Muscat: The forum was launched under the patronage of H.E Abdullah Salem Al Salmi, Executive
President of Financial Services Authority and it brought together a distinguished group
of officials, experts, academics and specialists in Islamic banking and finance to discuss
the latest development in the industry, future growth opportunities, and the role of
Islamic finance in supporting Oman’s economic development and national priorities.

The forum covered a range of topics including Leadership Outlook for Islamic Financial
Services in Oman, Risk Mitigation for Islamic Capital Market Investments, Islamic
Banking for Growth: SMEs, Consumers and Digital Delivery, Oman Investment Outlook:
Vision 2040, Markets & the Future of Islamic Financial Services, Sukuk, Securitisation &
Market Development: Building Depth in Oman’s Capital Market, and Public Markets,
Real Assets, Digital Assets and Private Capital: Scaling Sharia-compliant Investments.
Panel discussions and interactive sessions also provided a platform for participants to
exchange perspectives on emerging trends, market opportunities and the continued
development of Sharia-compliant financial services.

Sami Bait Rashid, Assistant General Manager of Meethaq Personal Banking,
participated in the panel discussion “Islamic Banking for Growth: SMEs, Consumers and
Digital Delivery”, where he discussed the role of Islamic banking in supporting economic
growth through SME development, meeting evolving consumer needs and broadening
access to banking services through digital channels. He also shared Meethaq’s
experience of contributing to the national economy through innovative, inclusive and
Sharia-compliant financial solutions across financing, investment and capital markets.

He further outlined several key trends shaping the future of the sector, including digital
transformation, sustainable finance, the importance of strengthening cooperation and
integration between financial institutions and regulatory authorities in building a resilient
and progressive Islamic financial ecosystem aligned with the objectives of Oman Vision
2040.

Issa Khalfan Al Suqri, Head of Sharia Compliance & Audit Department at Meethaq
Islamic Banking, delivered a presentation on “Risk Mitigation for Islamic Capital Market
Investments”, highlighting key considerations in managing risks associated with Sharia-
compliant investments.

Commenting on the occasion, Sami Bait Rashid, said: “Meethaq values the strong
partnership it has maintained with government and private-sector institutions, which
contribute to advancing shared objectives and strengthening the financial sector’s
contribution to the national economy. Our participation in specialised events, and forums
provides an important platform to exchange knowledge, explore emerging trends and

share perspective that contribute to the continued advancement of Islamic banking in
Oman”.

Beyond its participation in industry forums, Meethaq offers a comprehensive range of
Sharia-compliant financial solutions designed to meet the diverse needs of its
customers. These offerings adhere to the regulations and directives issued by the
Central Bank of Oman and are subject to rigorous Sharia supervision and oversight by
Meethaq’s Sharia Supervisory Board, ensuring full compliance with Islamic principles.
For individual customers, Meethaq provides a range of deposit and savings products,
including current accounts, savings accounts, children savings accounts, and the
Meethaq Savings Plan, alongside financing solutions covering personal finance, auto
finance, housing finance, and financing for travel, education, marriage, and personal
purchases.

For institutional customers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs),
Meethaq provides tailored financial solutions such as current accounts, project finance,
short- and long-term facilities, commercial financing and large-scale project funding. To
further enhance customer experience, Meethaq has upgraded its core banking systems
and enhanced its digital banking capabilities across multiple platforms, ensuring a
seamless and secure journey for both individual and corporate customers.

Meethaq operates the largest Islamic banking branch network in the Sultanate,
comprising 30 branches across various governorates, supported by more than 64 ATMs
and CDMs. In addition, Meethaq customers have access to over 900 Bank Muscat
ATMs and CDMs and multifunctional kiosks, located across the Sultanate, ensuring
customers enjoy convenient access to banking services and financial solutions. For
more information about Meethaq Islamic Banking, please visit: www.meethaq.om.