MUSCAT- In recognition of its continued role in supporting community initiatives aimed at empowering persons with disabilities and enhancing their active participation in society, Bank Muscat, the leading financial services provider in the Sultanate of Oman, was honoured by Al Noor Association for the Blind during the closing ceremony of the 11th edition of its summer programme, “Saifuna Ata’a wa Nama’a”. The programme was organised by the Association with the aim of developing the capabilities of visually impaired persons, enhancing their skills and encouraging their active participation in society.

The ceremony was held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Abdullah bin Hamoud Al Harthi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development for Persons with Disabilities, and attended by a number of officials, participants and programme organisers. The recognition was received on behalf of the Bank by Sami Bait Rashid, Assistant General Manager, Retail Banking at Meethaq Islamic Banking.

The recognition reflects the longstanding partnership between Bank Muscat and Al Noor Association for the Blind and acknowledges the Bank’s continued support for the Association’s efforts and various programmes. This collaboration contributes to empowering visually impaired persons, developing their skills and creating greater opportunities for them to participate effectively across different fields. It also reflects the Bank’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote social inclusion and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities as part of its broader approach to Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability.

On the occasion, Sami Bait Rashid, Assistant General Manager, Retail Banking at Meethaq Islamic Banking from Bank Muscat, said: “We are proud to receive this recognition, which reflects the strong partnership between the Bank and the Association as well as our joint efforts to create a positive and sustainable impact in the community. Bank Muscat places great importance on supporting and empowering persons with disabilities by contributing to initiatives and programmes that help develop their capabilities and skills, enhance their independence and encourage their active participation in society. Such efforts create wider opportunities for them to pursue their aspirations and realise their full potential.”

He added: “We highly appreciate the important role played by Al Noor Association for the Blind in delivering impactful programmes that contribute to rehabilitation and empowerment. We look forward to continuing our cooperation in ways that benefit visually impaired persons and persons with disabilities in general, while further strengthening their participation and contribution to Oman’s development journey.”

The summer programme is one of the initiatives organised by the Association as part of its continued efforts to provide a supportive and motivating environment for visually impaired persons. It featured a range of activities designed to promote empowerment, capacity building, skills development and community participation. 

Bank Muscat places significant emphasis on supporting persons with disabilities through a strategic plan aimed at providing an inclusive banking environment. As part of these efforts, 70 Bank Muscat branches are equipped with modern technologies, digital solutions and accessible infrastructure designed to facilitate services and enhance the banking experience for persons with disabilities. The Bank is also committed to incorporating such facilities into its newly opened branches. These include accessible pathways, suitable reception counters, designated parking spaces and waiting areas, as well as accessible stairs, elevators and entrances designed to facilitate convenient access to banking services.

In another strategic step reflecting its commitment to serving this important segment of society, Bank Muscat is training a number of qualified employees in sign language, with plans to deploy them across selected branches in different governorates. In addition, other groups of employees are being trained to provide appropriate services to customers with different types of disabilities.

The Bank has also introduced a dedicated debit card for visually impaired customers, the first of its kind in the Sultanate of Oman. The card was launched to provide a more convenient and accessible banking experience for persons with visual disabilities and to enhance their ability to benefit from banking services easily and conveniently at all times.

Bank Muscat also continues to support persons with disabilities through various community partnerships. These include providing wheelchairs in cooperation with the Omani Association for Persons with Disabilities and the Association for Children with Disabilities, as well as hearing aids in cooperation with the Omani Association for Hearing Impaired. The Bank also extends its support to Al Wafa Social Centres across various wilayats in Oman.

Furthermore, the annual “Himam Carnival” is the first initiative of its kind in Oman in the sports field targeting persons with disabilities. It brings together persons with physical, visual and hearing disabilities, as well as individuals with autism spectrum disorder and Down syndrome. The initiative aims to empower persons with disabilities through sports and enhance their social inclusion, in line with the key pillars and objectives of Oman Vision 2040.

Through its Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability strategy, Bank Muscat continues to collaborate with various civil society institutions and charitable associations to implement and support programmes that deliver sustainable impact, with a particular focus on empowerment, training and capacity building. Through these partnerships, the Bank reaffirms its commitment to contributing to a more inclusive society and creating opportunities for all segments of the community to actively participate in the Sultanate of Oman’s sustainable development journey.