MUSCAT : Bank Muscat, the leading financial services provider in the Sultanate of Oman, has announced the opening of applications for the second phase of the training programme that is launched as part of the Bank’s Al Wathba Academy initiative. The second phase includes a foundation training programme targeting entrepreneurs and startups and it will run from June until December 2026. Interested applicants can submit their applications via the link https://bm.click/WR6E during the period from 23^rd till 30^th of April 2026. This step builds on the continued efforts of the Bank and Sharakah to support this vital sector and contribute to national economic growth. The Bank has launched Al Wathba Academy training programme in collaboration with the Fund for the Development of Youth Projects “Sharakah” with the aim to train entrepreneurs and SME owners. The launch of the second phase follows the successful completion of the first phase, which targeted 15 participants with established businesses. Those participants underwent intensive training that significantly enhanced their managerial capabilities and strengthened their ability to grow and sustain their ventures.

The continuous implementation of Al Wathba Academy training programmes underscores Bank Muscat’s leading community-driven roles that include fostering entrepreneurship and empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The training adopts a comprehensive approach focused on transferring practical knowledge to participants and equipping them with the skills needed to support business sustainability and expansion.

The second phase will cover a range of key topics designed to provide participants with practical tools and actionable insights to advance their businesses and capitalize on opportunities in both local and regional markets. These include business development planning, marketing fundamentals, communication skills, and digital transformation. The programme will also feature mentoring and advisory sessions for each participant to help entrepreneurs define the right strategic direction for their ventures, identify opportunities, and mitigate potential risks.

This training programme builds on the long-standing efforts of Bank Muscat through the Al Wathba Academy initiative that was launched in 2014 to develop Omani entrepreneurs by equipping them with essential business and financial management skills. Through high-quality training programmes and specialized workshops, the academy enables participants to overcome professional challenges and achieve sustainable business growth. To date, over 250 Omani entrepreneurs have benefited from the programme. The initiative also reflects Bank Muscat’s continued dedication to supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Oman and enhancing the role of youth in the national economy in line with Oman Vision 2040, which focuses on economic diversification, innovation, and sustainable development.

On this occasion, Ibrahim Khamis Al Balushi, Senior Assistant General Manager of SMEs at Bank Muscat, said: “We are excited to be soon launching the second cohort of the Al Wathba Academy training programme following the strong results achieved in the first phase. The programme offers a comprehensive training environment that enables participants to gain practical skills and advanced knowledge in management, strategic planning, and business development, ultimately contributing to the sustainability and growth of their businesses. The second phase is specifically tailored for startups, reflecting the Bank’s strategic direction towards supporting innovative ideas from their early stages and helping them confidently enter the market. We encourage all interested individuals to seize this valuable opportunity and make an application to leverage the programme’s rich content and hands-on learning experiences.”

Bank Muscat continues to play a leading role in developing the business sector by supporting entrepreneurs and SMEs through tailored financing solutions across various industries, including retail, hospitality, manufacturing, tourism, services, and agriculture. The Bank also remains committed to strengthening partnerships with government entities and the private sector to advance entrepreneurship, with a particular focus on youth as a key driver of Oman Vision 2040. In recognition of its contributions to this vital sector, Bank Muscat has received several prestigious awards, including the Best Bank for SMEs in Oman from MEED and Global Finance.