AmCham Oman News

AmCham Oman welcomed members, partners, and distinguished guests for its annual Festive Holiday Gathering, held at the rooftop of Radisson Panorama Hotel. The event brought together senior executives, business leaders, and professionals from across the Oman business community for an evening of networking, celebration, and end-of-year reflection.

Guests enjoyed a relaxed atmosphere with panoramic city views, light canapés, and welcome mocktails prepared by Radisson Panorama as the Official Venue Sponsor of the event.

AmCham Oman (formerly OABC) hosted a successful Community Beach Cleanup at Athaiba Beach, bringing together more than 80 volunteers from member companies, families, and friends. In just one hour, participants collected 80 bags of waste, helping to clean up a section of one of Muscat’s most popular beaches.

The event, proudly sponsored by Europcar Oman, was part of AmCham Oman’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and community engagement, reinforcing the organization’s focus on creating meaningful connections and positive impact beyond typical business networking.

Business Gateways International (BGI), a leading Omani IT and digital solutions organization, and AmCham Oman (The American Chamber of Commerce in Oman) have signed a Strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

This strategic collaboration marks a major step in strengthening Oman–U.S. economic engagement, leveraging the Oman–U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to drive trade, investment, and technology partnerships between businesses in both nations.

Through this partnership, BGI and OABC will work together to connect Omani and American enterprises across multiple fronts, focusing on four key pillars of engagement:

1. Procurement Opportunities – utilizing BGI’s digital ecosystem, including the Joint Supplier Registration System (JSRS), to enable U.S. companies to participate in Oman’s Oil & Gas and other key sectors.
2. Investment Facilitation – creating channels for cross-border investments through BGI’s digital trade platforms.
3. Technology Transfer – promoting collaboration and innovation through knowledge exchange and technological partnerships.
4. Business Engagements – organizing B2B initiatives, networking forums, and outreach programs with AmCham chapters across the United States.

The collaboration will include joint awareness programs, trade missions, and digital engagement initiatives aimed at fostering cross-border cooperation and connecting American companies to Oman’s certified supplier and investment networks.

AmCham Oman (formerly the Oman American Business Council) successfully hosted an in-depth session on Employment in Oman, presented by Sabrina Saxena, Partner – Employment at Al Tamimi & Company, at the Radisson Panorama Hotel.

The session drew a strong turnout from AmCham Oman members, HR professionals, legal advisors, and business leaders eager to gain clarity on the latest developments in Oman’s employment regulations and the Social Protection Law.

Against the backdrop of new employment regulations being introduced, the presentation offered timely and practical insights into key areas affecting employers and employees alike. Topics included pre-employment and immigration considerations, employment benefits and entitlements, remote working, the Social Protection Fund, new benefits under the Social Protection Law, termination, and post-employment obligations.

Sabrina Saxena, who leads Al Tamimi & Co’s employment law practice in Oman and advises clients across Oman and the UAE, provided expert analysis on how the latest legislative changes impact workforce management, compliance, and HR policy implementation.

The event concluded with a lively Q&A session and networking opportunity, reinforcing AmCham Oman’s role as a leading platform for professional exchange, business insights, and collaboration between the U.S. and Omani business communities.

Our annual Thanksgiving Dinner was a memorable one — made truly special by our incredible members, partners, and guests who joined us for this unforgettable evening of gratitude and celebration.

This year’s gathering marked an especially proud moment as we unveiled our new identity — AmCham Oman.

A sincere thank you to our sponsors and partners whose contributions helped bring this celebration to life.

New Name Reflects Growth, Global Alignment, and Commitment to Strengthening U.S.–Oman Business Relations

The Oman American Business Council (OABC), the official affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Oman, has officially rebranded as AmCham Oman. The new name and identity mark a significant milestone in the organization’s growth and continued mission to foster trade, investment, and partnership between the Sultanate of Oman and the United States.

The announcement was made during the Council’s annual Thanksgiving Dinner, attended by members, partners, and senior representatives from the public and private sectors. The rebrand signifies OABC’s evolution into a modern, forward-looking business platform aligned with the global AmCham (American Chamber of Commerce) network.

“As an affiliate of the United States Chamber of Commerce, AmCham Oman joins a network of over 3 million member companies worldwide,” said Ali Daud, Chairman of AmCham Oman. “This transition reflects the core of this organization—a stronger, globally recognized platform that connects the Omani and American business communities.”

Fouad Eid, VP of AmCham Oman, added: “Over the past two decades, AmCham Oman has grown into one of the most active and respected business organizations in the country. This new chapter strengthens our visibility, our partnerships, and our commitment to building bridges between Oman and the United States.”

“The name AmCham Oman immediately identifies us as part of a trusted international network of AmChams around the world, showcasing our established network and creating even more opportunities for our 300+ member companies,” said Rebecca Olson, CEO of AmCham Oman.

Why This Matters for Oman

The rebranding carries broader significance for Oman’s economy and its private sector. As part of the global AmCham network spanning over 100 countries, AmCham Oman enhances Oman’s international business visibility, positioning the Sultanate as an attractive destination for American investors and partners.

• Increased Investment: The AmCham name provides global credibility that encourages U.S. companies to explore opportunities in Oman’s strategic sectors—from renewable energy and tourism to logistics and technology.
• Export Growth: Through the U.S.–Oman Free Trade Agreement, AmCham Oman continues to help Omani exporters access the world’s largest consumer market, supporting diversification and non-oil growth.
• Stronger Bilateral Ties: AmCham Oman acts as a private-sector bridge, helping both governments and businesses align priorities, resolve challenges, and accelerate partnerships that support Vision 2040 goals.
• Knowledge and Innovation Exchange: By linking Omani entrepreneurs, SMEs, and professionals with counterparts in the U.S., AmCham fosters collaboration, training, and the transfer of global best practices.

Under its new name, AmCham Oman will continue to deliver the same high-value programs and initiatives that have defined its success—from trade and investment roundtables and SME networking exchanges to sector-focused panels and professional community groups. Members will now also benefit from enhanced visibility through the global AmCham network.

The decision to transition from OABC to AmCham Oman reflects:

• Global Alignment: Closer affiliation with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and international AmCham network.
• Clarity & Recognition: A name instantly understood by international investors and stakeholders.
• Future Growth: A refreshed brand to support AmCham Oman’s expanding membership base, digital transformation, and new initiatives for 2026 and beyond.

“Our members are at the heart of this transition,” Rebecca added. “AmCham Oman continues to stand for collaboration, opportunity, and advocacy on behalf of the U.S.–Oman business community. We are proud to carry forward our mission under a name that represents both our heritage and our future.”

The Oman American Business Council (OABC) hosted an exclusive, closed-door roundtable with Ms. Wendy Werner, the newly appointed Country Manager for the World Bank Group in Oman, at the Grand Hyatt Muscat. The event brought together 25 senior executives, CEOs, and country managers from OABC Premium Member companies for a high-level discussion on the World Bank Group’s strategic priorities and its partnership with Oman’s private sector.

Held under Chatham House Rules, the session provided a chance to brief members of the private sector on the World Bank Group’s mission in Oman. The event also created a candid platform for dialogue international financial institutions and private enterprises can collaborate to support Oman’s Vision 2040 objectives, with particular focus on sustainable development, private-sector competitiveness, and investment growth.

The Oman American Business Council (OABC), in partnership with KPMG Middle East and sponsored by Takaful Oman Insurance, hosted an insightful session of its HR Community Series under the theme “The Future of Work and Workplace Trends.”

Held at the Radisson Panorama Hotel, the event brought together HR leaders, executives, and professionals from across Muscat to explore how technology and workforce transformation are shaping the modern workplace.

The session featured a presentation by Gunjan Shroff, Partner, People & Change Advisory at KPMG Middle East, who shared insights on how organizations can align technology adoption, talent strategy, and workforce design to thrive in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Following the presentation, attendees participated in facilitated roundtable discussions, exchanging experiences and best practices related to HR technology, digital tools, and preparing for the future of the workplace.

“The future of work is here today, and organizations must proactively adapt,” said Gunjan Shroff, Partner at KPMG Middle East. “Balancing digital innovation with human connection is critical. Events like these allow HR leaders to collaborate and shape forward-looking strategies for sustainable growth.”

Rebecca Olson, CEO of the Oman American Business Council, emphasized the importance of collaboration through the OABC HR Community platform: “We are proud to create a space where Oman’s HR professionals and business leaders can connect, learn, and grow together. These sessions are not just about knowledge-sharing, but about building a stronger, more resilient business community. We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, Takaful Oman, and to our members, whose ongoing engagement makes initiatives like this possible.”

Neelmani Bhardwaj, CEO of Takaful Oman, shared his appreciation for the partnership, saying:
“We are proud to sponsor the OABC HR Community Series, a platform that supports knowledge exchange and professional development across Oman’s business community. Takaful Oman remains committed to empowering people-focused initiatives that foster leadership, innovation, and organizational growth.”

The OABC HR Community Series, powered by Takaful Oman Insurance, continues to provide a dedicated platform for HR professionals and business leaders to explore emerging trends, share experiences, and collaborate on shaping the future of work in Oman.

OABC Premium Members enjoyed an exclusive night with Mercedes-Benz Oman, featuring the unveiling of their stunning all-electric vehicle range.

From live test drives to inspiring conversations with CEO Shaun Michael and the Mercedes-Benz leadership team — it was an unforgettable celebration of innovation and sustainability.

A huge thank you to Mercedes-Benz Oman for this exceptional experience.

OABC members and SME leaders joined DHL for the launch of The SME Forum powered by DHL — a new initiative dedicated to empowering Oman’s small and medium enterprises.

From a behind-the-scenes tour of DHL’s state-of-the-art operations to insights on scaling globally and an engaging networking reception, the evening was full of inspiration, connection, and opportunity.

A big thank you to DHL for partnering with OABC to support and celebrate Oman’s growing SME community!