MUSCAT: As part of its ongoing commitment to social responsibility and its continuous efforts to serve the community across various sectors, Bank Muscat, the leading financial institution in the Sultanate of Oman, recently organized a series of financial literacy workshops for women in several locations, including Nakhal, Muscat, Sur, Ibra, and Liwa. The workshops were attended by over 200 women and came as part of the “Maliyat Academy” initiative, which aims to instill and promote financial literacy principles while offering innovative banking solutions that support financial inclusion and contribute to building a more financially aware society.

These workshops were held in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development. Bank Muscat places great emphasis on strengthening its partnerships with both public and private institutions to spread financial awareness, viewing this as a long-term investment for society as a whole and a necessary step in building a financially strong community. Additionally, familiarising individuals with modern methods of money management and financial growth in the correct way has a positive impact on individuals’ ability to manage their financial allocations more effectively and adapt to the changing circumstances of life.

Several participants took the opportunity to share their views and insights into the workshop. Kareema Thani Al Wahibi said: "Taking part in the workshop allowed me to become aware of the importance of educating oneself and those around us about financial literacy, including how to apply certain concepts related to managing expenses, budgeting, and saving. We also learned about the significance of staying vigilant against new fraudulent schemes.

Such workshops are extremely valuable for all members of society as they highlight one of the most important concepts in today’s world. I would like to thank Bank Muscat for organizing such as effective workshop." Nada Ahmed Al Jardani stated: "The workshop was very insightful, with clear objectives. It focused on income management, tracking expenses, and how individuals can explore additional income sources. The workshop also emphasized the importanceof having an emergency fund to reduce financial strain in case of unexpected

circumstances. We hope that similar workshops continue to be offered, allowing more people to participate and benefit, ensuring a positive impact across all segments of society." Similarly, Rahma Sabea Al Shibli explained: "Individuals must have sufficient awareness and a clear understanding of income management. The workshop addressed financial literacy in a straightforward and accessible way, providing an opportunity for participants to learn about the importance of controlling expenditures. It also created a

space for them to share their opinions and personal experiences." The “Maliyat Academy” initiative is one of Bank Muscat’s sustainability and corporate social responsibility programmes, focusing on enhancing financial literacy within thecommunity and providing individuals with essential skills to manage their financial affairs and make informed decisions, especially in light of the current economic changes that affect the financial stability of individuals and families. In addition to these workshops, the Bank also runs a dedicated programme for school students in partnership with the Ministry of Education, which has benefited more than 70,000students from various governorates across Oman.

Furthermore, Bank Muscat offers the " Maliyat" programme, a free online platform that provides financial literacy courses targeting individuals from various age groups, including those with hearing and visual impairments. The Bank also places special emphasis on continuing to implement community service initiatives and programmes, recognising them as one of the core pillars it aims to develop. To date, over 32,700 individuals from various social categories have benefited from the programme.