MUSCAT : Bank Muscat, a leading financial services provider in Oman, recently took part in a celebration organized by the Ministry of Social Development to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The event, hosted at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Center, was held under the patronage of H.E. Madiha bint Ahmed bin Nasser al Shaibania, Minister of Education, and attended by numerous dignitaries, government and private sector officials, and NGO representatives.

During the ceremony, Bank Muscat was honoured by the Ministry of Social Development for its commitment to social responsibility initiatives and programmes that enhance the participation of people with disabilities, as well as for its support and successful implementation of initiatives benefiting this important segment of society. Zuwaina Abdullah Al Sharji, Assistant General Manager Central Operations & Change Management, received the award on behalf of the Bank.

The celebration aimed to emphasize the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities, aligning with the visionary goals of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and Oman Vision 2040, which promotes the creation of a more inclusive society in Oman, ensuring the rights and well-being of all citizens.

The Bank is keen to collaborate with the Ministry of Social Development and other government and private sectors entities and civil associations concerned with the disabled through its CSR initiatives and programmes. This commitment is evident in providing necessary equipment to help them easily perform their daily life tasks in partnership with different NGOs. Also, earlier this year, Bank Muscat organized the “Himam Marathon,” a pioneering sports event in Oman for individuals with physical, visual, and hearing disabilities, as well as those with autism spectrum disorders and Down syndrome. The marathon seeks to empower and integrate participants into society, reflecting the principles of Oman Vision 2040, which advocates for dignified and sustainable living for all.

To advance financial inclusion, Bank Muscat is implementing a comprehensive development plan to offer diverse services and facilities tailored to all customers, including those with hearing, visual, and physical disabilities. The Bank aims to equip its branches with the appropriate facilities, particularly for individuals with disabilities, as well as ensuring these facilities are also provided in all new branches opened.

These branches are also characterized by corridors, reception desks, parking lots, waiting areas, staircases and elevators, and special entrances that are designed to facilitate the service of customers with disabilities. They are equipped with modern technologies, such as the 13 interactive kiosks, helping the disabled customers to complete their transaction by their own. The Bank initially launched the first in Oman ATM with voice instructions at Al Noor Association for the Blind.

Furthermore, the Bank has implemented a programme to train 150 employees in sign language, distributed across various branches, and another group of 96 employees trained to assist customers with diverse disabilities.

Bank Muscat also offers the “Maliyat” programme, a free online platform delivering financial literacy courses tailored for the community, including those with hearing and visual disabilities. The platform includes digital tools and sign language to facilitate access to essential financial management skills and informed spending decisions.