Islamic Banking Charter strengthens national payment system and launches ‘Mal’ debit card”

Meethaq Islamic Banking from Bank Muscat has launched the National Payment Card “Maal” debit card, recently introduced by the Central Bank of Oman, as part of Meethaq’s ongoing efforts to provide innovative and secure payment solutions that keep pace with the latest developments, enhance the national payments ecosystem, and elevate the banking experience for its customers across the Sultanate.
The launch of the new card supports of the Central Bank’s directions aimed at unifying payment systems and boosting reliance on the national payments infrastructure, thereby delivering added value to the national economy while promoting enhanced security, trust, and efficiency in financial transactions.
The “Maal” card is distinguished by its use of the latest global security standards, offering cardholders direct, around-the-clock access to their accounts for cash withdrawals and purchases across merchant outlets within the Sultanate. It also enables secure payments on local websites, bill payments, government services, and provides faster and more efficient transaction processing. Being powered by the local OmanNet network ensures added privacy and protection. Point-of-sale devices will be gradually enabled to accept the Maal card to better serve customers and enhance their banking experience.
Sami Bait Rashid, Assistant General Manager, Meethaq Personal Banking, stated that the launch of the “Maal” card reflects Meethaq’s continued commitment to offering modern banking services compliant with Islamic Sharia principles. “We are pleased to be among the first institutions to adopt this initiative, given its role in enhancing operational efficiency, simplifying customer transactions, and supporting digital transformation efforts in the financial sector, particularly within Islamic banking,” he added.
The “Maal” debit card is issued to Meethaq customers at no additional cost. It will be issued automatically to new customers upon opening an account, while existing customers will be notified via SMS once their cards are ready for collection.
Meethaq Islamic Banking continues to invest in upgrading payment systems and offering innovative solutions tailored to diverse customer needs. The new card enables users to benefit from secure and reliable services, allowing them to conduct withdrawals and payments quickly and seamlessly, delivering a more advanced banking experience.
More information about the card is available at the following link: https://www.meethaq.om/en/meethaq-cards/Pages/Maal.aspx. Meethaq employees across branches will also be ready to provide customers with all necessary information and technical assistance regarding the card and its usage, ensuring that everyone benefits from this new service.
The launch of the “Maal” card marks another milestone in Meethaq’s journey to enhance Islamic banking services in the Sultanate, reinforce its position as a leading provider of Sharia-compliant financial solutions, and strengthen its contribution to digital transformation and the development of the national payments sector.