Oman Arab Bank (OAB) has appointed Ali Saif Al Mani as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 January 2027, subject to the required regulatory approvals.
Al Mani, currently Chief Executive Officer of Alizz Islamic Bank, will succeed Sulaiman Al Harthi, who submitted his resignation on 8 August 2026 as he prepares to retire from the banking sector. OAB’s Board accepted his resignation on 9 August.
Al Harthi will remain involved with OAB through the end of 2026 to support the transition and oversee the completion of the bank’s proposed merger, following related disclosures made in July.
Al Mani brings more than two decades of experience in Oman’s banking and financial-services sector, with a career spanning both conventional and Islamic banking. His experience covers corporate and retail banking, operations, finance, project management and banking technology, alongside senior leadership positions at several Omani financial institutions.
Before joining Alizz Islamic Bank, Al Mani served as Deputy CEO of National Finance Company, where he was responsible for the performance of one of Oman’s largest finance companies. He was appointed CEO of Alizz Islamic Bank in 2023, bringing with him more than 22 years of banking and financial-services experience.
His academic background includes a Master’s degree in Innovation, Leadership and Management from the University of York and a bachelor’s degree in Computer Applications and Internet from the University of Bedfordshire, alongside specialist qualifications in banking and finance.
During his tenure at Alizz Islamic Bank, Al Mani has been associated with the bank’s strategic development and transformation agenda. Publicly available profiles describe his focus across areas including digital transformation, operational effectiveness, market development and sustainable growth.
The appointment comes at an important stage for OAB. The bank has been pursuing initiatives to strengthen its capital position and support its longer-term growth strategy, including a proposed Additional Tier 1 capital issuance announced earlier this year. OAB has also been strengthening its relationship with its strategic partner, Arab Bank, while continuing to invest in digital transformation, customer experience and operational resilience.
Al Harthi joined OAB as CEO in January 2023, having previously served as Deputy CEO of Oman Arab Bank and CEO of Alizz Islamic Bank. His departure therefore marks the end of a period of leadership spanning both institutions, while Al Mani's appointment creates an interesting succession in which a former Alizz Islamic Bank CEO moves into the top role at OAB.
The transition is expected to provide continuity while bringing a new leadership perspective to OAB as the bank continues to execute its growth, transformation and capital-management priorities.
Oman Arab Bank said further announcements will be made as required and in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.
