Faculty of Business Management Advisory Panel Members

Nathan is an engineer, entrepreneur and educator. Nathan has managed scores of projects across Fortune 500 companies, a premier pediatric healthcare campus in the USA, and private and public sector clients throughout the GCC. He is a passionate coach and mentor to SMEs throughout the Sultanate of Oman.

Nathan completed his executive education in entrepreneurship, graduating from the University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School) in 2010. He graduated with distinguished honours from Drexel University in 2004, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Engineering, a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. Nathan is fluent in Arabic and has mentored, coached or trained more than 300 small and medium enterprise owners across the Middle East with Google Launchpad, RIYADA, Startup MENA, MIT Pan Arab Enterprise Forum, and other privately funded enterprises.

Ali Al-Lawati has accumulated over eighteen years of experience mainly in the areas of Corporate Finance, Risk Management, Business Development, Marketing, Negotiations and Portfolio Management.

Ali holds an MBA certificate from the University of Bedfordshire – United Kingdom, in addition to the Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Practitioner Diploma and Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certificate, and has recently joined Majan University College as a part-time lecturer in the Undergraduate Program of Business Management Faculty.

Throughout his career, Ali built a strong foundation in Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Training and Coaching. He held several positions in local and international organizations, including Head of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) at the Bank of Beirut, and Managing Director of corporate Sales and marketing at an IT and networking subsidiary of Arabian Industries LLC – Omani, a diversified pioneer mainly providing engineering solutions for the oil, gas, industrialized and telecommunications sectors.

Arijit Bhattacharyya is an accomplished entrepreneur, speaker, and mentor who has made a significant impact in the Indian startup ecosystem. Arijit is a technologist, artist, comics creator, author of books on entrepreneurship, VC funding and superhero creator with a rare combination of finance and digital banking.

Started several other initiatives and programs in incubating startups and conducting courses on deep tech and entrepreneurship. He has over 25 years of experience helping Start-ups, Entrepreneurs and Govt. across the world to solve problems using Entrepreneurship, Technology, Finance Education and Innovation.

Aiman is an analytical professional with a strong background in financial modelling and risk management. He is skilled in providing financial consultations and solutions for businesses of all sizes. Astute candidate develops new strategies and processes to optimize financial operations.

With more than 17 years of experience, Bader serves as the CEO of Panorama Travel, where his visionary leadership has consistently driven innovation and excellence in the travel industry.

Bader's dedication extends beyond his role at Panorama Travel:

• He is a respected Member of the Jury Committee for the Oman Tourism Awards at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman.
• As an Advisory Board Member of the Tourism Department at The Sultan Qaboos University, he contributes to academic growth and industry alignment.
• Bader is an active member of the Oman Tourism Committee within the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), working to facilitate tourism development.
• He also holds the esteemed position of Cultural Affairs Fellow at the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations, promoting cultural exchange and understanding.

Said Al Mashrafi specialises in the development of sustainable tourism through conserving nature and culture, promoting locals’ well-being and enhancing visitors’ experience. He has a diverse educational background; after graduating from Sultan Qaboos University with a bachelor's degree in Archaeology, he pursued a master's degree in Tourism Management from Cardiff Metropolitan University in 2015 and obtained a PhD in Sustainable Tourism from the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom in 2022. These educational pursuits gave him a deeper understanding of the dimensions and relationships between tourism and the conservation of natural and cultural heritage.

Fawaz is an accomplished banking professional with a strong academic foundation and extensive practical experience. With a Master of Business Administration in Management and a Bachelor's Degree in Management Information Systems from Canisius College, Buffalo, New York, Fawaz possesses a solid educational background.

Over the course of his 15-year career in the banking sector, Fawaz has consistently demonstrated leadership and expertise. He currently holds the position of Head of Corporate Banking at Maisarah Islamic Banking Services, where he has successfully led and managed various corporate banking initiatives for the past 7 years.

Hashar Almandhari, Founder and CEO of Alamah Marketing, brings a unique experience to the field of marketing communications in Oman. Since 2003, he started as a business reporter and progressed through pivotal roles at prominent companies in Oman. Notably, he served as Public Relations Manager at Ooredoo Telecommunications, Media Manager and Social Media Manager. With that exposure, Hashar was also hired to be the marketing communications advisor for Petroleum Development Oman.

In 2012, Hashar founded Alamah Marketing, an agency that played a role in shaping Oman’s marketing landscape. With a deep understanding of the local culture and global trends, the agency developed brands with international reach. In Addition, Alamah’s successful marketing campaigns have resonated with target audiences and positively impacted partner organizations.

Hashar holds a Master’s degree in Marketing from Griffith University and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Sultan Qaboos University. His continuous pursuit of knowledge includes training programs with renowned institutions like Thomson Reuters, the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and the Al Jazeera Media Institute.

Muhammad Ali Fazli has 19 years of professional experience with the assurance department. He has 15 years of experience working in Oman.

In 2012, Hashar founded Alamah Marketing, an agency that played a role in shaping Oman’s marketing landscape. With a deep understanding of the local culture and global trends, the agency developed brands with international reach. In Addition, Alamah’s successful marketing campaigns have resonated with target audiences and positively impacted partner organizations.His professional experience covers the remit of auditing, accounts and finance. Muhammad is currently one of the partners in the audit and assurance department for Abu Timam, where he is overseeing a portfolio of 20 listed quoted and unquoted clients of Capital Market Authority who are diversified across industries which represent Oil and Gas, Power sector, Hospitality, Investment companies, Open and Closed-ended Investment funds, Government Pension Funds, Education, Retail, Construction and Manufacturing.

Memberships:

• Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant from the UK (FCCA)
• Associate Member of Pakistan Institute of Public Finance Accountants
• Associate Member of Certified Public Accountant (UK)

An experienced Business Leader with Over fourteen years of professional experience in civil engineering, Project management and Business Administration, Able to demonstrate technical experience and Managerial skills in all business sectors having been involved in several high-profile projects and leading high-profile Companies. Visionary, Creative and Excellent team leader, I always strive to get the best from those I work alongside. With a proven track record of working accurately under pressure and excellent problem-solving abilities, I always continue to maximize my working performance both professionally and academically.

Actively participate, contribute and support various humanitarian, religious, social and other charitable organizations for the community.

Abdullah Alhinai, the Managing Director of Alhinai Group, is a seasoned entrepreneur with a passion for business and innovation. With a diverse background in various industries, he brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the advisory board. Abdullah is not only a successful business leader but also a prominent voice in the world of podcasts. Hosting "Coffee With Abdullah," he engages in insightful conversations, offering valuable insights and knowledge to his audience. His dynamic leadership and commitment to excellence make him a valuable asset to our advisory team, providing strategic guidance and a unique perspective.

Dr. Ahmed Murad, presently serving as the Manager of Corporate Affairs at Oman Oil Marketing Company, holds a PhD in leadership and management. He is not only an accomplished corporate professional but also a prominent influencer on social media. Driven by a commitment to addressing societal issues, he leverages his online presence to drive meaningful conversations and positive change. His unique blend of corporate expertise and social advocacy makes him an invaluable addition to our advisory team, providing a well-rounded perspective on strategic decision-making and community engagement.

Usama Ismail AlFarsi, serving as the Head of Organizational Effectiveness and Career Planning at Bank Dhofar, is a distinguished professional with a profound commitment to personal and organizational growth. A graduate of the prestigious National Leadership Programme (Etimad) from the Royal Academy of Management, Usama brings a wealth of leadership knowledge to the advisory team. Furthermore, as a certified Emotional Intelligence Coach, he is well-equipped to guide and inspire individuals and teams. With his strategic acumen and coaching skills.

Abdul Fattah Ali Mouhamed Al Muaini, currently serving as the Acting Director General of Audit for Oil and Gas at the State Audit Institution, is a dedicated professional with a strong academic foundation. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Financial Management from the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport in Egypt, his credentials reflect a commitment to excellence. With previous roles as a supervisor and Head of the IT Audit team at the Directorate of Auditing Oil and Gas companies, his extensive experience in auditing since 2009 contributes valuable insights and leadership to our advisory team.

Maein Issa Al Zadjali, with 17 years of Treasury Professional experience, is a banking expert with a strong background in Treasury, Human Resources, and Administration. His success story spans regions like the Arab Gulf (Oman, UAE, and Bahrain) and the United Kingdom (London), where his focus on Treasury has yielded exceptional results. Maein's proven ability to craft and execute strategic initiatives for achieving objectives adds immense value to our advisory team.

Mahmood Albalushi, serving as the Chief Executive Officer at AlMadina Logistics Company, is a multifaceted professional. With a background enriched by experience in managing diverse business activities, Mahmood excels in developing strategies for both the public and private sectors. His skill set includes strategic planning, business operations, and entrepreneurship education. As a guest lecturer, he imparts knowledge in entrepreneurship, business, and logistics. Mahmood, a master's degree holder in Business Administration from Franklin University, is currently a PhD candidate at Kazan University, further solidifying his commitment to academic and practical excellence. His dynamic expertise adds immense value to our advisory team.

Alaa Albalushi, the CEO of Albalushi Sons Trading, is a dedicated entrepreneur in the food industry. With a strong focus on the culinary world, Alaa has demonstrated a remarkable ability to navigate and thrive in the competitive food market. His leadership and innovation have propelled his company to success, making him a respected figure in the industry. As the CEO of Albalushi Sons Trading, Alaa continues to lead and inspire, offering valuable insights and expertise in the ever-evolving food sector.

Younis Sakhi, a distinguished member of the Tourism Committee at the Oman Chamber of Commerce, brings a wealth of expertise to our advisory team. With a background as the former General Director at Muscat Municipality and a history of service on Oman Cricket's Board of Directors, Younis possesses a deep understanding of governance and community engagement. As a member of the Walit Mattrah social committee and the former head of The Muscat festival, he has demonstrated a commitment to enriching the social and cultural fabric of our region. Younis Sakhi's experience is an invaluable asset in shaping our strategic initiatives.

Faiz Al-Bulushi is a Consumer Marketing Manager at Ooredoo Oman with over 18 years of experience in learning and delivery, core competence proposition and pricing, sales, dealers channel, customer service, and marketing. He is seeking a challenging position in a growth-oriented organization where he can use his skills and experience to benefit the organization and enhance his own skill set. He is keen to advance his technical and soft skills and further his professional development with a suitable challenging role.

Nabil Al Zadjaly is an experienced entrepreneur and leader with over 30 years of experience in the tourism, airline, and hospitality sectors. He is the former General Manager of Bustan Palace - Ritz Carlton Hotel.

Nabil is passionate about using his expertise to help businesses grow and succeed. He is also a strong advocate for developing and empowering people. He is a valuable asset to any advisory board, and his insights and guidance can help businesses achieve their goals.

Faculty of Information Technology Industry Advisory Panel Members

Mr. Sulaiman Al-Maashri is a highly accomplished professional, currently serving as the Cybersecurity & Information Risk Manager at Petroleum Development Oman (PDO). In his role at PDO, he has been instrumental in managing and overseeing critical projects, particularly in the realm of Industrial Control Systems Security and the ISO 27001 Phase 3 initiative, which involved scope expansion and critical services gap analysis.

His leadership and expertise have been instrumental in PDO's cybersecurity and risk management efforts. Mr. Sulaiman Al-Maashri's contributions and accomplishments make him an asset in the field of cybersecurity within the energy industry. We are happy to inform that Mr Sulaiman is a proud alumni of UoB.

Eng. Said Al Hosni is a highly experienced professional in the field of information technology, with a broad range of expertise spanning information systems management, IT infrastructure planning, Datacenter design, audit, and management.

Eng. Said Al Hosni's extensive experience, gained through multiple stages in his career, has equipped him with a deep understanding of hardware, software, and datacenter infrastructure planning and management. As a result, he has become a sought-after consultant for various departments and organizations.

Eng. Said Al Hosni's true passion lies in the design and construction of modern Datacenters, a field in which he has excelled and continues to pursue with unwavering dedication. His expertise and passion make him a valuable asset in the world of information technology.

Mr. Tariq Al Farsi is an accomplished and certified senior management professional with over 24 years of experience. His career is marked by significant achievements in diverse organizations, particularly in the realm of process improvement, which has led to substantial enhancements in operational efficiency.

Currently serving as the Executive Manager at Bank Dhofar in Oman, Mr. Tariq plays a pivotal role in overseeing and managing various aspects of the bank's operations. His leadership and expertise have been instrumental in driving the growth and success of the institution.

Mr. Tariq holds a prestigious PMP certification and is highly skilled in areas such as business and strategic planning, resource optimization, project and program management,, performance analysis, compliance management, key customer relationship management, process reengineering and digital archives.

Mr. Hamza Al-Lawati is an accomplished Project and Contract Manager with a proven track record in creating and executing business strategies and plans to align with shareholders' objectives. Mr. Hamza has led teams to achieve business goals, prioritized Health, Safety, and Environmental policies and procedures, and formulated commercially sound business propositions. Notably, he has been instrumental in creating In-Country Value (ICV) by supporting local Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and generating employment opportunities for the local youth.

Mr. Tamilvanan is an accomplished professional with a wealth of experience and expertise in various domains. With a strong background in technology and a deep understanding of areas such as Digital Manufacturing, Software implementation, technology transformation, Organizational Change Management, Industry best practice consulting, and Strategy and Planning, Mr. Tamil is recognized as a seasoned Technology Solution Expert. Currently, Mr. Tamil holds the esteemed position of Director - SAP Practice and Technology Transformation Specialist at Gloitt, where his leadership and skills continue to drive success. His specialties encompass a wide array of skills, including expertise in SAP, Organizational Change Management (OCM), Software implementation, Solution Architecture, Management, Business consulting, and strategic planning.

Faculty of English Language Studies Industry Advisory Panel Members

• A certified legal translator
• Founder and CEO of Al Tarjuman Trading LLC.
• A leading Translation Company in the Sultanate of Oman

Mr. Ahmed Al-Busaidi is a dynamic and versatile Events Announcer, specialising in both business and sporting events. Fluent in two languages (Arabic & English), Ahmed excels in delivering exceptional experiences and creating engaging atmospheres for all types of events. With more than a decade of experience in the media industry, Ahmed has honed his communication skills to perfection, making him an authoritative and engaging announcer. In addition to his work as an Events Announcer, Ahmed is a recognized National Television Reporter and Radio Presenter. His role in this competitive landscape showcases his ability to handle pressure and adjust to varying environments with ease. Ahmed's distinguished career is marked by professionalism, enthusiasm, and the consistent delivery of quality content. His natural charisma and effective communication approach have made him a sought-after professional in his field.

Mariam has been teaching English as a second language for 8 years. She has taught at colleges, universities, schools and international Institutes. Currently, she hold the position of English and Global Perspectives teacher at Dorat Al Khaleej Private School in Muscat. Mariam is a freelance translator and pursues her work on research that is related to teaching English skills and translation. She has dedicated her master's dissertation to create a functional assessment tool to address high quality in political discourse. On the other side, I pursue research on developing teaching skills and translation.

Ms Omaimah Ibrahim Saleh Alfarsi holds a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Bedfordshire. She is now a lecturer at the preparatory studies Center. She has worked at Oman Air for five years (2017-2021) and has two years experience in teaching English. She has received training in various courses such as Etimad for Small and Medium Enterprises, Food, Safety and Auditing.