Business captains of 52 esteemed brands in Oman converged at the Ballroom of Shangri La Barr al Jissah Muscat on February 17 to receive the coveted trophy of Oman’s Most Trusted Brand Awards (OMTB 2024) – a symbol of consumer trust as well as a testimony of their commitment to quality and service excellence

The overall mood was of jubilance… the sentiments among invitees conveyed confidence… and the ‘take home’ for all present was a set of explicit tips on good branding practices delivered by none other than H H Sayyid Dr Faris bin Turki al Said, Member of the Technical Team for Oman’s Promotional Identity, the ultimate voice in Oman on ‘branding and consumer behaviour’.

Top management and business heads of esteemed brands in Oman came together in the Ballroom of Shangri La Barr al Jissah Muscat on Monday evening to cheer and honour the best brands in Oman which have scored high on quality and service excellence during 2024.

The eighth edition of Oman’s Most Trusted Brand Awards (OMTB 2024), hosted by Apex Media (publishers of Muscat Daily), saw winning brands across 52 categories bag the coveted trophy in a glittering function that celebrated the winning virtues that top brands have cherished and fostered in the sultanate over the years.

The event was held under the patronage of H H Sayyid Dr Faris, the chief guest, who shared valuable insights about good branding practices relevant to Oman and later presented the awards to representatives of the winning brands.

The top brands were voted as Oman’s Most Trusted Brands by consumers who participated in an online survey preceding the event. More than one million votes were polled as consumer interest in the survey took to new heights this year, expressing their loyalty and expectation for continuing the ‘Tradition of Trust’ through this awards event – OMTB 2024.

Welcoming the guests at the outset, Executive Chairman of Apex Media and Editor in Chief of Muscat Daily, Saleh Zakwani congratulated the representatives of all brands for earning the trust of consumers in Oman and for their dedication in maintaining high quality of products as well as service excellence.

“Trust is not something a brand can buy – it has to be earned. Our experience over the past eight years proves that winning Oman’s Most Trusted Brand Award (OMTB 2024) is a badge of honour, a mark of excellence, and a symbol of consumer confidence. The brands we celebrate tonight have not only delivered quality and reliability but have also built lasting relationships with the consumers they serve. We are proud to celebrate your success…let the brands speak for themselves,” he said.

H H Sayyid Faris, who delivered the keynote address, enlightened those present about the essential elements that make a good brand as well as the role and responsibilities of those brands in maintaining the trust of consumers. He congratulated the top brands for their endeavours in upholding consumer interests and pointed out that they were, indeed, ambassadors, not just for their respective brands, but also for Oman and what it stands for.

“You are ambassadors… When you brand yourself, it’s not just about putting logos and celebrating Ramadan or National Day, it’s about living and breathing Oman in every decision you make. You enhance tourism – a lot of you may not be in tourism, but what you do as successful brands, you enhance tourism by making it tangible.

“Remember that restaurant you went to in that country, that bottle of fizzy drink you had, that toy you bought for your child or that chocolate you bought from that country – that’s the tangible aspect of tourism, and that’s what you do as successful brands. You keep those memories locked in people and people love brands, they breathe brands, they eat brands, and do everything with brands. So, once you get awarded today for being successful in Oman, think of yourselves as ambassadors. And people who seek successful brands in a nation, want to work in that nation,” Sayyid Faris emphasised.

He further pointed out, that Oman’s values are generally traditional but if one considers the landscape today, the sultanate has expanded its vision and its horizons, especially in the last five years under the direction of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, and “you are the ambassadors who carry the Omani flag everywhere.”

Sayyid Faris then presented the awards to the winning brands in 52 categories amid loud cheers and applause from the distinguished guests present. The winners of the eighth edition of Oman’s Most Trusted Brand Awards (OMTB 2024), who treasured their prestigious trophies, were all unanimous in their resolve to maintain this ‘tradition of trust’ with consumers. Some of the winning brands have been securing the top position for several years consecutively which indicated their unflinching commitment to consumers.

Senior representatives of the winning brands expressed their gratitude towards Apex Media for creating and maintaining a platform wherein brand superiority can be celebrated, year after year. The awards, coming from consumers, were a sure acknowledgment that they were doing things right, they said, adding that the award was a sure motivation to continue winning the trust of consumers.

Oman’s Most Trusted Brand Awards (OMTB 2024) are based on the results of a month-long extensive survey which was open to general public for voting. In each passing year, Oman’s Most Trusted Brand Awards has grown in terms of both attracting votes and number of categories. This year the survey attracted over one million votes across the different categories, indicating its significant growth as well as popularity among businesses and consumers.

OMTB 2024 awards were set up by Apex Media in 2016 to recognise and honour those brands in Oman that have lived up to the expectations of consumers and set parameters for others in the fray to follow suit. It has now become a red-letter day in the corporate calendar.

An honour, a commitment

Donatella Donatelli, Head of Marketing and Communication, Mercedes-Benz Oman

Mercedes-Benz has gained the trust of customers because it keeps delivering on its promise of luxury, quality, safety and innovation. Exceptional products, from Top-end to Entry luxury vehicles, are a testament of the brand’s commitment to excellence. It’s an honour to win the Oman’s Most Trusted Brand Award in the luxury automotive category for the seventh consecutive year and we are fully committed to consistently deliver an exceptional customer journey throughout all touchpoints in the years to come

Shabbir Boryawala, Chairman, Al Zain Farms

This award is an honour for both, myself and the entire Al Zain team. It not only serves as a testament to the dedication, hard work, and passion that we put into every product, but also reinforces our commitment to excellence in everything we do. Receiving such recognition adds a great deal of prestige to our brand, further solidifying the trust our consumers place in us. It also highlights the quality of our products and services, reinforcing that we are consistently setting the bar higher in our industry.

Ahmed Bakhit al Shanfari, Div Head – Marketing & Business Development, Al Maha

Our success in maintaining a top position in the industry is driven by our commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer-centric services. With high-quality fuel products, an extensive network of service stations, and continuous investment in advanced technology, we ensure a seamless and reliable experience for our customers. Winning an award like Oman’s Most Trusted Brand is both an honour and a significant motivator for us. It reinforces our dedication to building trust with consumers by consistently providing exceptional services and products.

Senior Spokesman, OTE

Our unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction has been key to securing our top position in the industry. By continuously evolving our products and services to meet the dynamic needs of our customers, Hyundai remains a trusted brand in Oman. With this award, our dedication to building long-term relationships with our customers will only grow stronger.  Winning the OMTB award serves as a powerful motivation to continue earning consumer trust. It validates the efforts we’ve made to provide exceptional products and services while reinforcing our commitment to customer satisfaction.

Malabar Gold & Diamonds, K Najeeb

Ever since the launch of our 1st showroom in Oman in 2010, Malabar Gold and Diamonds has been at the forefront of the jewellery landscape in the sultanate.  Our rapport and trust amongst citizens and residents alike in Oman has been built through a long history of providing an exquisite array of jewellery combined with a wide host of transparent service assurances. Being honoured with Oman’s Most Trusted Brand award for the 7th time will undoubtedly be a great motivator for us to continue providing our customers with an exceptional jewellery shopping experience.

Abdul Latheef and Dr P A Mohamed, Managing Directors, Badr Al Samaa Group of Hospitals

The overall quality healthcare services governed by safe practices and protocols laid by international accreditation bodies and Ministry of Health, coupled with efficient and highly experienced and caring medical staff has made us ensure the best treatment for our patients in a safe environment. This award is an acknowledgment of the trust our patients and communities have shown in us. Brands chosen for the award by due voting and a stringent process are the actual voice of the people, so it is always encouraging and inspirational. This is our 7th OMTB award – we strive to keep on winning it every year ahead.

Abdul Wahid Al Murshidi, Acting CEO, Sohar International

Earning the title of ‘Oman’s Most Trusted Brand 2024’ is a powerful endorsement of Sohar International’s unwavering commitment to setting new benchmarks in banking excellence. Trust is the cornerstone of sustainable financial leadership, and this recognition reflects our strategic focus on innovation, customer-centricity, and long-term value creation. As we continue to drive transformation in the financial sector, we remain dedicated to empowering individuals, businesses, and the national economy with forward-thinking solutions that inspire confidence and growth.

Sajir C P, Business Director, Apex Media

OMTB is Oman’s only consumer-driven brand award, making it a true reflection of public trust. Unlike industry-judged accolades, OMTB is decided entirely by consumers, ensuring authenticity and credibility. Over the years, it has evolved into the nation’s most definitive benchmark for brand excellence, with no other event of this scale in the country. Winning this award is a testament to a brand’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, reinforcing loyalty and boosting visibility across marketing platforms. It’s more than an award – it’s a powerful symbol of trust that drives business success in Oman’s competitive market.