Reaffirming its pivotal role in supporting national initiatives that spotlight science, knowledge, innovation and creativity, Bank Muscat, the leading financial services provider in the Sultanate of Oman, has announced its participation in the 5th edition of the Oman Science Festival, organized by the Ministry of Education at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre from November 2nd to 11th, 2026. Held under the concept Science Behind Progress, this year’s edition highlights the diverse fields of science, knowledge, innovation and technology and their role in shaping a sustainable, innovation-driven knowledge society. Bank Muscat’s participation underscores its commitment to supporting the march of innovation and knowledge in the Sultanate, stemming from its firm belief that today’s banking sector is fundamentally built on science and technology. The Bank had previously announced its sponsorship of the festival during an official signing ceremony with the Ministry of Education, attended by representatives of various institutions.
This year, Bank Muscat’s pavilion, conceived under the concept of The Vault, stands out with its innovative idea that provides a meaningful learning platform. Designed to take visitors on a comprehensive exploratory journey under the overarching theme of “Science Behind Progress,” it features diverse stations focusing on vital science-centric areas such as the evolution of banking operations, information security and its influence on business and society. The stations are designed to offer an edutainment-based experience tailored to all age groups, allowing visitors to interact directly with the latest technologies and understand their role in shaping the future of the banking sector and daily life. The festival holds special significance as the largest scientific platform in the Sultanate, attracting thousands of visitors of all ages, providing the Bank with an ideal opportunity to engage directly with the next generation of innovators and strengthen its presence as a technology-driven banking institution.
On this occasion, Mohammed Saud Al Naamani, Deputy General Manager of Business Applications at Bank Muscat, said: “The Bank’s participation embodies its corporate strategy which places paramount importance on innovation and technology. The theme “Science Behind Progress” accurately reflects the Bank’s vision, where technology has become our compass towards delivering smarter, more secure and more inclusive banking services. “Our investment in supporting science and knowledge is a direct investment in achieving the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 to build a competitive knowledge-based economy. We are committed to empowering Omani youth and equipping them with the digital and financial skills that qualify them to be active partners in leading the Sultanate’s digital transformation.
Mohammed Al Naamani added: “Our participation is of particular importance as it lies at the heart of the Bank’s strategic plan to transform into a financial institution built on innovation and technology. The festival, now considered the largest scientific platform in the Sultanate, targets various segments of society, including school students, university students, families and enthusiasts of all ages, and constitutes an ideal opportunity for the Bank to cement its presence in the knowledge and technology landscape, engage directly with the future generation of innovators and entrepreneurs, and enhance its role as an enabler of digital financial literacy and banking innovation. I take this opportunity to invite all visitors to visit Bank Muscat’s pavilion and wish them a rewarding and enjoyable experience during the festival.”
For his part, Ibrahim bin Eid Al Balushi, Director Scientific Programmes and Events Department, Directorate General of Scientific Innovation and Artificial Intelligence, at the Ministry of Education, said: “The launch of the 5th Oman Science Festival crowns the Ministry’s continuous efforts to disseminate scientific culture and entrench innovation as a way of life. This year’s festival focuses specifically on science, knowledge, innovation and technology through interactive pavilions, advanced workshops, and live science shows. The Ministry’s partnership with a leading institution like Bank Muscat, as the banking sponsor of the festival, represents an ideal model of integration between the educational and banking sectors, significantly enriching the visitor experience and enhancing the educational objectives of the festival. It also reflects the importance of concerted efforts by all institutions to support national talent and build a sustainable knowledge society.”
Bank Muscat recognizes that the banking sector is no longer limited to providing traditional financial services, but has become an industry based on technology, data, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. From this standpoint, Bank Muscat’s support for science, innovation and knowledge comes as a long-term strategic investment, fully aligned with the Bank’s digital transformation strategy and with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which places people, innovation and a knowledge-based economy at the heart of its national priorities. By supporting such festivals, the Bank contributes to building an integrated knowledge ecosystem that stimulates young minds to think creatively and equips them with the necessary tools to keep pace with the economy of the future. Today, the Bank is at the forefront of financial institutions in the region in the field of banking innovation and technology, having pursued a successful path in its digital transformation journey through developing advanced technical infrastructure and launching a package of innovative digital solutions such as mobile banking, payment technologies and artificial intelligence in customer service.
In recognition of its efforts in this field, Bank Muscat has recently received a series of prestigious awards in innovation, digital transformation and electronic banking services from renowned international and regional institutions, affirming its leadership in adopting the latest global technologies to provide a secure, seamless and advanced banking experience that meets future aspirations. Among these accolades are the Best Digital Bank in Oman awards from prestigious entities such as Global Finance, Euromoney and MEED, and the Financial Technology Innovation Award during the Middle East Technology Awards ceremony held recently.
