logo
Oman Arab Bank powers a cashless experience at Muscat International Book Fair 2025

Oman Arab Bank powers a cashless experience at Muscat International Book Fair 2025

Zawya28-04-2025

Muscat: Oman Arab Bank (OAB) is proud to announce its role as the Official Banking Sponsor of the Muscat International Book Fair 2025, taking place from April 24 to May 3 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Center (OCEC). One of the most anticipated cultural events in the Sultanate, the book fair attracts thousands of visitors annually, celebrating literature, learning, and creativity. This year's edition was inaugurated under the auspices of H.E. Dr. Fahad bin Al-Jalanda Al Said, President of Sultan Qaboos University, with H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and Member of the UAE Supreme Council, attending as the esteemed Chief Guest.
As part of its sponsorship, OAB is enabling a fully cashless shopping experience at the fair through the deployment of its innovative SoftPOS payment solution. All book stalls will be equipped with OAB's tap-to-pay technology, offering visitors a seamless and secure way to complete their purchases using cards or smart devices.
Commenting on the bank's active role in the book fair, Mr Sulaiman Al Harthi, CEO of Oman Arab Bank, stated, 'Our involvement with the Muscat International Book Fair reflects our continued commitment to supporting cultural initiatives while showcasing practical, customer-focused innovations. Through SoftPOS, we're creating a modern and convenient payment experience that matches the forward-thinking spirit of the event. We're not only proud to sponsor the fair but to actively enhance how people interact with it.'
In addition to powering payments, OAB will be hosting an interactive booth at the venue, where visitors can explore the bank's innovative products and services. Key highlights include Idikhar, the intuitive monthly saving plan. Idikhar is a smart and flexible savings solution offering attractive returns of up to 4.5% p.a., designed to help customers achieve their long-term financial goals.
Additionally, the bank will showcase the Youth Accounts; accounts tailor made for the younger generation to promote financial literacy and independence from an early age. The booth will also feature family-friendly activities, exclusive giveaways, and on-the-spot offers for new customers.
OAB's sponsorship of the Muscat International Book Fair 2025 is part of its broader strategy to promote digital transformation and community engagement across Oman. By blending culture with convenience, the bank aims to highlight how technology can support and enhance meaningful experiences. Oman Arab Bank invites everyone to visit the fair, go cashless with OAB SoftPOS, and explore how the bank continues to innovate in service of its customers and community.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Presidents of UAE, Angola explore cooperation opportunities
Presidents of UAE, Angola explore cooperation opportunities

Al Etihad

time4 hours ago

  • Al Etihad

Presidents of UAE, Angola explore cooperation opportunities

8 June 2025 22:07 ABU DHABI (WAM) President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a phone call with His Excellency João Manuel Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, during which they discussed cooperation between the UAE and Angola and explored ways to strengthen ties in support of development priorities and the shared goal of sustainable growth and Lourenço also extended Eid Al-Adha greetings to His Highness, wishing him continued health and two leaders discussed a number of issues of mutual interest and exchanged views on regional and global matters. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing cooperation between the UAE and African nations, particularly in the fields of development and economic partnership, in ways that support stability, promote sustainable economic growth, and help realise the aspirations of their peoples. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed reiterated the UAE's commitment to enhancing development cooperation with African countries, in line with its longstanding approach to building constructive and impactful partnerships that contribute to shared progress and prosperity.

Ministry of Economy, Dubai Police partner to strengthen cooperation
Ministry of Economy, Dubai Police partner to strengthen cooperation

Gulf Today

time6 hours ago

  • Gulf Today

Ministry of Economy, Dubai Police partner to strengthen cooperation

The Ministry of Economy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai Police General Command to strengthen cooperation and coordination in developing compliance mechanisms for anti-money laundering (AML) and combatting the financing of terrorism (CFT) requirements. The agreement facilitates the exchange and integration of information between the two entities, thus enhancing supervisory roles within the national legislative framework. The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the fourth edition of the World Police Summit, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The agreement was signed by Safia Hashim Al Safi, Assistant Undersecretary for Commercial Control and Governance at the Ministry of Economy, and Major General Expert Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Investigation Affairs at Dubai Police. Safia Al Safi emphasised that the UAE has made significant strides in developing advanced strategies, policies, and legislation to combat money laundering and terrorism financing in line with the highest international standards. This has further reinforced the national economy's position as a competitive trade and business hub committed to the highest standards of integrity and transparency. He noted that the partnership with Dubai Police aligns with the Ministry's vision to enhance collaboration with federal and local entities, thereby strengthening the national framework and developing mechanisms to combat financial crimes and enhance regulatory infrastructure in accordance with relevant international standards. Safia Al Safi explained that the MoU establishes a sustainable institutional framework between the Ministry and Dubai Police to collaborate on various AML/CFT procedures within the country, including control, inspection, and monitoring of illicit activities. This partnership aims to elevate the efficiency of control and follow-up systems and serves shared objectives in combating financial crimes within the country. Press Release Supporting national efforts Major General Expert Khalil Al Mansoori said: 'The MoU with the Ministry of Economy is a significant milestone in enhancing institutional integration among relevant entities involved in combating financial crimes. Dubai Police is committed to supporting national efforts to counter money laundering and combat terrorism financing by advancing its technical and human competencies. We aim to leverage Dubai Police's research, investigation, and financial analysis ecosystems to develop effective, proactive mechanisms for detecting suspicious activities and enhancing rapid responses to associated risks, in line with global best practices. This plays a role in reinforcing the UAE's position as a secure and transparent global economic hub.' He further emphasised that the collaboration marks a significant step forward in integrating national efforts and unifying resources and expertise to develop more precise and effective regulatory tools, while continuing to invest in national talent and smart technologies to build a safer and more stable environment. Counselor Salem Al Tunaiji, Director of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Department at the Ministry of Economy, explained that the MoU provides advanced mechanisms for technical and security coordination between the Ministry and Dubai Police. This includes the exchange of data related to money laundering and terrorism financing crimes, aligning with the Ministry's role in supervising Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) and identifying the real beneficial owners of legal entities. Under the scope of the MoU, both parties will collaborate on developing integrated mechanisms and programs to elevate risk response efficiency related to suspicious financial activities within the DNFBP sector, which include real estate agents and brokers, traders of precious metals and stones, auditors, and company service providers. This will be realised through the exchange of data on suspicious transactions and activities and the activation of secure and effective institutional communication channels to ensure the swift exchange of confidential data in line with the approved legal and regulatory frameworks. These efforts support their awareness endeavours to prevent and deter violators, in line with the applicable legislations and regulations in the UAE. The MoU also outlines the implementation of joint training programs and specialised workshops aimed at enhancing the professional competencies of both parties' staff and the development of periodic analytical reports to support decision-making, ensuring the comprehensive application of administrative and regulatory procedures. Additionally, the MoU includes provisions to support awareness and media campaigns related to institutional compliance and financial crime prevention, as well as collaboration in developing relevant policies and legislation and reviewing regulatory frameworks to ensure their alignment with international requirements. Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) organised the 'Eid Joy' initiative, which brought together well-behaved inmates of correctional and rehabilitation centres with their families in a festive atmosphere on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha.

Sheikh Khaled clears Dhs4.62b housing benefits for 3,052 citizens
Sheikh Khaled clears Dhs4.62b housing benefits for 3,052 citizens

Gulf Today

time3 days ago

  • Gulf Today

Sheikh Khaled clears Dhs4.62b housing benefits for 3,052 citizens

Under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has approved a housing benefits package worth Dhs4.62 billion, benefiting 3,052 Emirati citizens across the emirate. The approved housing benefits package includes housing loans amounting to Dhs4.4 billion benefiting 2,862 citizens, and exemptions from housing loan repayments totalling Dhs212 million benefiting 190 citizens, limited-income retirees and beneficiaries of deceased citizens. The disbursement of the second housing package of 2025 comes ahead of Eid Al Adha and reflects the leadership's ongoing commitment to comprehensive development, enhancing the well-being and stability of Emirati families, empowering them to actively contribute to the nation's progress, in line with UAE Year of Community objectives aimed at strengthening social cohesion and reinforcing community solidarity. This package brings the total housing benefits delivered to citizens in Abu Dhabi in 2025 to Dhs11.38 billion. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, said, 'The new housing benefits package reflects the leadership's commitment to empowering citizens through the provision of quality housing that promotes family stability and elevates quality of life. On this occasion, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and to His Highness Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, for their enduring support to advance the housing sector and foster a thriving and cohesive society.' Hamad Hareb Al Muhairi, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, said, 'The second housing package of 2025 highlights the depth of our leadership's strategic vision to build a prosperous future, enhancing quality of life and providing sustainable housing solutions that meet Emirati citizens' needs and aspirations. 'The generous support from President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, reaffirms the leadership's steadfast commitment to fostering social and family stability and ensuring a fulfilling life for Emirati families.' The housing benefits package follows the recent endorsement of an additional community support subsidy of Dhs250,000 for existing beneficiaries of housing loans, including a reduction of up to 50 per cent in monthly loan instalments, and a wide range of other services and facilities. WAM

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store