MUSCAT : Reaffirming its continued commitment to supporting Omani sports, Bank Muscat, the leading financial services provider in the Sultanate of Oman and the Main Sponsor of the Oman National Football Team, continues to rally behind the team ahead of its highly anticipated participation in the 27^th Gulf Cup, scheduled to take place in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from 23 September to 6 October 2026. The tournament is eagerly anticipated by Omani football fans, who look forward to seeing the national team deliver strong performances that reflect the standing of Omani football and the aspirations of its loyal supporters.

The Gulf Cup holds a special place among Omani, Gulf, and Arab fans. Throughout its history, it has represented much more than just a sporting competition, given its rich footballing heritage and the fraternal, social, and cultural bonds it embodies uniting the peoples of the region. The significance of the Gulf Cup also rests on the excitement and sporting competitiveness that accompany its matches, and on the interest shown by the public and on media. For Omani fans in particular, the tournament is linked to many memorable moments and achievements accomplished by the National Football Team throughout its participation, making it an occasion that renews feelings of pride, belonging, and rallying behind the team, which has won the title twice before.

In celebration of the national team’s participation, Bank Muscat took part last Thursday in a farewell gathering for the players ahead of their departure to Jeddah. A number of Bank employees joined the send-off, creating an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm and encouragement, with the participation of an Omani traditional folk arts group.

The Bank Muscat will also conduct a range of activities and initiatives involving the national team players and fans. As part of these efforts, the Bank has produced a special anthem celebrating the pride in the team and reflecting the support of the Bank as well as the Omani fans to the national team.

Created in the spirit of an authentic Omani football chant, the anthem is led by Abdullah Al Buraiki, popularly known as “Al Obd”, whose voice has long been associated with football stadiums and Omani supporters. Drawing on his strong connection with fans and his distinctive voice, which has become part of the atmosphere in the stands, the anthem aims to strengthen the bond between supporters and the national team while giving the campaign a distinctly Omani identity and a vibrant fan-driven character. Its energetic message captures the passion and aspirations of Omani supporters and calls on fans to continue standing firmly behind the team throughout its Gulf Cup journey.

Oman will compete in Group A alongside Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait. It will begin with a match against Iraq on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium in Jeddah, with kick-off scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Oman time. The national team will then face tournament hosts Saudi Arabia on Saturday, 26 September, at 10:00 p.m., before concluding its group-stage fixtures against Kuwait on Tuesday, 29 September, at 9:30 p.m. Oman time.

Oman’s participation in the tournament is expected to attract significant attention and passionate support, reflecting the special place the Arabian Gulf Cup holds among football fans in Oman and across the region. The national team has enjoyed memorable campaigns and notable achievements in previous editions of the tournament. In Gulf Cup 27, the team will seek to continue its strong presence and deliver performances that reflect the continued development of Omani football, backed by its passionate supporters, who have consistently played an important role in the team’s journey across various tournaments and competitions.

Earlier this year, Bank Muscat announced its partnership with the Oman Football Association as the Main Sponsor of the Oman National Football Team, reflecting the Bank’s commitment to supporting the team across its various competitions and sporting commitments. The partnership embodies Bank Muscat’s national and social responsibility and its commitment to supporting Omani sports while strengthening collaboration with sporting institutions in ways that contribute to fulfilling the aspirations of young people and athletes and raising the profile of the Sultanate of Oman at regional and international sporting events.

The Bank places significant emphasis on youth and sports as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability strategy, recognising the important role of sport in developing young people’s capabilities and promoting teamwork, belonging and positive competition. Over the years, the Bank has supported and implemented a wide range of sporting programmes and initiatives benefiting different segments of society. Among the most prominent is the Green Sports programme, one of Bank Muscat’s flagship sustainable CSR initiatives, which has supported community sports teams across the Sultanate of Oman and contributed to developing their infrastructure, thereby strengthening their sporting and social role within their communities.

Building on its leadership in Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability, Bank Muscat continues to strengthen partnerships and initiatives that support youth, sports and the wider community. The Bank is proud to stand behind the Oman National Football Team as its Main Sponsor and wishes it every success in Gulf Cup 27, with hopes for performances and results that bring joy to Omani fans and proudly fly Oman’s flag high.