In recognition of outstanding contributions to the banking sector in Oman and the Arab region, AbdulRazak Ali Issa, Chief Executive of BankMuscat, was honoured as the Arab Banking Personality of 2012 by Arab Banking Union. Every year, Arab Banking Union honours one distinguished personality in recognition of his leading role and contribution to the Arab banking industry. The high profile award ceremony was held in Berlin, Germany during the 2-day International Arab Banking Summit 2012.
Adnan Ahmad Yousif, Chairman, Union of Arab Banks, President and Chief Executive Officer of Albaraka Banking Group (ABG), said: “My hearty congratulations to AbdulRazak on being honoured with this prestigious award. AbdulRazak has made significant contributions to the banking sector, securing major economic gains in Oman and the Arab region. AbdulRazak’s insight will further enhance co-operation and business relations among the banking fraternity in the region.”
AbdulRazak Ali Issa said: “This unique honour undoubtedly brings with it enormous responsibilities and new challenges related to the Omani banking sector in particular and Arab banks in general. I owe this achievement to the valuable opportunities made available to Omanis by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. BankMuscat is a Renaissance achievement of the Sultanate under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos and I am proud to have been associated with the bank in its quest to emerge as the leading financial services provider in the Sultanate. I thank Arab Banking Union and the entire banking fraternity in the region for this recognition and goodwill. I also owe this achievement to the support from the 3,000 plus colleagues at BankMuscat.”
AbdulRazak added: “The developments currently taking place in the Arab financial and banking sector are attributable to the sincere and dedicated efforts exerted by the regulatory bodies in addition to the continued and well-studied investment in the field of developing and grooming the Arab youth through educational and training programmes besides encouraging and motivating them to constructively and effectively participate in the development, progress and growth process across the Arab world.”
AbdulRazak said: “The Union of Arab Banks, which has succeeded in taking the Arab banking sector to new heights, deserves appreciation and commendation for the vision and strategy to showcase the role of Arab banks and cadres, besides highlighting the standards of professionalism that we have achieved in our banking activities carried out in accordance with international norms, standards and practices.”
AbdulRazak, who has over 35 years of experience in the banking sector, assumed the role of Chief Executive of BankMuscat in 1994. A highly respected figure in the financial sector, AbdulRazak continues to lead BankMuscat from strength to strength as the flagship financial institution in the Sultanate. Under the leadership of AbdulRazak, the finest of global banking practices and products have been introduced in Oman through BankMuscat, thereby raising its stature as the premier financial institution in the Sultanate.
For the second consecutive year, AbdulRazak was ranked among the 500 most influential Arabs in ‘Power 500 — the World’s most influential Arabs’ listing by Arabian Business magazine this year. He was voted as the ‘Banking and Finance Personality of the Year’ at the 3rd Middle East CEO Awards 2006 and the Best CEO for 2002 by Business Today magazine.