Al-Baraka Bank Group Appoints New Chairman

Al-Baraka Bank offices in Beirut, Lebanon (File photo: Reuters)
Al-Baraka Bank offices in Beirut, Lebanon (File photo: Reuters)
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Al-Baraka Bank Group Appoints New Chairman

Al-Baraka Bank offices in Beirut, Lebanon (File photo: Reuters)
Al-Baraka Bank offices in Beirut, Lebanon (File photo: Reuters)

Al-Baraka Banking Group (ABG) appointed Abdullah Saleh Kamel as the board's new chairman, succeeding late Sheikh Saleh Abdullah Kamel, the group's founder who passed away last month.

The Group is based in Bahrain and the Central Bank of Bahrain issued a statement approving the appointment.

For more than 30 years, Abdullah has been working in the financial, business, and investment sectors and has accompanied the establishment of his father’s projects, including al-Baraka Banking Group.

The Group is one of the most prominent institutions in Islamic banking, where Abdullah served as vice-chairman for years. He was also chairman of the Group’s executive committee, contributing to the development of frameworks and strategies.

Abdullah Kamel hold the executive presidency of Dallah al-Baraka Group in Saudi Arabia. He also chairs the boards of directors of a number of companies with different activities in investment, real estate, finance, and media, including: Aseer Company, Amlak Real Estate Development and Finance, Okaz Press and Publishing Corporation, and the vice-chairman of King Abdullah Economic City Emaar.

Abdullah thanked the board for appointing him to the position, affirming that he would continue in his father's approach, adhering to the principles of modern Islamic banking.

CEO of al-Baraka Adnan Ahmed Youssef said that Abdullah is one of the founders of the group and has the full confidence of its board, adding that the approval of the board of directors for his appointment is a guarantee that the group will continue the same approach of its founder.

Al-Baraka Banking Group (ABG) is licensed as an Islamic wholesale bank by the Central Bank of Bahrain and is listed on Bahrain Bourse and NasdaqDubai. It is a leading international Islamic banking group providing its unique services in countries with a population totaling around one billion.

With a capital of $2.5 billion, ABG offers retail, corporate, treasury, and investment banking services in its subsidiary banking units and representative offices in 17 countries.

Al-Baraka Banking Group has operations in 700 branches in: Jordan, Egypt, Tunis, Bahrain, Sudan, Turkey, South Africa, Algeria, Pakistan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Morocco and Germany, in addition two branches in Iraq and two representative offices in Indonesia and Libya.



Oman’s Commerce Minister: Omani-Saudi Trade, Economic Ties Witness Significant Growth

General view of Riyadh. SPA
General view of Riyadh. SPA
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Oman’s Commerce Minister: Omani-Saudi Trade, Economic Ties Witness Significant Growth

General view of Riyadh. SPA
General view of Riyadh. SPA

Omani Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion Qais bin Mohammad Al-Yousef has said that trade and economic relations between Oman and Saudi Arabia are experiencing significant growth, reflecting the strength of the fraternal and historical ties between the two countries.

During a news conference organized by the Omani Ministry of Information under the theme "Oman and the World," Al-Yousef explained on Thursday that joint projects reflect the efforts made to enhance economic cooperation between the two nations, particularly in areas that support trade exchange, regional economic development and expanding cooperation in fields such as energy, industry, technology, and tourism.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts in opening the land route linking the Kingdom to Oman, which represents a qualitative leap in enhancing bilateral trade movement. It has facilitated the mobility of both companies and citizens and boosted tourism and public communication, alongside supporting both nations’ efforts to achieve economic integration through building advanced infrastructure, he said.

"Saudi-Omani relations are strong and prosperous, witnessing growth in all areas. We are confident that the continued cooperation between us will yield strategic gains that serve the interests of both countries in the commercial, industrial, or tourism sectors,” the minister said.

He also pointed out that Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in developing the industrial sector and modernizing the logistical infrastructure, which opens new horizons for joint cooperation, especially in areas related to industrial integration and investment in major projects.

He highlighted the recent visit by Saudi Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Kassabi to Oman, where he discussed several initiatives that both sides aim to implement in the near future, as well as opportunities to launch joint projects between the private sectors of both countries, particularly in industrial fields.

Al-Yousef stressed the Saudi-Omani relationship serves as a model for Arab economic cooperation, and that the future holds many opportunities to strengthen this cooperation at all levels.