MUSCAT: BankDhofar, the  Second Sultanate’s largest bank by branch network, has partnered with Oman Housing Bank (OHB) to accelerate the delivery of subsidized housing loans to Omani citizens.

This strategic collaboration, undertaken through OHB’s ISKAN programme, underscores BankDhofar’s commitment to delivering exceptional convenience and service excellence to its growing customer base. BankDhofar, along with other participating local banks—both conventional and Islamic—can now seamlessly receive and process housing loan applications from eligible citizens in a faster, more transparent, and streamlined manner.

At the core of this initiative is a user-friendly digital platform that simplifies the entire loan application process. Once an individual receives a notification from Oman Housing Bank confirming their eligibility, they can proceed to submit their application through the ISKAN platform, selecting their preferred bank—such as BankDhofar—for financing. The selected bank then engages directly with the applicant via the platform or through other communication channels, presenting the subsidized financing options available.

Eligible applicants include married Omani citizens who currently do not own a home. They may be employed in the public or private sector, be self-employed, or retired.

ISKAN is a fully integrated digital ecosystem designed to digitize and simplify the government-backed housing loan process. It allows citizens to register, verify their eligibility, track their position in the queue, and receive real-time updates. Key workflows—such as eligibility screening, queue management, and communication—are automated, significantly reducing administrative delays.

One of the programme’s most notable achievements is the dramatic reduction in waiting times—from several years to less than six months in many cases. When an applicant’s turn approaches, they receive an SMS with a secure link to complete their application online—eliminating paperwork and ensuring continuous visibility throughout the process.

By joining forces with Oman Housing Bank and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning to support this transformative platform, BankDhofar reinforces its role in empowering citizens with timely, smart, and accessible housing finance. The collaboration also aligns with the Omani government’s broader vision for sustainable urban growth and efficient public service delivery.