he has been instrumental in the establishment of Islamic banks such as Noor Bank in Dubai, Al Hilal Bank in Abu Dhabi, and Bank Nizwa in Oman.

Al Farsi holds leadership qualifications from Harvard University, INSEAD, and the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Hotel Studies from The Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport and is a certified Chartered Financial Analyst. As an award-winning business luminary, Al Farsi has made a significant impact on the country’s business landscape, continuing to propel National Finance to new heights and inspiring future leaders.

Tarik Mohammed Al Junaidi

Tariq Mohammed Al Junaidi is the CEO of Oman Oil Marketing Company (OOMCO). He brings 22 years of progressive experience in different fields. His earlier stints include Deputy CEO of Oman Shipping Company and subsequently CEO.

Prior to joining OSC, he worked for HSBC and before that at Global Enterprise looking after sales

Venkat A N

CEO, Al Jazeera Steel Products Company

Venkat is an engineering graduate in Metallurgy from IITRoorkee, India, with additional management and financial qualification from Xavier School of Management (XLRI), Jamshedpur, India. Venkat has more than 30 years of experience in the international steel industry at various management levels across the globe, with a special focus on GCC, the Middle East, and India. In his previous engagement, he worked as Vice President – Sales at Emirates Steel Company, Abu Dhabi, the UAE. As a part of the Emirates Steel executive management committee, he was instrumental in overseeing the company’s growth into a 3.5 million tonnes completely integrated steel facility.

Wael Al Lawati

CEO, Muriya Tourism Development

and marketing. In 2013, he completed an Executive MBA in shipping, finance, and offshore from BI Management School in Norway and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.

In 2004, he completed an MBA from The University of Western Australia. He also holds a BSc. in international business and marketing from Florida Atlantic University, US.

Prior to joining Emirates Steel, Venkat was the Managing Director of Arcelor International. His experience spans across geographies, markets, and product segments in the steel industry, which lends him a unique blend of product & market knowledge. Al Jazeera Steel Products Company is an Oman-based manufacturer of steel products. The company located close to Sohar Port, operates through two business divisions namely tube mill and merchant bar mill. They manufacture and markets various types of steel products, including black pipes, galvanised pipes, hollow sections, merchant bar mill products and rebars. Its new merchant bar mill has a production capacity of 300,000 metric tonnes per annum. Apart from Oman, the company’s key markets include the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other export markets.

Sheikh Waleed K. Al Hashar

CEO, Bank Muscat

Sheikh Waleed K. Al Hashar is the CEO of Bank Muscat. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Oman Center for Governance and Sustainability, and the College of Banking and Financial Studies. His experience over the past 28 years spans in Banking as well as the Oil and Gas sectors. Before joining Bank Muscat, he held senior positions in a number of leading corporates including Petroleum Development Oman and HSBC

Wael Al Lawati is the CEO of Muriya Tourism Development, including the award-winning destinations, Jebel Sifah and Hawana Salalah. In support of Orascom Development’s ambition to be a pre-eminent, multinational developer, Al Lawati is responsible for setting the business agenda for the Group’s Oman destinations, including leading the overall strategy in alignment with Orascom Development’s strategy, facilitating delivery against the annual business plans and instilling best practices throughout these destinations. He has held

Bank Middle East. Sheikh Waleed K. Al Hashar joined Bank Muscat in 2004 and has since held various senior positions including Group General Manager –Corporate Services and Deputy Chief Executive Officer.

He assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of the bank in January 2019. He holds a postgraduate diploma in General Management from Harvard Business School as well as a BSc and Masters in Business Administration from California State University in Sacramento, USA.

several other leadership positions including CEO of Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN) and founder of The Wave Muscat (AlMouj). He also served as Chief Operating Officer for a real estate advisory and spearheaded international growth at DAMAC Properties. Additionally, Al Lawati was a board member of Muriya between 2008 and 2015.

Al Lawati was selected as a member of the Young Arab Leaders, a group of the top 500 Arab leaders, and was a board member of the Middle East Leadership Academy (MELA). He previously served on the boards of the Oman Society of Engineers and the Oman Society of Contractors.

Yasser Al Barami

Group CEO, Mubbadrah Investments

Yaqoob Al Kiyumi

CEO, Oman Power and Water Procurement Company

Yaqoob Saif Al Kiyumi has over 20 years of experience in different sectors in both technical and leadership roles. He previously worked for Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and Occidental Oman in the oil and gas industry. He also had extensive exposure in the manufacturing industry and was with Sohar Aluminum prior to joining Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP).

He is a graduate of the first cohort of the National CEO programme and obtained his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Coventry University in the UK. As the CEO of OPWP he is driving a focus on renewables.

OPWP now has a mandate from the Counsel of Financial Affairs and Energy Resources to procure 10 per cent of energy produced by renewables by 2025.

dedication to In country economic development.

Yasser Al Barami is the CEO of Mubbadrah Investments, one of the fastest growing companies in the MENA region. He is one of the most notable Omani serial entrepreneurs, known for forging high level international joint ventures, his charitable contributions and

He is a leading innovator and developer in the oil, gas and drilling industry, who helped take the first Arab company become listed on the NASDAQ, with a market capitalisation of $1.1 billion. He holds a Mechanical Engineering degree and an MBA from Universities in the UK.

Youssef Ezzikhe

CEO, Oman Refreshment Co

Youssef Ezzikhe is the CEO of Oman Refreshment Company. A dynamic and an entrepreneurial executive with 20 plus years of service, Ezzikhe has demonstrated success, driving multimillion-dollar sales growth while providing award-winning leadership in highly competitive markets. Ranked 270 of the listed companies in the 2014 Mena Forbes 500, and with annual revenue of $170mn, ORC is among the top 20 private companies in Oman. The company is listed in the Muscat Stock Exchange.

Yousuf Al Ojaili

President, BP Oman

Yousuf Al Ojaili is the President of BP Oman. Al Ojaili graduated with a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Tulsa (US) and also obtained his MSc in industrial engineering from Sultan Qaboos University.

He remains active in academia serving on Sultan Qaboos University’s industrial advisory boards in

Currently having two business categories (beverages and snacks) representing 1000 employees, ORC markets leading brands such as Pepsi, mountain Dew, 7up, Lays, Doritos. ORC’s vision is to be the leading player in the four categories where it operates (CSD, Water, Juice and Snacks). Over the past few years, ORC has been growing steadily on all fronts, revenues, volumes and shares.

The company is dominating a record high market share of over 90 per cent in the carbonated soft drink segment, thanks to the trust of consumers and customers in the products quality and image.

the College f Engineering, as well as the mechanical and industrial engineering departments.

Prior to joining BP Oman, Ojaili was the CEO of Oman Gas Company from 2005 to 2015. He also had a long stint with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) where he worked from 1987 to 1996 and as head of gas concept engineering from 2000 to 2005. In between, he served as senior project engineer with Shell at Brunei Darussalam.

How we did it

The UMS editorial board selected 100 most influential CEOs in Oman based on the following criteria:

Influence: The influence that a person wields within his company and the business community at large.

Size: The turnover of a company or the number of people employed by it has been taken as a measure of influence of the person at the helm.

Finances: The financial performance of the company over the years.

Leadership: The stature of a person based on his contribution to the development of his industry or the overall economy.

Larger good: The mentorship and encouragement provided by a person to a large workforce including young Omanis.

Vision: The vision and foresight exhibited by a leader.

Entrepreneurship: An ability to lead and grow a business conglomerate.

Honorary role: Honorary positions held by a person in government, public sector or other organisations based on his statesmanship abilities.

Years in business and expansion abilities: The number of years spent by a person in business and his ability to take the organisation beyond Oman.

SHAPING THE FUTURE

United Securities strives to optimise the risk profile of its investments through sector and market diversification. This enables our investors to enjoy the best risk adjusted returns on a consistent basis, says Chairman and CEO, Mustafa Ahmed Salman in an interview

Can you share details on how United Securities LLC has evolved over the years since its inception?

At United Securities, we have a history of more than 30 years, initially as a stock broker and now offering comprehensive investment services solutions across Oman, the wider MENA region, and beyond. From the humble beginnings of 1994, we have come a long way today and operate as one of the largest equity brokers, and non-banking asset management company in Oman. Over the period, we have seen different market cycles of boom and bust, and have been successful in turning each of those experiences to our advantage.

Our willingness to maintain an open approach to all aspects of business has helped us in reaching our position today. Customers are the central point of our business, and their trust plays the most crucial role in our business. Being transparent to customers has helped us gain their confidence, and they have stood by us throughout various market cycles.

As a leading investment management company, what is the current size of the assets under management as at the end of 2023?

We currently manage more than half a billion dollars under our asset management mandates. We have our mutual fund, the United GCC Fund, that manages approximately 50 million dollars, and was one of the top three best performing mutual funds from Oman in 2023. Our discretionary portfolio mandates have consistently outperformed its benchmarks. Our international portfolios also have

achieved handsome returns, which prompts investors to entrust us with more money to manage.

What are the key milestones achieved by the company in the financial markets space?

As a key player, we have played a significant role in Oman’s financial markets, aligning our operations to achieve key targets envisaged in Oman’s Vision 2040. We are one of the few companies that provide diverse spectrum of investment services in the country to everyone starting from a retail investor to sovereign wealth funds. We never turn our back to technological advancements.

We are the first in Oman to start online trading in MSX stocks and introduced digital client onboarding. Being the largest broker in terms of number of trades in MSX, we need to ensure that our trading and reporting systems are robust and updated regularly. We have

the latest systems for these, which helps us to maintain our leadership position. We remain a consistent force in shaping Oman’s financial landscape

What is the company’s investment philosophy in terms of capital allocation and long-term value creation?

We strongly believe in creating value for our stakeholders all the time. Be it for the benefit of our clients, shareholders, employees, or the economy, we strongly believe in responsible asset allocation and wealth creation. We also strive to optimise the risk profile of our investments through sector and market diversification. This helps our investors enjoy the best risk adjusted returns on a consistent basis. We actively engage with our customers, regulators, investee companies, ensuring that we always have their confidence, and their interests are well-represented and protected. This should help us in fostering long term relationships

with our clients, creating a win-win proposition for everyone.

What is the company’s investment strategy for the year ahead?

We will focus on a balanced approach that emphasises diversification and resilience. We are planning to capitalise on opportunities in our traditional lines of business as well as emerging opportunities by leveraging our experience and expertise. Additionally, we will maintain a keen focus on risk management, ensuring our portfolio remains robust amidst potential market volatility. Overall, our goal is to deliver sustainable returns for our clients while prudently navigating the evolving global economic landscape.

We have played a significant role in Oman’s financial markets, aligning our operations to achieve key targets envisaged in Oman’s Vision 2040. We are one of the few companies that provide a diverse spectrum of investment services in the country to everyone, starting from a retail investor to sovereign wealth funds

LEADING WITH PURPOSE

Hanaa Al Hinai’s journey from the banking sector to the helm of one of Oman’s leading insurance companies is an inspiring story for youngsters, who cherish the dream of making it big. Her advice to those who want to

talent pool from both companies. This collective expertise drives innovation, improves customer service, and enhances our overall business performance.

area of focus. Liva Insurance makes sure that customer service is one of the first priorities of every project. This is evident in exceptional customer service

the Top Omani Brands award 2024. Technology integration: Leveraging advanced technologies such as online platforms, AI, big data, and integrations

with local government bodies (like the ROP) sets Liva Insurance apart, enabling it to enhance customer experience, streamline claims process, and improve risk management. Strategic partnerships: Forming strategic alliances with healthcare providers and automotive companies enables Liva Insurance to offer customers the best-in-class services. Going beyond the insurance products, Liva’s rewards programme offers customers access to exclusive discounts from a host of strategic partners in different categories.

What are the key strategies that Liva Insurance utilises for sustainable growth?

The key asset in any business is its people, promoting a positive corporate culture and embracing digital transformation. Fostering a working culture where employees feel valued and empowered is paramount to success. This nurturing environment fuels creativity and efficient teamwork, forming the foundation for the success of any strategy or initiative.

How is Liva Insurance bracing for the future?

The insurance industry is a rapidly evolving industry; investing in technology is a key driver for streamlining operations, enhancing customer interactions, and extending our service reach. Liva Insurance is at the forefront of integrating AI and machine learning to provide seamless self-service offerings, ensuring that the insurance experience is simple and hassle-free for our customers. To ensure that we drive our technology in the right path, we constantly ask ourselves a very important question before we embark on any technological project. How can we use technology to enhance our customer’s experience.? This ensures that our technology is first and foremost, customer serving.

Can you share details about your operations and unique position as a regional player?

Liva Insurance is dedicated to operational efficiency and customer engagement through strategic initiatives and partnerships. To further enhance our services and products, we have established strategic partnerships with

numerous automotive dealers. These collaborations enable us to offer tailored insurance solutions that integrate seamlessly with automotive services, providing our customers with enhanced coverage and repair options, and streamlined processes. Additionally, our partnerships with various business across the Sultanate offer exclusive discounts and benefits to our customers through Liva Insurance’s rewards program. These alliances allow us to provide added value beyond traditional insurance products, enriching the overall customer experience. Whether it is discounts on lifestyle products or special offers on travel and entertainment, our reward partners help us deliver a rewarding experience to our policyholders, just for being part of Liva Insurance. Being among the select insurers present throughout the entire GCC region, Liva Insurance has the unique advantage of developing exclusive data sets and regional teams with exceptional local expertise, enabling valuable knowledge exchange. This regional presence allows us to cater to the diverse needs of our customers across different markets, ensuring personalised and efficient service delivery.

Can you tell us about the challenges in the insurance industry?

Navigating market fluctuations and environmental changes is a significant challenge that is affecting insurers and other businesses across the globe. For instance, Oman’s changing weather patterns affect not only the insurance sector but the broader market as well, from businesses like logistics to services like hotels and F&B. At Liva, we leverage technology and advanced statistical models to anticipate, plan for, and mitigate these impacts.

How do you work at cultivating Excellence?

Our focus on fostering a flexible and resilient organisational culture includes continuous learning and adaptive strategies. We conduct regular training sessions, scenario planning exercises, and maintain open communication across all levels of the organisation. We ensure that our employees feel respected, rewarded, and recognised while we focus on our four key metrics for excellence:

Promoting empowerment and adaptability; Encouraging teamwork and collaboration; Implementing recognition and reward systems; Defining and communicating a clear KPIs and vision

We also empower our employees to contribute to sustainability efforts, offering opportunities for volunteerism, organising educational workshops on sustainability, and fostering an eco-conscious culture within the organisation. By embracing these values and initiatives, Liva Insurance continues to lead the industry, setting benchmarks in corporate culture, technological innovation, operational efficiency, and environmental responsibility.

What advice can you give for future leaders?

Industries evolve rapidly, influenced by technology, consumer behaviour, and regulatory changes. Staying informed and continually enhancing your knowledge and skills is crucial. This does not just apply only to industry-specific knowledge but also to leadership and management practices. A great way to learn is to look at learning from those who have gone before you, seek out mentors and advisers who can provide guidance, feedback, and connections. Additionally, it is necessary to engage actively in networking, as relationships can often translate into business opportunities.

What motivates you at Liva Insurance?

Knowing that our work directly influences the well-being and security of our customers is profoundly motivating. Insurance is more than just a business; it is about providing peace of mind and support during some of the most challenging times in people’s lives. The opportunity to make a positive difference is a powerful motivator. Which is why Liva Insurance is synonymous with customer trust and loyalty. Achieving this means not only meeting, but exceeding customer expectations consistently. I am also deeply inspired by the potential within our team. Witnessing our employees grow, take on new challenges, and succeed is incredibly rewarding. Fostering an environment where they can thrive and advance their careers is not just a responsibility but a privilege.

EMPOWERING BUSINESSES

Infoline is exploring opportunities in new markets aiming to replicate its success on a global scale, says CEO, Mohamed Al Maskari in an interview

Can you share details on the significance of Infoline’s new brand identity, and how it reflects the company’s strategic vision?

Our new brand identity is not just a visual makeover, it is a strategic statement. It is a reflection of our ethos of innovation and our ambition to be the premier catalyst for empowering regional businesses. It signifies our commitment to excellence and our strategic vision to enhance service offerings and expand our market reach.

This rebranding initiative promises a more integrated and efficient partner ecosystem, aligning perfectly with our goal to drive growth through strategic partnerships. It embodies our agility and our commitment to being at the forefront of the BPO industry. The dynamic logo and modern aesthetics are designed to resonate with our innovative spirit and the digital-first approach that Infoline is taking.

How has Infoline’s journey evolved over the past 20 years, from its beginnings as a contact center solution to becoming a leader in the BPO sector?

Infoline’s evolution is a testament to our adaptability and foresight. From humble beginnings, we have grown into a BPO powerhouse by consistently staying ahead of the curve. We have embraced changes in the industry, from the rise of social media customer service to the integration of AI and machine learning, ensuring that our clients always have access to cuttingedge solutions.

We have set industry benchmarks by providing omnichannel customer

experiences and advanced analytical solutions across various sectors, including telecommunications, healthcare, and utilities. Our journey reflects our dedication to enhancing business processes with digital technology, making every interaction smarter and more effective.

What are the innovative solutions and advanced technologies that Infoline has championed in the technology space?

Infoline has been at the forefront of pioneering next-generation AI-led communication platforms that redefine how businesses engage with their customers. Our innovative solutions in the technology space include omnichannel customer experiences and advanced analytical tools, which are part of our comprehensive suite of services designed to revolutionise business landscapes. Our platforms are capable of predictive analytics, which enables proactive customer service and our omnichannel solutions ensure a consistent and personalised customer journey across all touchpoints.

In what ways has Infoline contributed to Oman’s economic growth and the development of Omani talent?

Infoline has played a significant role in Oman’s economic development by contributing to the In-Country Value (ICV) and fostering the growth of Omani talent. Approximately 4000 Omanis have been part of our growth story, and we have been recognised for our efforts in national employment and training, thereby becoming a key player in Oman’s economic progress. We have created thousands of jobs, invested in training and development, and have been instrumental in the digital transformation of various sectors.

What are Infoline’s expansion plans and strategies, as it continues to adapt and innovate in the everevolving BPO industry?

As we continue to adapt and innovate in the BPO industry, Infoline has robust plans that include expanding digital services and reinforcing customer relationships. Our expansion strategies are driven by the rapid

pace of technological evolution, and we aim to capture significant market share through ongoing geographical expansion efforts and capacity expansion plans. We are exploring opportunities in new markets and sectors, aiming to replicate our success on a global scale. Our strategy includes forming strategic alliances and continuously enhancing our service portfolio to meet the evolving needs of our clients.

How does Infoline’s new identity and enhanced service offerings intend to empower businesses?

Infoline’s new identity and enhanced service offerings are designed to empower businesses and provide them with the tools they need to excel in a competitive landscape, from advanced analytics to customer experience optimisation. Our refreshed brand identity and strategic vision are aligned to provide businesses with a more integrated and efficient partner ecosystem, enabling them to transform their operations and drive growth through our innovative services.

Infoline has played a significant role in Oman’s economic development by contributing to the In-Country Value (ICV) and fostering the growth of Omani talent. Approximately 4000 Omanis have been part of our growth story, and we have been recognised for our efforts in national employment and training, thereby becoming a key player in Oman’s economic progress

DISTINCT CAPABILITIES

Through strategic investments and partnerships, Al Sulaimi Group Holding aims to foster sustainable growth, create new employment opportunities, and enhance overall economic resilience in alignment with Oman’s longterm vision, says Ibrahim Al Sulaimi, CEO, in an interview

Can you share details about the operations of Al Sulaimi Group Holding (ASG)?

Al Sulaimi Group Holding, established over 50 years ago in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, is a pioneering organisation renowned for its diverse portfolio and commitment to excellence across various industries. We manage a wide range of companies specialising in essential services for the oil and gas sector, engineering & industrial product supply, operations and maintenance of water projects, and engineering contracting services. Our multidisciplinary teams, comprising experienced professionals supported by dedicated engineers, technicians, finance, supply chain, and logistics experts, consistently deliver excellence across the GCC region (Oman, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia). With strategic locations in these regions, we ensure reliability and innovation in each endeavour.

At our core, we prioritise customer satisfaction by consistently exceeding our clients’ expectations with innovative and sustainable engineering solutions delivered to the highest standards of quality and service.

As the newly appointed Group CEO, what is your strategic vision for the company’s growth and development over the next 3-5 years? How do you plan to build on the group’s existing strengths and explore new opportunities to drive the company’s prospects?

My vision is to propel ASG towards becoming the benchmark provider of innovative solutions in the GCC. Over the next 3-5 years, we will leverage our strengths in engineering

excellence and extensive market presence to explore new growth opportunities which includes expanding our service offerings, forging strategic partnerships, and investing in cutting-edge technologies that align with industry trends. By enhancing operational efficiencies and nurturing a culture of innovation, we aim to sustainably grow our market share and deliver unparalleled value to our stakeholders. Also, we will focus on emerging sectors such as renewable energy, smart infrastructure, and engineering solutions, sustainable and innovative approaches that reinforce our leadership position.

What are the unique capabilities that ASG companies brings to support the needs of the energy industry?

Our group of companies brings a distinctive set of capabilities to effectively support the energy industry’s diverse needs. We combine deep engineering/technical expertise with exceptional operational agility, both critical for addressing the evolving demands of this sector. Whether it is providing specialised engineering services, optimising supply chain efficiencies, or maintaining robust facilities, we excel

in delivering customised solutions. From designing and implementing advanced energy systems to ensuring seamless operations through proactive maintenance and responsive supply chain management, our focus on operational excellence and resilience is paramount. These capabilities underscore our commitment to delivering value and sustaining a competitive advantage in the dynamic energy sector.

In what way is the company aligning its business activities to support Oman’s economic diversification initiatives under the Oman Vision 2040? How is the group contributing to the development of new, non-oil and gas sectors?

We are deeply committed to supporting Oman’s economic diversification initiatives outlined in Vision 2040. We actively contribute by expanding our operations beyond traditional sectors such as oil and gas to encompass emerging industries like renewable energy, infrastructure development, and water management. Through strategic investments and partnerships, we aim to foster sustainable growth, create new employment opportunities, and enhance overall economic resilience

in alignment with Oman’s long-term vision.

Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, how is the Al Sulaimi Group positioning itself to capitalise on the future economic prospects in Oman and GCC? What new growth areas or market opportunities is the group exploring, and how is it preparing to stay ahead of the curve?

As we look ahead to 2024 and beyond, we are strategically positioning ourselves to capitalise on the promising economic opportunities in Oman and the GCC. Our diverse group of companies, spanning various sectors and market segments, provides a strong foundation for growth. We are strengthening our engineering and industrial capabilities, expanding our regional presence, and actively investing in renewable energy and cutting-edge engineering solutions. By integrating advanced technologies and introducing innovative products and services, we aim to support major infrastructure developments and drive sustainable growth. Our dynamic approach ensures that we not only meet but exceed evolving market demands, keeping us ahead of the curve.

“We are strategically positioning ourselves to capitalise on the promising economic opportunities in Oman and the GCC. Our diverse group of companies, spanning various sectors and market segments, provides a strong foundation for growth. We are strengthening our engineering and industrial capabilities, expanding our regional presence, and actively investing in renewable energy and cutting-edge engineering solutions”

OPTIMISING OPPORTUNITIES

United Finance Company is actively pursuing partnerships with fintech companies to co-develop innovative solutions and expand technological capabilities, says CEO, Nasser Al Rashdi, in an interview

Can you share an overview of United Finance’s financial performance in 2023 and growth prospects in the year ahead?

In 2023, United Finance Company SAOG delivered robust financial performance, reflecting its commitment to excellence and innovation. We achieved a net profit of RO1.79mn, marking an 11.7 per cent increase compared to the previous year. Operating profits also saw significant growth, rising by 23.3 per cent to RO3.2mn, while finance income surged by 14.7 per cent to reach RO8.8mn. These achievements underscore our strategic emphasis on customer-focused solutions and operational efficiency.

Throughout the year, UFC maintained a prudent approach to new loans in the light of uncertain post-Covid-19 market conditions. Despite this cautious stance, our loan portfolio expanded by 10.9 per cent to RO97.8mn by December 2023, up from RO88.2mn the previous year. The company’s financial position remained robust, supported by mobilising adequate credit facilities from banks and corporate deposits, which grew significantly by 95.8 per cent in 2023 compared to the previous year.

Looking forward to 2024, we are optimistic about our growth prospects. Our strategy includes expanding our market presence through innovative financial products and services, particularly targeting underserved segments. Investments in digital transformation and customer-centric initiatives will play a pivotal role in driving further growth. Additionally, we are exploring new opportunities in emerging markets, leveraging our

strong brand reputation and financial stability. These initiatives are aimed at sustaining our upward trajectory and delivering value to our stakeholders in the coming year and beyond.

What are the key challenges that the company faces in executing its growth strategy?

The financial services landscape in Oman is intensely competitive, with numerous firms striving to capture market share. To maintain our leadership position, continuous innovation and differentiation of our offerings are imperative. Moreover, effectively integrating new technologies amidst rapid advancements presents its own set of challenges. Seamless adoption and minimising disruptions are critical to our success.

In addition, recent increases in interest rates and stricter banking regulations for the FLC sector have dampened industry growth, affecting profitability—a crucial consideration for potential stakeholders. To counter these challenges, we are diversifying our funding sources and implementing strategies for sustainable growth. These measures are aimed at ensuring resilience and maintaining robust performance despite external economic pressures.

What transformational strategies are in place to enable the company to stay competitive in the evolving fintech landscape?

We are currently engaged in a thorough digital transformation program aimed at optimising operational efficiency and elevating customer experience. This transformation encompasses the

adoption of advanced analytics, automation, and digital platforms to streamline our processes and deliver personalised services. Central to our strategy is a customer-centric approach, utilising data analytics to deeply understand customer preferences and needs. This insight enables us to develop customised financial products and services, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and fostering loyalty.

At the core of our strategy is a commitment to nurturing a culture of innovation and agility. By promoting collaboration and encouraging creativity, we strive to remain at the forefront of industry trends and respond swiftly to evolving market dynamics.

In what ways is the company leveraging emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain to enhance its product offerings?

At United Finance, we are dedicated to advancing our technology in line with Oman’s Vision 2040, which prioritises innovation, economic diversification, and sustainable development. Our strategic focus involves harnessing emerging technologies like AI and automation, while enhancing our core capabilities to elevate our product offerings and operational efficiency.

Automation is pivotal in optimising our processes and reducing manual tasks. By automating routine operations such as loan processing, customer onboarding, and compliance checks, we streamline workflows, allowing us to concentrate on innovation and enhancing customer experience. We are committed to upgrading our core banking systems to

ensure they are resilient, scalable, and equipped to support future growth. This includes deploying advanced analytics for informed decisionmaking, bolstering cybersecurity measures, and adopting agile cloud-based solutions for enhanced flexibility and operational efficiency.

These initiatives not only drive our organisational growth but also align closely with Oman’s Vision 2040. By integrating cutting-edge technologies, we aim to contribute to Oman’s economic progress, promote financial inclusivity, and deliver state-of-theart financial solutions to our valued customers.

What strategic partnerships is United Finance pursuing to accelerate the development and adoption of emerging technologies? We are actively pursuing partnerships with fintech companies to co-develop innovative solutions and expand our technological capabilities. These collaborations enable us to leverage fintech expertise and integrate cuttingedge technologies. Partnerships with academic and research institutions are being established to foster innovation and stay abreast of the latest technological advancements. These collaborations support our research and development efforts, leading to the creation of new financial products and services.

Collaborating with leading technology providers allows us to access advanced tools and platforms, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies. These partnerships are crucial for implementing scalable and secure digital solutions.

EXPANDING FOOTPRINT

Moosa Abdul Rahman Hassan and Co LLC is actively exploring opportunities to expand its presence in emerging markets, leveraging its strengths and expertise to enter new territories, says CEO, Said Darwish Al Balushi in an interview

Can you share with us an overview of M/s Moosa Abdul Rahman Hassan and Co LLC, the brands it represents and the services it provides? Moosa Group (MARH) has its roots deep down in Omani history. Founded by Sheikh Moosa Abdul Rahman in 1927, it was supplying coal and foodstuff to British frigates. The

business grew phenomenally and soon diversified into postal and telegraph, electricity supply, banking and finance, construction, and real estate. In 1969, the company acquired distribution of General Motors and sold Bedford Trucks and Opel. The company is now the authorised distributors of:

GMC- Division of GM manufacturing SUV’s, Pickup& Utility Vehicles.

SUZUKI- Japanese vehicles

URO VAMTAC- Spanish manufacturer of tactical Military vehicles.

SIXT – Leading German car rental

and leading agency. We have well equipped showrooms and services centres in Muscat, Sohar, Salalah, Nizwa, Ibri and Sur and warehouses and parts centre to ensure all round availability of spare parts and highquality diagnostic and repair tools to give the best quality of service to customers.

MARH Group is renowned and appreciated for being involved in training and recruiting Omani and expatriate manpower to ensure a seamless sales and aftersales experience to all our customers. We are also equipped to service cars other than those that we represent.

What is the automotive business outlook for the remainder of 2024?

Currently, the entire automotive business in Oman as well as globally are undergoing a 360-degree transformation by gearing up to change over from Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) to electric vehicles. It is primarily related to developing a sustainable environment by having an effective balanced and resilient ecosystem, which is further boosted based on the commitments made by nations and individuals to address the issues of global warming and going green. There have been significant investments by corporates and Governments across the globe to come up with new technologies and innovations in the Electric vehicles (EV) which can completely replace those which burn fossil fuels.

How is Oman geared up to welcome the change from ICE to EV?

Oman is actively moving towards a greener future as a part of Oman vision 2040, with a focus on electric vehicles (EVs). The plan includes building a robust charging infrastructure, implementing supportive government policies, and fostering strategic partnerships. Oman aims to have 22,000 EVs on roads by 2040 and will phase out all fossil fuel powered vehicles by 2050. By 2035, at least 79 per cent of vehicles will be EVs. A bylaw has been issued to regulate the charging of EVs too.

Under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said, Oman has committed to reaching Net Zero Emissions in 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement’s objectives of limiting global warming to 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels. To lead its transition towards a green economy, His Majesty has mandated the creation of Oman Sustainability Centre. The centre will be the leading body undertaking the supervising and follow-up plans and programs of carbon neutrality.

In what way is the company integrating innovation and new technologies into its products and service offerings?

Innovation and technology are at the heart of our strategy. We continuously integrate advanced technologies into our products and services to meet the evolving needs of our customers. This includes the adoption of advanced automotive technologies. We are committed to staying ahead of industry trends by investing heavily in research and development, ensuring that we provide cutting-edge solutions to our customers.

What are the company’s corporate social responsibility and sustainability initiatives?

At Moosa Abdul Rahman Hassan and Co. LLC, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability are integral to our business philosophy. We are deeply committed to supporting the local community through various initiatives such as education programmes, on the job training programmes and community development activities. We have prioritised Omanisation, aligning with the vision of His Majesty the Sultan. We have also been recognised by the Ministry of Labour for its efforts, significantly boosting employment opportunities for Omani nationals.

Through robust training and mentoring programs, MARH integrates HR practices with strategic business goals, enhancing competitiveness through initiatives spanning skill development, professional growth, and performance incentives. We

are steadfast in our commitment to advancing this critical policy while continuing to contribute to community and national development.

Our environmental sustainability efforts focus on reducing our carbon footprint, promoting recycling, and adopting eco-friendly practices across our operations. We also prioritise the well-being of our employees by fostering a safe, inclusive, and empowering work environment. Our CSR and sustainability initiatives reflect our dedication to positively impact the society and the environment, ensuring long-term benefits for all stakeholders in line with Oman Vision 2040.

What are the company’s strategies and plans for future growth and expansion?

Looking ahead, our future growth and expansion strategies are built on a foundation of diversification, digital transformation, and strategic partnerships. We are actively exploring opportunities to expand our presence in emerging markets, leveraging our strengths and expertise to enter new territories. Digital transformation is a key focus, as we invest in advanced digital tools and platforms to enhance customer experiences, streamline operations, and drive innovation.

We are also forming strategic alliances with industry leaders to broaden our product and service offerings, ensuring we remain competitive and relevant in a rapidly changing market. By staying agile and responsive to market trends, we are well-positioned to achieve sustainable growth and continue our legacy of excellence. We have recently signed up a partnership with Autopark which will be the first and largest automobile project in the Sultanate of Oman. We have also opened a new state of the art facility for Suzuki in Azaiba which brings one of the most loved Japanese cars closer to the people. We strive to be the first to incorporate all the new government initiatives and policies thereby aligning our success trajectory with the growth and development of Oman.

MARCHING AHEAD

As one of the most progressive, dynamic, and productive SLCCs working in Oman, Al Baraka Oilfield Services SAOC is committed to aligning all its activities with Oman’s vision on In-Country Value (ICV)

Al Baraka Oilfield Services SAOC is a Super Local Community Contractor (SLCC) representing around 1,200 Omani shareholders in the Wilayat of Shaleem and Al Halaniyat Islands in Dhofar Governorate.

The company, registered in 2011, has projects – completed and ongoing –across two divisions, Hoist Operations

and Off-Plot Delivery Contract (ODC) services operating in the PDO Block 6 concession. It currently operates 10 Workover Rigs in South Oman extending from Nimr to Bahja area, out of which 6 are electrical and 4 conventional Hoists. Al Baraka runs the pipeline/flowline construction business and EPC projects in Bahja and Rima. This consists of engineering, procurement, construction, and

commissioning assistance towards all civil, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and location connecting wellhead to battery limit MSVs, manifolds, and gathering stations via Flowlines / Pipelines as appropriate. Al Baraka has several firsts to its credit, e.g. first SLCC to obtain OPAL Certification and ISO 9001:2015 / ISO 29000 certifications. Recently it has added ISO 14001, ISO

45001 and IADC accreditation to its list of achievements.

In South Oman, Al Baraka operates multiple Hoists in the provision of well services, notably with regard to workovers extending from Bahja to Nimr area. Commencing operations with just two hoists, this SLCC has grown exponentially over the past decade. The company has achieved over 90 per cent operational efficiency while maintaining a superior degree of operational safety as evident from its LTI free record. The Hoist division has attended 2050 plus wells till end 2023 and employs a workforce of around 550 people, 90 per cent of which is Omanised. They include significant numbers of Omani candidates from the concession area who have been trained to become roustabouts and floormen. In addition, Hoist division provides technical support to several international companies across Oman.

Equally commendable is the performance of Al Baraka’s ODC division. The company has constructed wellhead locations and engineering, construction and commissioning of all mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and civil location matters related to well pad location and flowline construction, primarily in Bahja and now in Rima. While maintaining a more than 7.9 million manhours LTI free record, this division has undertaken more than 1800 km of flowline welding and over 550 well hook-ups, completed dismantling of 290 km of bare CS flowlines/hookups, and the design, construction and precommissioning of more than 370 wells with a manpower strength of over 740 including sub-contractors. The company is currently managing several EPC projects and expanding its area of flowline operations in the southern part of Oman.

Improving safety performance continues to be Al Baraka’s priority. The company’s HSE goal is to ensure all employees return home from work safely every day. Necessary steps have been taken to strengthen the overarching safety management framework, improve reporting systems and enhance the inherent

safety culture. As one of the most progressive, dynamic, and productive SLCCs working in Oman, Al Baraka is committed to aligning all its activities with Oman’s vision on In-Country Value (ICV). The strategy aims at supporting local community companies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), increasing the procurement of local goods & services and improving the capacity and capability of Omani people and companies in order to secure long-term sustainable commercial benefits for the Sultanate. Suppliers are predominantly from Oman, and the company is engaging with subcontractors to ensure they patronise local suppliers well.

At Al Baraka, Omanisation is treated as a priority and Social Commitment, a social responsibility rather than a statutory requirement. The Hoist division is 90 per cent Omanised whereas the ODC is gradually ramping up their Omani staff with the increase in activities. Al Baraka does not only take pride in Omanising the un-skilled categories, it aims at also creating semiskilled and skilled Omani employees to enhance In-Country Value. To create

a specialised workforce, Al Baraka Oilfield Services constantly strives to provide high-quality structured training programmes to enhance the skills and develop the competency of staff in various disciplines. The company has trained Civil Permit Holders, Mechanical Permit Holders, Site Design Coordinators and Document Controllers. In addition, Omanis are being trained as Procurement specialists. and HSE professionals. There are Graduates who are undergoing internships to take up suitable positions in the company. The objective is to provide each employee with the requisite knowledge and skills for effective engagement on every task undertaken. All training programmes are done at Omani training centres led by qualified instructors.

On Corporate Social Responsibility, the company has provided local development support e.g. School Excellence Awards, supporting SQU students with grants, supporting local hospitals with COVID-19 related PPE/ equipment, providing an ambulance at Shaleem Hospital and organising a heritage festival in Wilayat of Shaleem et al.

SETTING STANDARDS Travel Buddies Holidays: Redefining travel and corporate services in Oman

Tfounded by Dr. Rodrigo Desiatco in 2019, has rapidly become a cornerstone in the travel and corporate services industry in Oman.

From its humble beginnings, TBH has evolved into a comprehensive service provider, offering everything from flights and hotel reservations to specialised corporate services. This transformation is a testament to the company’s resilience and dedication, especially evident during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. When the world came to a standstill in 2020, the travel industry was one of the hardest hit.

However, TBH did not falter. Instead, it played a crucial role in the repatriation efforts for Filipinos stranded during the pandemic. The company has played a crucial role for numerous repatriation/special flights, ensuring the safe return to their homeland. This commitment to service during such trying times highlights TBH’s ethos of putting people first, a principle that continues to drive their operations today.

Comprehensive Travel Services

Travel Buddies Holidays offers a wide range of services to meet the diverse

Flights: Comprehensive flight booking services for domestic and international travel.

Hotel Reservations: Arrangements for comfortable and convenient accommodations.

Tourist Visa Assistance: Facilitating the visa process for various destinations.

Inbound and Outbound Tours: Curated tours that showcase the best of local and international destinations.

International Cruises: Organising memorable cruise experiences across the globe.

Specialised Corporate Services

TBH has extended its expertise to cater specifically to corporate clients, offering a suite of specialised services:

On-Boarding Services for New Employees

TBH ensures a seamless transition for expatriate employees moving to Oman. The onboarding service includes:

Flight Arrangements: Coordinating flights for the new employees.

Meet and Greet: A warm welcome upon arrival in Oman.

Temporary Accommodation and Transport: Arranging temporary

housing and transportation.

Familiarisation Tour: A comprehensive tour of the city, covering prominent destinations and essential services like banks, hospitals, schools, hypermarkets, and more. This service helps new employees quickly acclimate to their new environment and culture.

VIP Helicopter Services

For clients requiring swift and exclusive travel options, TBH provides:

Chartered Flights: For site visits, emergency rescues, and panoramic aerial tours of Muscat, offering unparalleled convenience and luxury.

Business Tourism and Events

TBH acts as a one-stop-shop for business events, including: Meetings, Conferences, and Exhibitions: Consolidating rates for hotels, exhibition venues, and transportation, along with organizing city tours. This comprehensive coordination ensures a seamless and productive business event experience.

Team Building Programs

Understanding the importance of team cohesion, TBH offers unique teambuilding programs:

Customised Activities and Venues:

TBH designs unique team-building programs tailored to the specific goals and preferences of corporate clients. From planning activities to selecting the perfect venue, TBH ensures an unforgettable and impactful teambuilding experience. Located at Room 101, Hormuz Petrol Station, Al Khuleyah Street, Al Khuwair, Muscat, Travel Buddies Holidays is dedicated to providing top-notch services tailored to meet the needs of both individual travellers and corporate clients.

For more information, contact +968 90398898

Email: marketing@tbharabia.com

TECH-DRIVEN SOLUTIONS

Established in 2004, Infoline stands as Oman’s leading provider of IT-enabled outsourcing services, focusing on enhancing digital customer experiences. Holding ISO 9001:2015 certification, Infoline demonstrates a steadfast dedication to quality and agility. By integrating stateof-the-art technology with streamlined operational methods, the company fosters innovation and cultivates a distinctive corporate

Core Values:

• Progress: Dedicated to continuous improvement and advancement.

• Innovation: Embracing the latest technologies to stay ahead.

• Personalisation: Tailoring services to meet specific client needs.

• Expertise: Leveraging seasoned professionals for top-quality service.

Vision and Mission

Vision: “To cultivate technology-driven connections that transcend boundaries, nurturing limitless possibilities for progress and innovation.”

Mission: “To equip businesses with advanced solutions, fostering sustainable and transformative business models that catalyse growth and opportunity.”

Values: “Rooted in Customer Centricity, underpinned by Collaboration, propelled by Innovation, and defined by Agility.”

Commitment to Excellence and Community Development

Quality Policy: Infoline aspires to set benchmarks in premium contact center services, comprehensive business process outsourcing, and IT product services across various sectors. The company is dedicated to proactive risk management, customer delight, and continuous improvement, aiming to exceed expectations.

Quality Objectives:

• Cultivate beneficial relationships with stakeholders.

• Meet or surpass legal and regulatory requirements.

• Proactively assess and mitigate risks.

• Foster a culture of teamwork and skill development.

• Maintain effective communication and participation.

• Uphold and improve the quality management system.

Omanisation Policy: Aligned with His Majesty the Sultan’s vision, Infoline prioritises the development and employment of Omani youth. The company has created substantial employment opportunities, with over 4000 nationals trained and employed. HR practices support employees’ careers from skill enhancement to performance incentives, exceeding Omanisation targets Service Offerings

Customer Experience Center:

• Comprehensive Customer Support: Multi-channel customer engagement.

• Dynamic Call Center Solutions: Telemarketing, sales, and customer service.

• Expert Technical and Helpdesk Support: Prompt technical solutions.

• Instant Live Chat Support: Real-time digital assistance.

• Proactive Social Media Management: Positive brand image maintenance.

• Strategic CRM: Data-driven customer interaction enhancement.

• Insightful Surveys and Feedback Collection: Continuous improvement.

• Efficient Order Processing: Seamless transactions.

Knowledge Process Outsourcing:

• Market Research: Strategic consumer and economic insights.

• Business Analytics: Data transformation into strategic actions.

• Legal Process Outsourcing: Costeffective legal operations.

• Intellectual Property Research: Protect and monetise innovations.

Professional Shared Services:

• Human Resources Outsourcing: Recruitment, staffing, payroll, benefits, HR administration, training, and development.

• Finance and Accounting Outsourcing: Accounts management, bookkeeping, financial analysis.

• Procurement Outsourcing: Sourcing, supplier management, procure-to-pay services.

Information and Technology Enabled Solutions:

• Custom Application Development: Tailor-made software solutions.

• Seamless Information Exchange: Secure data communication.

• Powerful Business Intelligence: Actionable data insights.

• Advanced Smart Automation: AI and RPA for process automation.

• Effective Command and Control Solutions: Comprehensive management solutions.

• Dedicated Managed Services: IT function outsourcing.

Industry Support Services

Infoline supports various industries, including Government, Telecom, Healthcare, Energy, BFSI, Retail, Travel, and Manufacturing, with customised solutions and expert management, ensuring high-quality service and operational efficiency.

Infoline’s Value Proposition

• Integrated Solutions Hub: End-toend solutions for seamless business operations.

• Process Excellence: Lean methodology for operational optimization.

• Smart CX Navigator: AI-driven personalised customer experiences.

• Emerging Tech Adoption: Proactive integration of innovative technologies.

• Oman Talent Forge: Career development for Omani professionals.

• Agile Business Model: Flexible and scalable solutions for dynamic market needs.

Careers at Infoline

Join the team where people matter most. Infoline offers a competitive and dynamic work environment, opportunities for skill enhancement and career development, and a professional yet friendly workplace culture.

HowtoApply:Emailyourupdated resumetojobs@infoline.om

Contact Us

Head Office: Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM)- 4, Rusayl – Oman. Telephone: 00968-24462626 Fax: 00968-24449310 Email: connect@infoline.om

PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS

Human Resource Development: A cornerstone of Bank Muscat’s success

Human resource development plays a pivotal role in the success of organisations and various business industries. As part of its commitment to developing human resources, Bank Muscat, the leading financial service provider in Sultanate of Oman and recipient of the “Best Places to Work Award” for 2024, continues to harvest the benefit in the field of human resource development. The Bank’s success in this field stems from the implementation of plans and strategies that contribute to strengthening its role as a trusted and supportive partner for its employees throughout their career.

The Bank makes strenuous efforts to provide a nurturing work environment to enhance employee performance and enable them to advance professionally in various sections, thus, motivating them to serve individual and corporate customers in translation of the Bank’s vision “To serve you better every day.” The Bank has over 4,000 staff members employed at the various branches and departments, with a total Omanisation rate of 93 per cent. The Omanisation percentage at the Bank’s 183 branches distributed across the Sultanate hits 100 per cent.

Bank Muscat recently organised a media visit for a group of journalists and media personnel representing various media institutions to highlight the Bank’s role in its HR development. The media visit aimed to shed light on the importance of human resources in the Bank’s path to success over the past 40 years. During the event, a presentation was given to introduce the audience to Bank Muscat’s contributions to human resource development and creation of a motivating work environment that enhances employee performance and efficiency. Human resource development represents a core element of the Bank’s leadership considering that employees are central pillars on which the Bank’s growth and progress stand. The visit represented a platform for journalists to ask questions and enquiries, meet and exchange conversations with the Bank’s officials. Therefore, the event was organised out of the Bank’s keenness to introduce the community to its role in HR development and to strengthen its partnership with various media outlets, as they are a fundamental partner in the Bank’s

During the media visit, the Bank’s officials emphasised the significant role that the human resources play in supporting Bank Muscat’s journey as an employer of choice for Omani talents. The Bank is dedicated to developing employee capabilities and experience as well as equipping them with the necessary expertise and skills to create broad opportunities for career advancement and prosperity. These efforts also provide new horizons for the Omani youth to experience professional growth throughout their career path as they continue learning and developing their capabilities in the workplace. As a result, the level of customer service enhances. Furthermore, Bank Muscat has implemented a strategic plan and well-considered policies that aim to achieve success and accomplishments in human resource development.

Speaking about the event, Said bin Salim Al Aufi, General Manager, Human Resources and Administrative, Bank Muscat, reported, “I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude and appreciation to all journalists and media representatives, for their partnership and ongoing

Said Al Aufi

cooperation in making the Bank’s events a great success. Our media partners play a crucial role in introducing customers to the Bank’s latest advancements in the human resource development, emphasizing that all employees are Bank Muscat’s valuable and core assets and they represent the robust foundation of its success. The Bank’s employees dedicate their energies and capabilities to elevate the Bank and reinforce its leadership.”

Said Al Aufi added, “The Bank is committed to constantly implementing its development strategy designed to nurture and empower the Omani youth to become fully qualified at work in order to achieve their aspirations. In this regard, the Bank offers training programmes and workshops to all employees across different banking-related specialisations and fields in cooperation with local and international professional institutions. I would like to extend my appreciation to all these institutions for their support in partnering with us.”

The General Manager further explained: “The Bank places great emphasis on its human assets, prioritising individuals with professional expertise as strategised in Oman Vision 2040 which emphasises human resource development as a key pillar. The Bank’s commitment to providing employees with all modern means and comforts in the workplace results in the creation of an environment that encourages productivity and employee growth. Underscoring its dedication to developing its employees to unleash their creative energies, the Bank will continue the implementation of programmes and strategic plans that contribute to the advancement of its human resources.

Over the years, Bank Muscat has been committed to fostering an exemplary work environment to deliver the best services and facilities to individual and corporate customers alike. As a result, the Bank has become the preferred workplace for a large number of Omani youth. In recognition

of its leadership stance, the Bank has recently been listed among the best places to work for 2024 by “Best Places to Work,” a prestigious and reputable global organisation based in the United Kingdom. This accrediting body recognises institutions that meet the standards required in human resource practices with focus on enhancing employee experience in the workplace, which includes measuring organisational work culture and employee satisfaction using rigorous and accurate evaluation methodologies. The selection of Bank Muscat amongst the best workplaces stems from its dedication to the human resources development.

In addition, Bank Muscat offers a range of financial benefits and incentives aiming to achieve career stability, including health insurance for employees and their family. The Bank has adopted a strategic plan to develop Omani human resources as the cornerstone upon which the Bank’s successes are built across various specialisations. Underscoring its commitment to developing the capabilities and skills of its employees, the Bank offers employees training programmes, scholarships, and learning opportunities to encourage them to achieve high performance and professional advancement throughout their career journey.

Further to that, Bank Muscat, through its “Jadara Academy,” places great emphasis on training opportunities for its employees. The Academy represents the Bank’s platform

of human resource development, contributing to the enhancement of staff competencies through the annual launch of training programmes. These programmes aim to empower employees to fulfill their responsibilities and provide them with the opportunity to assume leadership positions in the future. The Bank is also committed to providing the necessary facilities and the latest technology to keep pace with the increasing global trends, which contributes to the development of employee performance.

Throughout the past year until the end of February 2024, Bank Muscat, represented by the Academy’s Training and Development Department, organised training programmes with 48,800 training seats offered to employees who could get enrolled to more than one specialised training programme and course. The Academy launched specialised workshops for 365 employees to obtain professional certificates. In addition, Bank Muscat offers many opportunities for employees to pursue their university studies and obtain specialised certificates by providing scholarships in the Sultanate, abroad, or online. The Bank encourages and supports employees on their career journey by empowering them with the appropriate knowledge tools. In 2023, the Bank provided 85 scholarships for employees to complete their postgraduate studies in their various specialisations, in cooperation with a number of prestigious universities inside and outside the Sultanate.

UNMATCHED LUXURY

Dar Global sets a new benchmark in luxury hospitality with the launch of the $500mn Trump International Oman in AIDA

living and hospitality.

Launched under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, AIDA is one of the largest premium mixed-use real estate developments in the world, marking a significant milestone in Oman’s real estate landscape.

The $500mn Trump International Oman in AIDA is the latest addition to Trump’s prestigious global portfolio.

Scheduled to open in December 2028, this luxurious 140-key, 5-star hotel complex features a range of accommodations, including hanging suites, furnished villas, and serviced apartments. Guests will enjoy complimentary private beach access. The resort also boasts an exquisite 18-hole championship golf course, an exclusive members-only club, and the Cliff Hanging Night Club.

Developed with the Trump Organisation and as a joint venture

arm of the Sultanate of Oman for tourism development, AIDA is built on a more than 100-metre-high hilltop, surrounded by rocky canyons, endless beaches, and breathtaking panoramas.

Ziad El Chaar, CEO of Dar Global, said, “The unveiling of The Trump International Oman in AIDA, is a significant leap forward in our endeavor to build an unmatched hospitality portfolio in some of the most aspirational neighborhoods in the world. A product of Dar Global and

creating distinction in every offering, we see this landmark establishment not only setting the bar high for international hospitality standards but also advancing Oman’s tourism vision, drawing in a broader global audience while also stimulating domestic tourism.”

Eric Trump, Executive Vice President, The Trump Organisation, said, “In collaboration with Dar Global, we are thrilled to launch Trump International Oman, heralding a new era of sophistication, impeccable service,

and exclusivity synonymous with the Trump standard of excellence. This venture underscores our shared commitment to curating iconic luxury experiences for discerning travelers and investors, while also elevating Oman’s status as a premier global destination.”

Trump International Oman offers a collection of luxury rooms and suites, including the exclusive and picturesque hanging suites. These unique accommodations feature a private pool and a bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, all framed by floor-to-ceiling windows that provide sweeping views. For golf enthusiasts, the spectacular Championship golf course enhances the sporting experience with its perfect blend of rough and fair terrain, slopes, ratios, tracks, and intervals.

Speaking to OER on the sidelines of the launch, Ziad said the project, which began 13 months ago is making swift progress. Phase-1, which primarily consists of residential units is almost sold out and is slated for delivery within 30 months. The project has attracted investors from around 50 countries. “It’s a diverse mix of buyers,” he said. The project signifies the dedication to enhance value and boosting Oman’s tourism sector. It’s a key step in our strategy to grow

prime locations thereby enriching the investment landscape.”

The main works construction contract for Phase-1 villas has been awarded to Towell Construction & Co. LLC, with a contract value of RO14,242,810. Towell Construction will oversee the construction of the townhouses and villas, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and adherence to optimal quality standards. The infrastructure work for Phase-1 has been awarded to Oman Shapoorji Company LLC. The contract, valued at RO9,345,653, entails designing and constructing essential infrastructure, including roads, water, and electricity networks, utility installations, drainage, and sewage systems as well as developing the surrounding road network within AIDA. These efforts ensure the highest technical standards, seamlessly complementing AIDA’s luxurious offerings and supporting its residential and commercial phases.

“The villas will epitomise luxury and exclusivity, featuring modern designs and premium finishes that seamlessly complement AIDA’s unique natural surroundings and topography. This contract marks a major leap forward in our mission to provide a worldclass living experience in AIDA, reflecting our steadfast commitment to enhancing Oman’s residential offerings and strengthening our portfolio of locations.”

Highlighting the need for improved air connectivity to promote tourism and real estate growth in Oman, he said “International investors prefer direct flights from their respective destinations. We need more flights from key destinations such as the US, UK, and China.”

Spanning 3.5 million square meters, AIDA is set to complete its first phase in 2027. Located just 10 minutes from Downtown Muscat, this significant urban development will bolster Oman’s global reputation as a prime destination for tourists, residents, and investors. Phase-2 which comprises hotel and additional villas is planned to be completed within 36 months. Overall, the development is scheduled to be completed in 10 phases over a period of 10-years, he said.

Designed to complement the golfing lifestyle, the resort features a training academy and a members-only club with exclusive amenities, perfect for networking and social events. The Cliff Hanging Night Club in AIDA, a groundbreaking first in the Middle East, provides an unparalleled setting for bespoke events and unforgettable celebrations. Additional amenities include various F&B outlets, banquet and meeting facilities, and an

MANAGING RISKS

The key to long term investment success is to invest rationally, not emotionally. To re-balance the asset mix and family wealth and to allocate capital wisely and efficiently is often an art not always a science. It is only a few months until the United States Presidential election and the S&P 500 trades at 21.5X forward earnings, its exact level before FED Chair Powell finally admitted the CPI was 9 per cent and inflation was not transitory.

The U.S. Bond Yield Curve has been inverted for 20 months. That is the longest period in recorded U.S. history. The equity market is currently a reflation/risk-on regime, that is, a high-risk appetite regime, and it would not be reasonable to position in the opposite direction until this regime changes. Technically speaking, the techdominated Nasdaq 100 (NDX) continues to break record after record, but there has been an increase in stocks hitting monthly, quarterly, and even annual lows, which is not very normal. The S&P500 technology sector is about 8 percent above the 20-day average and about 27 percent above the 200-day average.

Valuation is never a timing indicator, and often time in the market of a globally well diversified portfolio is more important than marketing timing. A lot has been written about the concentration in the AI equity-related bull market of the USA, but to put it simply, investors who invest $1 into the S&P 500 index today are effectively allocating $0.28 into the top 5 stocks. Amazon crossed $2 trillion in market cap during intraday trading this week, Bezos’s company joined other tech heavyweights such as Nvidia, Apple, Alphabet and Microsoft, all of which have crossed a $2 trillion market capitalisation.

According to some estimates, well over 70 per cent of the U.S. household sector’s financial assets are concentrated in the equity market (just 8 per cent are in bonds). Few have chosen to take profits or rebalance their portfolio in what is now among the top 10 per cent most expensive

U.S. markets of all time, with a forward P/E multiple north of 21 times (whereas the “fair value” is closer to 16 times under the current 4 per cent to 5 per cent interest rate backdrop).

Active versus passive portfolio management has been an important debate on Wall Street and with clients over the years and it could potentially lead to a retirement crisis. According to some estimates over half (53 per cent) of the U.S equity market today is owned by passive index funds. In 2024 and with the S&P 500 over 5,000 index points and Nvidia at P/E 73x and 7 per cent weighting in the broad market index weighting, we could be at a level where investors and stewards of capital should reflect on the active versus passive debate and the stock bond relationship. The relationship between stocks and bonds is a crucial aspect of financial markets, influencing investment strategies, portfolio management, and economic policies.

Index funds have come to dominate the composition of most retirement accounts – ETFs now make up 23 per cent of self-directed assets, for example, nearly doubling in the past decade. And what is even more problematic is that when the inevitable turn comes, is that these passive index funds are stuffed in baby boomer 401(k) plans (the RRSPs of the U.S.). Roughly 60 per cent of U.S. families with the head of the household aged between 55 to 74 own equities, and their median stock market allocation in terms of share of the asset mix is also nearly 60 per cent (a quarter-century ago, both these numbers were closer to 30 per cent).

A good retirement and investment portfolio needs quality stocks with a value tilt and good cash flow and stocks for the long run. World famous investment manager and USA democratic party donor and early supporter of Barack Obama, George Soros famously joked that “an investment is a speculation gone wrong.” If you failed as a short-term trader, you might as well become a successful long-term investor.

Rainer Michael Preiss Partner & Portfolio Strategist at

When it comes to investment, however the art of asset allocation or simply deciding on asset allocation is most important. It is often said that the only free lunch in financial markets is diversification supported by conscientious asset allocation.

In today’s markets, diversification also means to be aware of passive investment strategies risk. Selecting the right asset allocation and countries to invest in depends on several factors, including: Time Horizon – The number of months or years until your financial goal is the primary factor driving asset allocation. Investors saving up for retirement often invest in riskier assets since they have a long-time horizon, while a parent saving up for a teenager’s college education may stick to less risky investments since they have a shorter time horizon.

Risk Tolerance – The second major factor influencing asset allocation is an investor’s risk tolerance. In other words, their ability and willingness to lose some or all of their original investment in exchange for greater returns. Aggressive investors may be willing to take on higher risk to get better returns, while conservative investors may stick with low-risk investments aimed more at capital preservation.

The relationship between U.S. equities and international equities is complex and multifaceted, influenced by global economic conditions, geopolitical events, currency fluctuations, and market sentiment. Understanding this relationship is crucial for diversifying investments, managing risk, and capitalising on global growth opportunities.

Das Family Office in Singapore

A’NUKHBA:

In conjunction with the Al Mar’a Summit and Awards, Al Mar’a publishes an A’Nukhba book, which showcases successful women across different sectors. The book serves as a tribute to accomplished Omani women and their pioneering role in both public and private organizations. Through this book, Al Mar’a encourages women to support each other, continue learning, seek knowledge, take initiative, and strive to make a signi cant impact in making Oman a developed country. It also emphasizes the importance of women’s active participation in the Oman Vision 2040 plan.

For further information and inquiries, contact: Taif on taif@umsoman.com or +968-93900230

Al Mar’a Woman of the Year

Woman Leader of the Year

MASTER OF EXTREME PERFORMANCE

The new Defender OCTA offers a rare combination of extreme toughness, high performance and luxury

JLR has introduced the new Defender OCTA - the toughest, most capable and most luxurious model in the unstoppable 4x4 family, taking the capability of Defender 110 to an unparalleled level. Powered by a 4.4-litre Twin Turbo mild-hybrid V8 engine, the OCTA model is the most extreme and powerful

Defender ever, with 635PS and up to 750Nm of torque enabling 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.0 seconds).

The revised chassis components with innovative technologies, including 6D Dynamics suspension, ensure its dynamic capabilities are taken to new heights.

The exterior is bolder and tougher than ever, with a distinct character. The ride height is raised, its stance widened, and wheel arches extended for incredible presence. Redesigned bumpers give improved approach and departure angles, while tough underbody protection gives drivers the confidence to explore further over rough terrain. Moreover, it will wade deeper than any production Defender before it too –through up to one metre of water.

Mark Cameron, Managing Director, Defender avers, “With New Defender OCTA we have been able to unlock the full potential of Defender. It is the very definition of breadth of capability, and a testament to what we can achieve utilising the very best technologies and talents within our engineering division. With its powerful V8 engine, ground-breaking 6D Dynamics suspension technology, exquisite finishes and unique detailing, it is rare, incredibly tough and inherently desirable.”

Tough luxury

New Defender OCTA’s name is derived from the toughest and most desirable mineral on earth – a diamond – and the octahedral shape that gives their distinctive appearance and durability. This shape also inspired the new signature graphic, which denotes it as the flagship Defender – strong and resilient, yet striking, rare and desirable.

Every Defender OCTA wears a new encircled diamond graphic, including

a gloss black diamond within a machined and sandblasted titanium disc on each Signature Graphic panel.

The tough luxury of Defender OCTA is epitomised by Defender OCTA Edition One, which is available in the first year of production. It features a curated specification, finished in an exclusive new Faroe Green paint colour with a Khaki and Ebony UltrafabricsTM PU and seam-less Knit interior, new Chopped Carbon Fibre detailing, and 20-inch forged alloy wheels with a choice of all-terrain or optional specially developed advanced all-terrain tyres.

Unparalleled performance

New Defender OCTA brings unheard of performance to Defender. Powered by a 635PS 4.4-litre Twin Turbo mild-hybrid V8 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with high and low range gears. The Defender OCTA will reach up to 155mph when fitted with 22-inch lightweight alloy wheels and allseason tyres.

With 750Nm of torque (up to 800Nm with Dynamic Launch Mode selected) and tuned to suit the vehicle’s outstanding all-terrain performance, the OCTA is capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds (0100km/h in 4.0 seconds), while peak torque is available from just 1,800rpm through to almost 6,000rpm, for exceptional driveability.

Incredible capability and durability

Mechanically, the Defender OCTA’s dynamic capabilities go beyond what any Defender has achieved before, with the introduction of hydraulically interlinked 6D Dynamics suspension technology for the first time, alongside extensive hardware and geometry changes. Uniquely, it’s designed to be as fun to drive on-road as off-road, with no compromises.

Defender OCTA sits 28mm higher and has a stance widened by 68mm, for superior ground clearance and stability. To ensure unparalleled confidence and control on any

terrain, with both maximum wheel articulation off-road and reduced roll on-road, revised suspension components include longer and tougher wishbones and unique active dampers with separate accumulators. It also features uprated 400mm front brake discs with Brembo calipers and the fastest steering ratio of any Defender to date, for immediate, precise, responses.

The OCTA went through a bespoke testing and development programme with more than 13,960 additional tests, including high-speed off-road durability, as well as high-speed onroad durability.

Says Jamal Hameedi, Director of SVO, JLR, “Our high-performance experts have achieved the impossible with Defender OCTA, working tirelessly over the past three years to create the most capable Defender ever made – regardless of which surface it is enjoyed on. They have re-engineered components throughout the vehicle to ensure Defender OCTA is the perfect

companion for epic adventures anywhere on the planet.”

An advanced network of hydraulically interlinked continuously variable semi-active dampers virtually eliminates pitch and body roll on-road, the 6D Dynamics system also contributing to unprecedented comfort and refinement for Defender. On rough terrain, 6D Dynamics enables greater wheel articulation and will tackle even more extreme obstacles, meaning clients can take their adventures even further and in superior comfort.

The full capabilities of New Defender OCTA – which can automatically detect which surface it is being driven on and optimise its dynamic settings, accordingly – are unlocked via its enhanced drive modes. In addition to the default Comfort

Mode, Dynamic Mode provides the ultimate performance-focused onroad experience, tuning the vehicle’s steering, throttle and suspension settings with one press of the transparent signature logo button on the steering wheel.

A long press of the same button accesses OCTA Mode, the first ever dedicated Defender off-road driving mode with a performance focus. This has been specially developed to ensure ultimate control and driver confidence.

OCTA Mode also enables an OffRoad Launch mode for optimum acceleration on loose surfaces. Moreover, when combined with the lowest traction control settings (TracDSC or DSC off) it engages a unique Off-Road ABS calibration for optimum braking performance on loose surfaces too.

For more technical off-road manoeuvres, Defender’s suite of familiar Terrain Response modes remain at the driver’s fingertips, with specific calibrations for Sand, Mud and Ruts, Grass Gravel Snow, and Rock Crawl – assisted by off-road driver aids such as ClearSight Ground View3, which effectively makes the bonnet transparent for improved visibility and reassurance off the beaten track.

Confident exterior

Defender’s imposing presence and all-terrain focus is given a bold new attitude for Defender OCTA. It features 33-inch diameter tyres, the largest ever fitted to a production Defender, including a Goodyear Advanced AllTerrain Tyre1 developed specifically for the OCTA model. This has required extended wheel arches, which complement off-road-optimised front bodywork with unique grille designs

EXTREME PERFORMANCE THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

Innovative technology enables outstanding all-terrain performance.

allowing greater under-bonnet airflow, a new rear bumper incorporating a four-exit active exhaust system, tough underbody protection including an aluminium alloy front under shield with graphite finish and exposed Phosphor Bronze-finished front and rear recovery points.

Defender OCTA’s colour palette includes two exclusive new premium metallic finishes: Petra Copper and Faroe Green, alongside Carpathian Grey and Charente Grey, while all Defender OCTA models feature a contrast roof and tailgate in gloss Narvik Black. Clients can further personalise their vehicle with optional Matte Protective Film for added body protection in harsh environments, also adding a sophisticated appearance that displays its distinctive silhouette and sophisticated surfacing.

Faroe Green is exclusively available on Defender OCTA Edition One, as is Chopped Carbon Fibre detailing. This highly distinctive finish, which includes recycled raw materials, features on the Defender bonnet script, fender vent surrounds and bonnet vent surrounds, plus the front seatbacks and centre console trim inside.

Engaging, immersive interior

Inside, curated selections set New Defender OCTA apart. Two highly durable UltrafabricsTM PU options – 30 per cent lighter than traditional leather – are available. This seat finish is standard on Defender OCTA Edition One, in duo-tone Khaki and Ebony, with a knit textile and reductive, seamless finish. For Defender OCTA, the standard interior is a new Burnt Sienna semi-aniline leather, with KvadratTM textile trim in Ebony.

PERFECTLY POISED

The only Defender with 6D Dynamics suspension technology – a network of hydraulically-interlinked Continuously Variable Semi-Active dampers, managing pitch and roll for optimum comfort and performance, in all conditions.

GREATEST CONTROL

Three valves on each damper independently modulate compression and rebound damping.

UNIQUELY CAPABLE

Dampers networked through central Load Distribution Unit, continuously adjusting system pressure.

DUALITY OF PERFORMANCE

On road: 6D Dynamics enhances stability in all conditions, increasing comfort and performance.

Off road: 6D Dynamics allows greater wheel articulation, because wheel movement is not constrained by anti-roll bars.

Alternatively, any Defender OCTA can be specified with UltrafabricsTM PU in Light Cloud and Lunar, or semi-aniline leather Iin Ebony.

The front row of Defender OCTA features all-new Performance Seats with more supportive bolsters and integrated headrests. Defender’s close association with music is brought to the fore with immersive Body and Soul Seat audio technology – available for the first time in Defender.

The Body and Soul Seat has been developed in collaboration with music industry experts SUBPAC and Coventry University, allowing the driver and front passenger to feel, as well as hear, the music. Six wellness programmes are also available to help relax occupants or help improve cognitive responses on the move, depending on their preference.

DHOFAR Gateway to a Bright Future

DHOFAR FORUM 2024

19 August 2024

Millenium Resort Salalah

Hosted by His Excellency Shaikh Salim bin Mustahail Al Mashani, Alam Al-Iktisaad Dhofar Forum will be a unique platform for policy makers and industry leaders to provide insights into Dhofar's success stories and future strategies, specifically focusing on economic diversification, social development and sustainable growth.

The Arabic event will place emphasis on sectors such as manufacturing, exports, ports and logistics, tourism, mineral resources, infrastructure, power and energy, agriculture and fisheries, real estate, banking and finance, insurance, education, and healthcare.

Focus Areas

Investment opportunities in Free Zones

• Smart & Green manufacturing

• World class Port & Logistics facilities Harnessing the mineral resources • Smart Urban development & robust infrastructure • Future potential in agriculture & fisheries • Promoting innovation & technology • Building national talent & empowering youth Sustainable development as per Vision 2040

Alam Al Iktisaad Business Excellence Awards

At the forum, Alam Al-Iktisaad will honour distinguished companies, corporate leaders, initiatives, and projects with awards for their outstanding business accomplishments within their specific fields. Their contributions to community support and the promotion of In-Country Value (ICV) in Dhofar will be a key aspect of their recognition.

• Manufacturing Company of the Year

• Technology Company of the Year

• Real Estate Company of the Year

• Energy Company of the Year

• Healthcare Company of the Year

• Business Leader of the Year

• CEO of the Year

• Innovative Leader of the Year

• Young Business Leader of the Year

• Transformation Leader of the Year

• ICV initiative of the Year

• CSR Initiative of the Year

• Branding of the year

PREMIUM EXPERIENCE

Volvo cars mark exciting return to Oman, as OMASCO unveils all-new

Volvo Cars made its muchanticipated return to Oman with the inauguration of the all-new OMASCO Volvo Car showroom located at the OMASCO HQ in Wattaya, Muscat.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Khalid bin Hamed bin Hamoud Al Busaidi, Chairman of SABCO Group, the event marks a significant moment for Volvo enthusiasts and automotive

aficionados in the Sultanate, who can once again experience the renowned luxury, innovation, and Scandinavian design that define Volvo vehicles, right here in the heart of Oman. It also represents a pivotal moment in

OMASCO’s ongoing expansion efforts; by adding Volvo Cars – a leader in climate action – to its portfolio of globally renowned brands, the AlFuttaim Automotive joint venture company is further solidifying its position as a key player in the region’s automotive industry as well as paving the path towards Oman’s 2050 Net Zero mission. Committed to driving mass electric vehicle adoption across the Sultanate, OMASCO has introduced the groundbreaking all-electric Volvo EX30 – the brand’s compact premium SUV – as the centerpiece of its distinctive Volvo Car line-up.

“The new Volvo Car showroom marks a significant milestone in OMASCO’s remarkable 50-year journey,” commented His Highness Sayyid Khalid bin Hamed bin Hamoud Al Busaidi, Chairman, SABCO Group. “Committed to helping propel Oman towards a more sustainable future, our strategic decision to partner with Volvo Cars aligns perfectly with our nation’s decarbonisation goals.

Volvo Cars’ dedication to environmentally friendly practices in its factory operations, logistics, and product offerings mirror Oman’s vision for a cleaner, greener future. We eagerly anticipate continued collaborations that will propel us forward on our path towards a more sustainable tomorrow.”

David Swain, Managing Director at OMASCO, added, “The opening of the new dealership exemplifies our mission to provide innovative, premium automotive solutions in Oman. It is also an important milestone in our ongoing expansion, as we continue to strengthen the company’s dynamic leadership across core economic sectors, including automotive, and our long-standing commitment to sustainability.”

“By launching the Volvo EX30, we are actively contributing to Oman’s sustainable future and aligning with the country’s ambitious 2050 Net Zero goal,” commented Marco Melani, Regional Managing Director – Al Futtaim Automotive. “This compact SUV not only embodies our dedication to electric mobility but also offers customers a premium Volvo experience with the lowest CO2 emissions in the brand’s lineup. Coupled with OMASCO’s renowned customer service, the Volvo EX30 promises a unique and exceptional driving journey for all.”

With complimentary test drives available for all customers, the Volvo EX30 comes with exclusive benefits including a 3-year service package, 5-year extended warranty, 8-year battery warranty, one year of registration, 3M sun film (crystalline range) and nano ceramic paint protection – all bundled up to make life easier and worry-free.

A compact SUV that delivers big things, the fully electric Volvo EX30 is designed to be as safe as you would expect from a Volvo. Honoured with the prestigious Red Dot ‘Best of the Best Design’ award and named 2024 World Urban Car at the World Car Awards, it has the smallest CO2 footprint of any Volvo car to date, designed to make people’s lives safer,

more convenient and more enjoyable through cutting-edge technology and Scandinavian design. Other key features include: A large panoramic glass roof that inspires a spacious, airy feel in the cabin.

The EX30 is available now in four grades – Core, Plus, Ultra Performance and Ultra Performance LE – with a starting price of RO15,398 including home charging solution. It comes in a choice of five exterior colors – Crystal White Metallic, Onyx Black Metallic, Vapour Grey, Moss Yellow and Cloud Blue. Interior color options are inspired by Scandinavian nature, with four choices available, including Indigo, Pine, Breeze, and Mist.

In addition to the EX30, the new OMASCO Volvo Car showroom includes the S90, XC40, XC60 and XC90. As part of its commitment to customer satisfaction, the dealership offers complimentary test drives for all models, allowing customers to experience Volvo’s renowned performance and safety features firsthand. Additionally, Petrol Vehicle and Soft Hybrid customers can enjoy a 5-year servicing plan covering 105,000 km, unlimited mileage warranty for 5 years, first-year registration, 3M sun film (crystalline range) and nano ceramic paint protection.

BILLBOARD

strategic planning skills

As part of its efforts to empower national leaders and develop the skills of its employees, Oman Arab Bank (OAB) hosted Maqbool bin Ali Sultan, the former Minister of Commerce and Industry, in a dialogue session on strategic planning and its role in effective leadership and decision-making. The session witnessed great interaction and inspirational discussions by the attendees, led by senior management of OAB. Members of ‘Ruwad Al Arabi’ and ‘Ruwad Alizz’ programs were also in attendance, adding to the conversation that focused on modern leadership methodologies and their impact on leadership within the banking industry.

Maqbool bin Ali Sultan’s speech highlighted modern leadership trends, emphasising the importance of innovation, continuous improvement, and developing leadership skills to keep pace

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, ahlibank organises a visit to the Social Welfare Home at Al Rustaq

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, ahlibank represented by the “ahlicares” team has conducted a visit to the Social Welfare Home for the elderly, participating in a day of community service and engagement with the senior residents of the home, with the aim of providing an avenue for meaningful participation and making a positive difference in the lives of the residents. During their visit, the ahlicares team delivered essential care items to the elderly, supplying basic necessities and medical equipment which would enhance the home’s services and the quality of life of its residents. Additionally, the team engaged in a dedicated socialization day, where they interacted with the elderly through various activities, games, storytelling sessions, and lunch with the aim of spreading joy and happiness among them.

honoured to host Maqbool bin Ali Sultan in this dialogue session, where he shared his unique and diverse leadership experiences throughout his long career. This session is part of our ongoing dialogue series, featuring some of the most prominent Omani leaders within the National Leadership Development Program ‘Ruwad Al Arabi’. We are proud of being one of the leading programs in the Sultanate of Oman, significantly contributing to the support of national talents, the preparation of future leaders, and the development of human resources.”

He added, “The new generations of banking leaders have great ambitions and

Jumana Al Hashmi, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at ahlibank, stated, “At ahlibank, we are committed to making a positive difference in the communities we serve, including the elderly. As part of our social responsibility initiatives and in alignment with Oman Vision 2040, we aim to offer moral support to society, promote humanitarian values, and provide top-notch banking services. This visit provided us with the chance to engage with the

joy and happiness. Through such endeavours, we inspire our employees to pursue meaningful goals, encouraging volunteerism and contributing to the creation of a more inclusive society.” The bank’s visit to the Social Welfare Home reflects our endeavours towards instilling the values of participation and giving among members of society. This outreach effort enabled the bank to connect with diverse segments of the community, further strengthening its role as a key partner in driving economic and social progress in the country.