Dear ABIS community,
Today, we would like to acknowledge the many years of contribution and support provided by our two OQ Board members, Nofal Al Saidi and Hamed Al Ajmi. Nofal joined the ABIS Board in 2015 and has served as Board Chair for the past nine years. Hamed joined the Board in 2018 and has been a steady and valued supporter of the school throughout his tenure.
As both conclude their time as ABIS Board members, I would like to sincerely thank them for their hard work, guidance, and commitment to the continued development of the school. Their support, particularly during periods of challenge and growth, has been greatly appreciated by the Board, leadership team, staff, and wider ABIS community.
Below, both Nofal and Hamed have shared a few reflections and farewell messages as they conclude their time with ABIS.
Looking back at my time with ABIS Board from 2015, and Chairperson since 2017, I often reflect on the many adventures the school experienced over the years, and there was certainly never a shortage of them. One of the biggest highlights was the campus expansion project, where I had the opportunity to work closely with the OQRPIC finance and engineering teams, Sohar Aluminium, and ABIS to help shape the school we see today. There were also memorable moments along the way, including the land allocation process with Sohar Municipality, where we initially received the wrong plot of land before eventually securing the correct site, plus a few extra square metres as compensation.
I also greatly valued supporting initiatives such as the scholarship programme, student growth, and various projects supporting the school. Each came with its own challenges, particularly during COVID, when securing funding and moving projects forward became significantly more difficult. Alongside this, I spent many years supporting teacher visa processes and Ministry matters, attending countless meetings and helping strengthen important relationships that benefited the school community.
More recently, I have enjoyed supporting the leadership team in working towards making ABIS a financially sustainable and zero-loss school. While balancing budgets in education is never simple, the most rewarding part of the journey has always been the people — dedicated colleagues, supportive partners, and a community that genuinely cares about ABIS and its future. It has certainly been an unforgettable experience.
Nofal Al Saidi
Since joining the school Board in 2018, I have tried to provide valuable advice and guidance across a wide range of important areas. I was pleased to play a role in advancing the school’s solar project and have consistently been a strong supporter of the International Baccalaureate programmes and the long-term development of ABIS. During the COVID-19 period, I supported business continuity efforts and contributed to the development and implementation of the school’s transformation plan at a particularly challenging time for the community.
Over the years, I have also contributed to several improvement projects across the school and have always tried to approach discussions with a practical and solutions-focused mindset. Supporting sustainability initiatives, operational planning, and strategic development has been both rewarding and meaningful.
Most importantly, I have remained committed to supporting the continued growth and stability of ABIS. Working alongside the Board, leadership team, staff, and wider community has been a valuable experience, and I am grateful to have been part of the school’s journey over the years.
I would like to wish ABIS continued success and growth in the years ahead. I have every confidence that the school will continue to develop, strengthen its reputation, and provide outstanding opportunities for its students and community. I thank everyone I have had the opportunity to work with and wish the entire ABIS community all the very best for the future
Hamed Al Ajmi
Thank you to both Nofal Al Saidi and Hamed Al Ajmi for all that they have contributed to ABIS. We wish them all the best for the future.
Dominic Robeau