MUSCAT : Bank Muscat, the leading financial service provider in the Sultanate of Oman, remains dedicated to advancing social responsibility and community service through various programmes and initiatives. These efforts align with the Bank’s sustainability and CSR strategy, aiming to deliver long-term benefits to community members across the Sultanate’s governorates and foster a lasting impact for future generations.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, Bank Muscat has launched its initiative under the “Tadhamun” programme. This initiative seeks to meet the evolving needs and aspirations of the eligible families. Accordingly, the Bank has been keen to develop the programme by studying the beneficiaries’ needs. As a result, this year’s distribution included household furniture handed to families with homes under the social housing programme, alongside essential household appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators. This year, about 175 families across various governorates are set to benefit, increasing the total number of beneficiary families since the programme’s inception in 2013 to over 2,200.

“Tadhamun”, one of the prominent social responsibility initiatives of Bank Muscat, operates through a structured process where specialists from the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning review applications, evaluate eligibility, and conduct needs assessments for target families, ensuring their basic needs are met.

Talib Saif Al Makhmari, Head of Community and Media Relations at Bank Muscat, emphasized the Bank’s commitment to CSR programmes, stating, “We are devoted to enhancing community partnership and supporting community members by collaborating with relevant authorities to reach targeted groups. The “Tadhamun” programme is just one of many sustainable initiatives we implement annually to reinforce our leadership in social responsibility and community service.” He further noted, “This year, in collaboration with our partners, we expanded the programme to reach more beneficiaries, aligning with our strategy to develop the programme annually and introduce new support areas for the community in a sustainable manner. I extend gratitude to the Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, and all participants and volunteers for their cooperation in making this initiative a success.”

Hamood Murdad Al Sahbibi, Director General of Partnership and Social Development at the Ministry of Social Development, emphasized the significance of the ongoing strategic partnership with Bank Muscat, highlighting it as a focal point of the Ministry’s appreciation and attention. He remarked, “Bank Muscat’s commitment to supporting the deserving families underscores its dedication to enhancing social well-being and improving living conditions for these families. This initiative clearly reflects the Bank’s leadership in social responsibility and community service. We genuinely value Bank Muscat’s efforts in supporting this initiative and eagerly anticipate more partnerships that aim to fulfill the fundamental needs of eligible families.”

Bank Muscat’s Social Responsibility and community service efforts encompass several key initiatives in addition to “Tadhamun”, such as the “Maliyat Academy” for financial literacy, the “Green Sports” initiative supporting local sports, and the “Al Wathbah Academy” targeting small and medium-sized enterprises, among other community projects consistently undertaken by the Bank.

In recognition of these community initiatives and sustainable programmes, Bank Muscat has received numerous accolades, including the North Batinah Award for Social Investment for its “Green Sports” programme, and the “CSR Impact on Education: Financial Literacy by Maliyat Academy” award at the Oman CSR Summit & Awards 2024. The Bank was also honoured by the Ministry of Social Development for its dedication to social responsibility initiatives, particularly those enhancing the participation of people with disabilities, during the recent International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebration.