Youth, sports, economy, education, environment, and community service are key focus areas of the Bank’s strategy.
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) remains a key driver of sustainable development, enabling community empowerment, cross-sector collaboration, aligned with national priorities. Bank Muscat’s sustainability strategy focuses on delivering long-term value to both society and the nation, with the aim of creating a positive impact across various sectors. The Bank is committed to support sustainable development in the Sultanate, creating a positive impact on society, economy and environment.
In line with this commitment, the Bank integrates sustainability principles into its practices and business operations and it is among the first institutions in the Sultanate to establish a specilaised unit for social responsibility management and issue an annual Sustainability and Community Service Report.
To showcase its leading position in this regard, Bank Muscat organised a dedicated media visit to highlight its CSR and sustainability initiatives and their role as a core pillar of the Bank’s strategy. The visit forms part of the Bank’s ongoing engagement with the media, aimed at enhancing transparency, sharing information, and providing journalists with first-hand insight into the Bank’s community initiatives.
Vision-Driven Programmes & Initiatives
The Bank delivers sustainable community initiatives targeting the widest possible range of beneficiaries, while ensuring alignment with Oman Vision 2040, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Bank’s approved internal policies. The Bank’s community initiatives cover key areas across all governorates, including financial inclusion, financial literacy, SME development, education, youth and sports, environment, and alternative energy. These initiatives are driven by a clear vision focused on long-term impact and community partnership.
Among the flagship programmes is the Green Sports Programme launched in 2012, which supports youth and sports by annually developing and upgrading local sports fields across the Sultanate. The programme has benefited 223 local teams, with more than 77,000 beneficiaries to date, providing safe and motivating environments for sports and social activities.
The visit also highlighted the Tadhamun Programme, which supports eligible families and promotes social solidarity through initiatives aimed at improving living conditions for social welfare families. The support includes providing home appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators and furniture. Since its launch, the programme has benefited more than 2,200 families. In addition, the Bank contributes annually since 2018 to the Fak Kurba Initiative, implemented by the Omani Lawyers Association, which has helped secure the release of 1,903 humanitarian cases who have been jailed or convicted.
In the area of financial literacy, the Bank implements several initiatives, including Maliyat platform, an online platform aimed at enhancing awareness of the fundamentals of money management, financial planning and saving for individuals aged 18 and above. It has been designed to be suitable for persons with hearing and visual disabilities through the integration of sign language and audio materials across all sections. Similarity, the Bank launched the Maliyat Academy, implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, has benefited more than 100,000 students, delivered by 1,000 teachers who have been trained to deliver the content tailored for grade 9 and 10 students across 802 schools in various governorates of the Sultanate. These efforts are also complemented by Irshad Programme, which provides financial guidance to SMEs, startups, entrepreneurs and individuals.
The Al Wathba Academy, implemented under the economic empowerment pillar, supports entrepreneurs and SME owners through specialised business training delivered annually across various governorates. Since its launch in 2014, the academy has benefited 239 Omani entrepreneurs. This initiative reinforces the Bank’s leading role in supporting SMEs by providing a comprehensive suite of tailored banking solutions and various initiatives such as training opportunities, workshops, and networking platforms for entrepreneurs. Bank Muscat remains steadfast in its commitment to partnering with both public and private institutions to support the growth of the business sector, particularly SMEs. The Bank places special emphasis on empowering youth and creating a vibrant entrepreneurial environment that fosters innovation and sustainability, both of which are key pillars in achieving Oman Vision 2040.
Himam Carnival … Because They Deserve
To strengthen its leadership in supporting all segments of society, especially people with disabilities, Bank Muscat organised the Himam Carnival initiative in the past couple of years, featuring races and dedicated area for recreational activities for participants and their families. Initiatives like this aim to create an inclusive environment that meets the diverse needs of persons with disabilities, empower them to fully develop their abilities, and raises public awareness about the importance of inclusion. Ultimately, they foster a broader social impact by empowering individuals and enhancing quality of life for everyone.
Strong & Ongoing Partnership
In support partnerships, Bank Muscat has implemented several initiatives, including Souq Al Wathba in cooperation with SMEs Development Authority which aims to support small businesses and entrepreneurs, cyber financial fraud awareness campaign in cooperation with the Royal Oman Police, planting 300 olive trees in Al Jabal Al Akhdar, providing an ultrasound device, which contributes to early cancer detection, to Khoula Hospital, establishing a football field in Kumzar, supporting Masar Food Trucks initiative in Bausher in cooperation with Muscat Municipality, providing kiosks for social welfare families in Bidbid. Additionally, the Bank contributed in the Misfat Al Abriyeen heritage tourism project in the Wilayat of Al Hamra in partnership with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Al-Misfat Al-Ahlia company and developed Al Khoudh Park project in Seeb in partnership with Muscat Municipality, as well as a wide range of initiatives and partnerships that have allowed the Bank to engage with a diverse segment of society.
The Bank also offers a wide range of services and initiatives for persons with disabilities, including the provision of wheelchairs, BrailleSense devices, laptops, hearing aids, and the development of playgrounds and football fields in specialised centers.
Social Impact Aligned with Development
Commenting on the occasion, Hamza Abbas Al Ajmi, Deputy General Manager – Credit at Bank Muscat, said: “Corporate social responsibility is a fundamental pillar of Bank Muscat’s strategy. We design and implement sustainable programmes that deliver real social impact and align with national development priorities. Through initiatives such as Green Sports, Tadhamun, Fak Kurba, Maliyat, and Al Wathba Academy, we support different segments of society, empower youth, and enhance financial awareness, reflecting our long-term commitment to economic and social development and establishing the Bank’s leadership in sustainable community development. Through these initiatives, the Bank continues to foster broad community participation and remains committed to clear strategies that create a lasting positive impact in partnership with public and private institutions.”
National Duty & Shared Responsibility
Talib Saif Al Makhmari, Head of Community & Media Relations at Bank Muscat, said: “As a leading financial institution, the Bank is committed to execute its annual CSR programmes and initiatives that benefit individuals, SMEs and society as a whole across key areas such as health, economy, sports, youth, education and community development, reaffirming that social responsibility is a national duty and a core commitment the Bank will continue to advance through impactful programmes and initiatives.”
Bank Muscat will continue to advance its CSR and sustainability initiatives while measuring their social impact and ensuring continuous development to reinforce its ESG commitments and its role as a leading financial institution that places people and development at the heart of its strategy.
