MUSCAT: In conjunction with the Global Money Week recently held under the theme “Smart Money Talk”, and Arab Financial Inclusion Day observed annually on 27^th of April and which comes this year under the theme “Financial Health: The Path to Sustainable and More Stable Financial Inclusion”, Bank Muscat, the leading financial services provider in the Sultanate of Oman, continues to reinforce its leadership in financial inclusion and the promotion of financial literacy. The Bank reaffirms its commitment to supporting sustainable development pathways and empowering various segments of society.

As part of strengthening its pioneering role in this field, the Bank has recently organized a series of initiatives and training workshops on financial literacy in cooperation with the Ministry of Education. These workshops targeted male and female students, including students with disabilities, from various educational institutions across the Sultanate. Organizing the workshops comes under the “Maliyat” initiative which the Bank launched to promote financial literacy among different segments of society and develop their ability to make well-informed financial decisions. These efforts also align with the Bank’s comprehensive strategy to deliver innovative banking solutions that support financial inclusion and contribute to building a more aware and stable society.

In a strategic step that embodies this commitment, the Bank continues to implement the “Maliyat Academy” initiative in cooperation with the Ministry of Education to enhance financial literacy concepts among school students across the Sultanate. Launched in 2023, Maliyat Academy is one of the Bank’s most prominent corporate social responsibility and community service initiatives, and the largest of its kind in the Sultanate in terms of beneficiaries. The initiative is based on developing educational content in financial literacy tailored to the 13–16 age group and training teachers and career specialists through specialized workshops, enabling them to transfer this knowledge to students in their schools. To date, over 1,000 teachers and career specialists have been trained, helping deliver the initiative’s content to over 100,000 students in more than 800 schools across the Sultanate.

To expand the initiative’s reach and enhance its societal impact, the Bank organizes the Maliyat Challenge for ninth and tenth grade students from various governorates. The challenge aims to invest in the potential of younger generations and enhance their skills in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Recently, the Bank organized the challenge in Sohar (North Al Batinah Governorate) and Sur (South Al Sharqiyah Governorate), achieving notable engagement and vibrant competition through innovative educational experiences. Each of the challenges featured the participation of around 80 students who had previously taken part in the “Maliyat Academy” initiative.

The Bank also offers the “Maliyat” programme, a free online platform dedicated to promoting financial literacy and targeting various segments of society, including individuals with hearing and visual impairments. The platform has been equipped with specialized digital tools, in addition to incorporating sign language, to enable these groups to interact with educational content and acquire essential skills to manage their finances and make sound spending decisions. To date, more than 32,700 individuals from different social groups have benefited from the programme. The Bank is also keen to produce media and marketing messages delivered in sign language to introduce its services, products, and initiatives across various economic and social fields.

As part of its firm commitment to promoting financial inclusion, Bank Muscat is among the first institutions to establish an inclusive banking environment that meets the needs of all segments of society. The Bank’s efforts in this regard are reflected in its continued implementation of qualitative initiatives aimed at empowering all community segments to access banking services, solutions, and facilities, with special attention given to customers with disabilities as an integral part of society. 

Coinciding with Arab Financial Inclusion Day, the Bank emphasizes its commitment to meeting the needs of individuals with hearing, visual, and physical disabilities through initiatives and activities that promote social integration and contribute to achieving the goals of Oman Vision 2040, which places people at the forefront of development priorities. Recently, the Bank implemented a specialized programme to qualify 182 highly competent employees by training them in sign language, and they have been distributed across various branches in different governorates. Additionally, 130 more employees have been trained to provide comprehensive services to people with disabilities, enhancing service quality and ensuring a smoother, more inclusive banking experience.

Driven by its belief in the importance of employment empowerment, the Bank is keen to attract and integrate talent from people with disabilities into the workplace. The number of employees with disabilities has reached 15, including 4 employees with hearing impairments. This integration reflects the Bank’s commitment to equal opportunities and enhancing the active participation of this group in the development process. Furthermore, 51 of the Bank’s branches have been equipped with the latest technologies and interactive digital devices, along with infrastructure designed to facilitate access to services and improve the banking experience. The Bank is also committed to providing these facilities in all new branches, which feature accessible pathways, suitable service desks, designated parking spaces, comfortable waiting areas, as well as carefully designed stairs, elevators, and entrances to meet the needs of this group.

As part of its strategy to enhance the experience of customers with disabilities, the Bank launched the “Braille” debit card for visually impaired customers. It is the first of its kind in the Sultanate and it has been designed to provide an easier banking experience for this customer segment. The card features an innovative design that includes the account number written in Braille, enabling users to read it easily and use the card for purchases, electronic payments, and bill settlements. Applications for the card can be submitted through the Bank’s branches across various governorates. This initiative forms part of Bank Muscat’s efforts to enhance access to financial services and deliver exceptional services that meet the aspirations of all customers, reinforcing its leadership in inclusive banking.

The Bank is also keen to expand its partnerships with various institutions and associations to implement its diverse initiatives. Recently, it organized a specialized two-day financial literacy workshop targeting students with hearing impairments at the Scientific College of Design, with the participation of more than 120 students from various disciplines. The workshop included interactive sessions and practical activities specifically designed to meet the needs of this group, enabling them to acquire essential skills for managing their financial affairs and making informed decisions.

These efforts are complemented by the annual “Himam Marathon” initiative, the first of its kind in the Sultanate in the field of sports for this group. The initiative targets persons with physical, visual, and hearing disabilities, as well as individuals with autism spectrum disorder and Down syndrome. The initiative aims to promote their athletic empowerment and enhance their integration into society, in line with the pillars of Oman Vision 2040.