Oman Arab African Bank is established as a Joint Stock Company. The Bank commences operations with its main office in Ruwi and a branch office in Muttrah.

The bank purchases a building in Ruwi and establishes its headquarters in Oman's central business district. In May 1980, the Bank opens a branch at Sidab and offers its first special "ladies only" services.

A great year for banking as Oman Arab African Bank leads the way in both retail and corporate banking. The Bank launches its Savings Prize Draw Scheme with prize money of OMR5, 000 per year and on the corporate side, it acts as agent and co-lead manager for Oman Refinery in its first all Omani bank syndicated multi-currency facility of OMR7.25 million. The Bank offers further services and increases efficiency as it takes its first steps in computerized modern technology by acquiring an IBM computer system.

The Bank begins overseas operations with a license to open a branch in Mumbai, India . The Bank goes digital as its main Ruwi branch becomes fully computerized with the IBM System 34.

A jubilatory year as Seih Qatana branch in Jebal Akhdar is our 50th branch to open. H.E. Dr. Omar Bin Abdul Muniem Al Zawawi lays the foundation stone for the new Head Office in Al Khuwair.

Continuing on our long list of "Firsts" as OIB's Yahya Bin Said Bin Abdullah Al Jabry becomes the first Omani General Manager of any commercial bank in Oman.

In celebration of the nation's 25th Silver Jubilee, the Bank holds a Mandoos Savings Prize Draw and gives away 25 silver coloured cars in one day.

Another great year for Mandoos savings customers as we give away 99 cars in 1999. Mazyounah in Dhofar becomes OIB's 86th branch, with 82 in Oman, 2 in India and 2 in Pakistan and the Bank's now familiar red and green signboards are introduced and fitted at all branches.

The hundred is up as OIB unveils its 100th ATM machine. Other good news is Omanisation reaches 90% of the now nearly 900 strong workforces in the Sultanate.

A big year of "Firsts" as the Bank's first Drive -thru ATM was placed at the Burj Al Sahwa filling station, the first OIB Visa Business Card is available and OIB launches Cash Back services, the first to do so in the entire region. Recognition of this innovation comes in the form of the EuroMoney Award for Excellence "Best Bank in Oman " award for 2001.

In recognition of the Bank's policy of staff training and career development, the Ministry of Manpower award OIB with a certificate for best achiever of "Job Opportunities and Omanisation".

Declared best in offering "Quality Customer Service" among local banks in an independent customer opinion survey. Also received ISO 9001:2000 certification in Human Resources Development, Administration and Training.

Omanisation continues to be our top priority which reached a level of 93.1% substantially in excess of the General Bank of Omanrequirement of 90%.

Another great year for Mandoos savings customers as we gave more than RO 3 million as a cash prize. Also received ISO 9001:2000 certification in Human Resources Development, Administration and Training.