Muscat: Bank Muscat, the leading financial services provider in the Sultanate of Oman, and Oman College of Tourism, represented by the Oman Tourism Academy have announced the opening of registration for a specialised training programme dedicated to individuals with down syndrome. The Bank had previously unveiled this unique community initiative during a signing ceremony held recently at its Head Office in Airport Heights, attended by officials from both organisations. Registration for the programme will remain open until Wednesday, 1 July 2026.

This programme serves as a qualitative initiative implemented between both institutions and a number of hotels across the Sultanate, which have expressed their readiness to offer employment opportunities to participants upon successful completion of the training programme, in collaboration with the Oman Down Syndrome Association. The programme aims to qualify 20 beneficiaries through two training tracks: Hospitality Support Services and Housekeeping, enabling them to acquire professional skills that open doors to financial and professional independence. 

Under the agreement, Oman Tourism Academy will design and deliver the training courses in line with international hospitality standards, while providing a supportive and integrated learning environment, tailored to the needs of this group, supervised by experienced trainers, The courses will also include practical training placements within hotel establishments.  

Bank Muscat remains committed to strengthening its strategic partnerships with educational institutions, community organizations, and the private sector, recognizing that collaboration is a key driver for achieving sustainable impact and expanding the reach of developmental initiatives. Through these partnerships, the bank continues to support impactful programs that empower various segments of society and create new opportunities for their active participation in the nation’s development journey.

Bank Muscat also places high priority on customers with disabilities by providing them with the best banking services. The bank has equipped 73 of its branches across various governorates and wilayats with facilities tailored to people with disabilities and remains committed to incorporating such features in new branches. These branches are equipped with accessible pathways, suitable service counters, dedicated parking spaces, waiting areas, elevators, and specially designed entrances to facilitate seamless access to a wide range of banking services. They are also supported by modern technologies, including 11 interactive ATMs.

Among its key initiatives in this area, Bank Muscat launched the Sultanate’s first ATM dedicated to the visually impaired at Al Noor Association for the Blind. This ATM enables users to independently carry out banking transactions through an integrated audio guidance system. The bank also continuously implements specialized training programmes for its employees, including sign language training, to better serve individuals with various disabilities, with trained staff deployed across several branches nationwide. To further enhance convenience, the bank introduced the Sultanate’s first debit card designed specifically for the visually impaired, offering a more accessible and user-friendly banking experience.