03 January 2017

Muscat - Oman Arab Bank (OAB) has joined hands with Visa, the global payments technology company, in a strategic partnership agreement that will convert the Bank’s current electron cards to secure chip-and-PIN debit cards. Under the agreement, OAB customers will be able to utilize their cards equipped with the EMV chip-and-pin technology to ensure all payments are made conveniently and securely at millions of merchants around the world.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Fahd Amjad, GM Retail Banking said, “As a leading bank in Oman, our focus has consistently been to enhance customer experience by providing a wide range of innovative solutions and services. Our long-standing relationship with Visa goes back a decade. Our collaboration this time will result in the first contactless Visa debit card in Oman, secured by EMV chip and PIN technology of global standards. We are proud that once again through innovation we will create value for our customers. The new EMV enabled cards will be perfectly compatible with our newly introduced ATM software, making our digital offering stronger than ever before."

Commenting on the partnership, Ahmed Gaber, Visa General Manager for Oman, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain said, “With the use of electronic payments accelerating in Oman, it is essential that consumers have the tools to shop safely and securely with their cards. EMV Chip and PIN cards help to protect both the consumer and the merchant by adding an extra layer of security to a transaction while keeping the payment process quick and simple. Visa is delighted to work with OAB to roll-out the technology and to help bring additional peace of mind to its customers.”

Building on a successful legacy established since 1984, OAB today operates more than 65 branches and offices and over 135 ATMs in high footfall locations across the Sultanate. With its growing portfolio of services and banking solutions, OAB has strongly engaged with the local, regional and international community to promote the Sultanate as an economic trade and investment powerhouse.

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About Oman Arab Bank:
Oman Arab Bank SAOC was established in 1984 following the acquisition of Arab Bank's branches in the Sultanate. Over the past three decades, the Bank has consistently expanded its reach as well as its products and services offering to provide customers in the country with a comprehensive suite of innovative solutions in Retail banking, Corporate and Project finance, Investment banking, trade finance and most recently, Islamic Banking.

Today, Oman Arab Bank operates more than 65 branches and office, and more than 135 ATMS in high footfall locations across the Sultanate. The Bank’s principal shareholders are Oman International Development and Investment Company SAOG (51%) and Arab Bank PLC (49%) and as of December 31st 2015, the Bank’s total assets stood at RO 1.98 Billion (USD 5.15 Billion) and net worth of RO 226 Million (USD 587 Million).

For press inquiries, please contact:
Shaza Taher
Media Relations Director
TRACCS
Telephone: +968 24 649-099
Email: shaza.taher@traccs.net

© Press Release 2017