As part of its ongoing commitment to adopting community initiatives, Bank Muscat, the leading financial services provider in the Sultanate of Oman, has announced its partnership with Oman Tourism Academy affiliated to the Oman Tourism College, to launch a specialized training and employment programme for individuals with Down syndrome, in the presence of officials from both entities. The announcement was made during a signing ceremony held at Bank Muscat Head Office, attended by officials from both institutions.
The agreement was signed by Hamza bin Abbas Al Ajmi, Deputy General Manager, Credit, Bank Muscat, and Dr. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al Mahrizi, Assistant Dean for the Academic Affairs of Oman Tourism College.
This programme serves as a qualitative initiative implemented between both institutions and a number of hotels across the Sultanate, which have expressed their readiness to offer employment opportunities to participants upon successful completion of the training programme, in collaboration with the Oman Down Syndrome Association. The programme aims to qualify 20 beneficiaries through two training tracks: Hospitality Support Services and Housekeeping, enabling them to acquire professional skills that open doors to financial and social independence. The registration details will be revealed at a later date through the official channels.
Under the agreement, Oman Tourism Academy will design and deliver the training courses in line with international hospitality standards, while providing a supportive and integrated learning environment tailored to the needs of this group. The courses will also include practical training placements within hotel establishments and facilitate employment opportunities for graduates in reputable institutions. Bank Muscat, on the other hand, will provide support to contribute to the implementation of the program, in addition to collaborating on marketing and awareness campaigns highlighting the importance and positive impact of such initiatives on society.
Commenting on the occasion, Hamza bin Abbas Al Ajmi, Deputy General Manager, Credit, Bank Muscat, stated that this initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to its role in social responsibility and serving all segments of society, noting that investing in empowering individuals with Down syndrome is an important step toward building a more inclusive and sustainable community. He added: “Providing training and employment opportunities for this group will enhance their active participation in society and contribute to greater independence for them and their families.”
Dr. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al Mahrizi, Assistant Dean for the Academic Affairs of Oman Tourism College, explained that the launch of this programme aligns with the academy’s efforts to develop national talent in the tourism and hospitality sector. “The programme has been carefully designed to meet the needs of participants and the requirements of the labor market. This initiative aims to equip participants with practical skills that enable their integration into the workplace, in partnership with leading hospitality institutions in the Sultanate.” He emphasised.
Bank Muscat remains committed to strengthening its strategic partnerships with educational institutions, community organizations, and the private sector, recognizing that collaboration is a key driver for achieving sustainable impact and expanding the reach of developmental initiatives. Through these partnerships, the bank continues to support impactful programs that empower various segments of society and create new opportunities for their active participation in the nation’s development journey.
Last year, the bank organized the second edition of the “Himam Carnival,” with the participation of more than 500 individuals with disabilities, bank employees, and their children. The event targeted individuals with physical, visual, and hearing disabilities, as well as those with autism spectrum disorder and Down syndrome, aiming to promote sports inclusion and social integration in line with the pillars of Oman Vision 2040.
Bank Muscat places high priority on customers with disabilities by providing them with the best banking services. The bank has equipped 73 of its branches across various governorates and wilayats with facilities tailored to people with disabilities and remains committed to incorporating such features in new branches. These branches are equipped with accessible pathways, suitable service counters, dedicated parking spaces, waiting areas, elevators, and specially designed entrances to facilitate seamless access to a wide range of banking services. They are also supported by modern technologies, including 11 interactive ATMs.
Among its key initiatives in this area, Bank Muscat launched the Sultanate’s first ATM dedicated to the visually impaired at Al Noor Association for the Blind. This ATM enables users to independently carry out banking transactions through an integrated audio guidance system. The bank also continuously implements specialized training programmes for its employees, including sign language training, to better serve individuals with various disabilities, with trained staff deployed across several branches nationwide. To further enhance convenience, the bank introduced the Sultanate’s first debit card designed specifically for the visually impaired, offering a more accessible and user-friendly banking experience.
