Al Naba Group of Companies unveiled its latest initiatives aimed at reaching out to its stakeholders, customers and the wider market, at a grand event held at Hotel Muscat Holiday, Al Khuwair, on January 2, 2014. Held against the backdrop of New Year festivities, the delightful event made for an excellent setting for the unveiling of the Group's newly revamped website, its strikingly designed corporate brochure, and a new corporate newsletter -- initiatives that showcase the brand identity, vision, and core values of one of Oman's fastest growing commercial organisations. In comments, Sayyid Khalid bin Hamed bin Saif al Busaidy, Chairman, Al Naba Holding LLC, stated: "At the outset, we thank His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and the Government of Oman for their unremitting support to the private sector. It is the vision of His Majesty that has enabled the transformation of this organisation from humble beginnings in 1984 to what we are today.
We also express our sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Manpower, Royal Oman Police, and Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, for their continuing support as well. Indeed, they have been a collective guiding force along our path to success. Our success is a tribute to this great nation, which has laid great stress on the development of local entrepreneurs, their products and services. In a span of 30 years, we have proven that Omani companies can compete with any international brand and still be the leader in its market segment. Al Naba Group takes great pride in being referred to as the fruit of Oman's Glorious Renaissance. It has actively witnessed the unfolding of Oman's modern history.
Sayyid Khalid bin Hamed al Busaidy, Group Chairman, commented: "The growth of the company is a result of the nurturing economic environment introduced by the Government to promote the Omani private sector. With miles to go before we reach our ultimate destination, we reaffirm our commitment to working for Oman's progress with renewed determination and earnest dedication." The newly refurbished website unveiled at the event features updated information on this rapidly growing company and offers new insights on its unmatched portfolio of commercial services and its newly revised business strategies. Likewise, the nattily designed corporate brochure reflects the Group's rising market profile and strong ambitions for growth. It projects the new vision and rationale underpinning the reinvigorated Al Naba brand that has set its sights on the future while remaining rooted in the traditions and values of the past.
Addressing the gathering of management executives and staff, the Chairman described 2013 as an exceptional year for the company while voicing hope that 2014 would herald a new era for Al Naba's robust growth. Crediting the company's performance primarily to team work, he exhorted the staff to continue to work together as one unit in order to scale greater heights in line with the company's slogan, 'Unlimited Ambitions'. "With the launch of these new communication channels, we aim to engage our customers and employees on new levels. Communication is key to any successful relationship and our hope is that existing bonds are fortified as a result of these efforts. The all-new design of the website and brochure reflects the strength of the Al Naba brand, the potential of the diverse services we provide, and our commitment to excellence," he stressed.
Employee engagement
Coinciding with the start of the New Year, the event was also an opportunity for the company to formally launch the inaugural edition of its corporate newsletter. Dubbed 'Al Naba Voice', the quarterly publication provides a fascinating snapshot of key corporate developments of the preceding quarter, recruitment and training initiatives, and continuing efforts to position the company for long-term growth. A message from the Group Chairman urges the collective Al Naba family to work in concert to achieve the business objectives of the Group. But in keeping with its overall goal, the newsletter devotes extensive coverage to memorable milestones in the lives of employees. "Employee engagement forms the bedrock of Al Naba Group's HR policy. Having the right engagement practices can work towards creating a more motivated and high-performing workforce.
Through regular get-togethers, staff appreciation meets and other such events, we endeavour to strengthen relations with our staff and add an enjoyable social dimension to work. It is only when workers feel connected that productivity improves," said Sayyid Khalid bin Hamed bin Saif al Busaidy. In attendance at the event were a number of long-serving Omani and expatriate employees who were presented with Mementos of Appreciation in recognition of their valuable contribution to the Group's ongoing success. The attendees were later invited to partake of a lavish dinner. Importantly, the event underscored the management's steadfast commitment to staying connected with its employees. It was the latest in a succession of get-togethers hosted at regular intervals by the Group as part of an ongoing effort to foster a culture of engaged employees across the Group's businesses.
Expanding business portfolio
Thursday's event was held against a backdrop of important developments that attest to the rapid growth and diversification of the company's business portfolio. Recently, Al Naba Services LLC, flagship subsidiary of the Group, added Integrated Facilities Management (IFMS) to its expanding suite of commercial services. Leveraging its growing national presence and outreach, a full-fledged division has now been established under the umbrella of Al Naba Services to offer a wide array of facilities management services to customers from all trade be it Industrial, Infrastructural, Commercial, Retail, Residential, Hospitality or Health Care.
Backed by highly skilled human resources reputed for their hardcore technical skills, the new division will deliver Repair and Maintenance Services, Annual Maintenance Contracts, and Planned Preventive Maintenance solutions for HVAC, DG system, Power Supply, Water Treatment Plants, Fire Fighting and BMS. The vertical will also provide Security solutions along with the current plethora of Soft Services that encompass Housekeeping and Specialised Cleaning, Building and Property Maintenance, Catering, Waste Management, Landscaping and Pest Control. In addition to main Group Companies in Oman (Al Naba Services LLC, Al Naba Infrastructures LLC, Al Naba Supplies & Catering Services LLC and Al Naba Equipment & Supplies LLC), the Al Naba Group has several associate companies that contribute to its nationwide footprint that spans a wide variety of sectors.
Locally-based associate company Al Hadeetha Resources LLC, for example, handles Mineral Exploration & Mining, while Al Hadeetha Investment Services LLC focuses on Export / Import and International Collaborations. Al Kan East LLC oversees Water, Electricity & Telephone Network Stations and Constructions Contracts, while C&C (Oman) LLC is engaged in Construction & Maintenance of Airports, Harbours & Railways. The Group has also branched out into neighbouring GCC countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, by establishing full-fledged and independent business activities. Representing the Al Naba brand in the UAE are Al Naba Catering Services LLC, a provider of large-scale, high quality catering services, Al Naba Equipments LLC, which trades in Industrial Supplies, and Al Naba Cleaning Services LLC. Also in line with its expansion plan, the Group is focusing on establishing a presence in Qatar and the other GCC countries.
Commendable CSR policy
Al Naba's commitment to its social, ethical and environmental responsibilities is evident from its ongoing support for, and sponsorship of, a wide array of initiatives, activities and causes. Community engagement is the hallmark of the Group's CSR programme, which is implemented by a team of dedicated CSR team. The company continues to extend funding and other material support for initiatives, such as awareness workshops, career development seminars, blood donation camps, providing assistance to schools, colleges and local hospitals, and supporting charities that work in aid of the physically disadvantaged sections of our community. Demonstrating its support for the community, Al Naba undertook a maor clean-up of roads left ruined by flash floods in the Wilayat of Sur in 2011. Previously in 2007, the company had earned the kudos of municipal authorities for its enthusiastic participation in clean-up activities following the devastation wrought by Cyclone Gonu, and Cyclone Phet a few years later.
On either occasion, Al Naba had mobilised more than 1,000 staff in a massive operation to clear roads of mud and other debris from dozens of streets across Muscat Governorate. The actions were gratefully acknowledged by the municipalities of Bausher and Seeb. In yet another commendable gesture, Al Naba deputed its staff to assist in the processing of thousands of Indian expatriates during the general exit declared by the Omani government for undocumented guest workers. The volunteers were placed at the disposal of the Indian Embassy during the months-long exit in mid-2011. Underscoring its commitment to safeguarding Oman's pristine environment and natural settings, Al Naba plans to roll out a number of social and community-linked schemes -- part of a multi-faceted, CSR-driven engagement with key segments of society.
A nurturing work environment
Ahmed bin Saeed bin Salem Muqbali, Assistant Director of Operations and Marketing Department, was among a large number of employees who were feted by the company for their lengthy and dedicated services to the organisation. Ahmed is a something of a veteran, having served at Al Naba Services for the past eight years -- a period, he says, has been characterised by opportunities for career growth, professional development, and employee satisfaction. "The past eight years at Al Naba have been professionally satisfying and rewarding. Thanks to the caring and nurturing environment that we continue to find ourselves in, I have made immense strides in my career development. This lengthy stint at Al Naba has been a wonderful opportunity for me to learn professionally, develop my capabilities and understand the market. I am deeply grateful to Al Naba and its Chairman, Sayyid Khalid Al Busaidy, for making this possible."
Raya bint Abdullah al Harthiya, head of the Billing Services department, describes Al Naba as a model private sector organisation that recognises and rewards employees who are dedicated and enterprising. An accountant by profession, Riya joined the organisation in 2006 and has since risen through the ranks to take on a position that few other Omani women seem to have aspirations for. She is thankful for the equal opportunities made available to men and women alike in the organisation -- a policy, she says, has encouraged her to work dedicatedly and be recognised by the management for her productivity and commitment. She also applauds the company's open-door policy that enables employees to gain access even to the Chairman of the organisation. This ease of access has fostered a family-like atmosphere that engenders positivity and a strong commitment to the corporate goals of the company.
© Oman Daily Observer 2014
