Latest news with #AbdulwahidAlMurshidi
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Empowering SMEs: Sohar International sponsors Tamkeen and Summo Exhibition 2025
Muscat: Reaffirming its longstanding commitment to advancing Oman's entrepreneurial landscape and driving inclusive economic growth, Sohar International has assumed the role of Official and Exclusive Banking Sector Sponsor of the 'Tamkeen and Sumou' (Empowerment and Elevation) Exhibition for Small and Medium Enterprises. Organized by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), represented by the SME Committee, the exhibition is being held under the patronage of HH Sayyid Harib bin Thuwaini Al Said, Assistant Secretary General of the Council of Ministers for Conferences, and runs from 5 to 20 August 2025 in Dhofar Governorate. The event brings together more than 75 Omani SMEs from nine key economic sectors, including light manufacturing, technology and innovation, Omani handicrafts, tourism, and agriproducts such as honey and dates. It serves as a vital national platform for promoting local products, enhancing SME competitiveness, and facilitating direct engagement with private sector stakeholders all in alignment with Oman Vision 2040 and the bank's strategy to empower the private sector as a catalyst for sustainable development. Commenting on the bank's participation, Abdulwahid Mohamed Al Murshidi, Chief Executive Officer of Sohar International, stated: 'SMEs represent a vital force within any dynamic economy. Their capacity to innovate, stimulate domestic value chains, and respond swiftly to market needs contributes meaningfully to economic resilience. Our engagement in this exhibition is a reflection of our long-term dedication to empowering this segment; beyond offering impactful financial solutions, we prioritize opportunities that enhance visibility, strengthen capabilities, and support sustainable growth. Platforms such as these are integral to cultivating robust, future-ready enterprises that will ultimately steer Oman towards a more diversified and competitive economy.' As part of its active engagement, Sohar International has launched the 'Sohar International Competition for SMEs', aimed at elevating exhibition standards, encouraging innovation, and recognizing excellence. The competition features six categories Best Booth Design, Best Brand Identity, Best Visitor Engagement, Most Innovative Idea, Best Internal Organization and Layout, and the Audience Choice Award. Winners will be selected through a robust evaluation framework that rewards creativity, executional excellence, and public appeal. The exhibition also highlights the Chamber's ongoing efforts to enhance the business environment and provide the enablers necessary for SME sustainability. It underscores the importance of fostering market access, brand visibility, and strategic collaboration between SMEs and the broader private sector. Sohar International's partnership in this flagship event builds on its broader mandate to serve as an active enabler of SME development across all governorates by supporting platforms that inspire innovation, build commercial networks, and reinforce the competitiveness of Omani entrepreneurs in local and regional markets. About Sohar International With the vision to become a world-class Omani services company that helps customers, community and people to prosper and grow, Sohar International operates with a purpose to help people 'win' by delivering responsive banking for their ever-changing world, complementing their growth and prosperity with international standard service delivery. The Bank seeks to redefine banking in Oman through transformational developments centred on the principles of More Velocity, making everything simple and fast; More Value, ensuring relevance and connectivity to customers' world; and More Vision, liberating stakeholders through talented leadership.
Zawya
15-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sohar International extends OMR63mln consolidated loan facility to Liva Group
Muscat: In line with its commitment to enabling strategic partnerships that support sustainable business growth, Sohar International has signed a consolidated loan agreement with Liva Group, a leading multi-line insurance provider operating across the GCC. The OMR 63 million facility reflects Sohar International's growing role as a trusted financial partner for regional corporates seeking to optimize capital structures and scale with resilience. The signing ceremony took place at Sohar International's Waterfront Office and was attended by Mr. Abdulwahid Mohamed Al Murshidi, Chief Executive Officer of Sohar International, and Mr. Martin Rueegg, Chief Executive Officer of Liva Group. Commenting on the strategic partnership, Mr. Abdulwahid Mohamed Al Murshidi, Chief Executive Officer of Sohar International, stated: 'At Sohar International, we are focused on fostering strategic partnerships that create long-term value. Our agreement with Liva Group is a testament to our commitment to supporting ambitious, high-performing organizations with customized financial solutions that drive sustainable growth. This facility not only enhances Liva's financial flexibility but also reflects our shared commitment for regional progress, innovation, and long-term value creation. We are proud to partner with Liva on its journey to scale, diversify, and lead with purpose.' The facility consolidates Liva's existing borrowings into a single, streamlined structure—reducing financing costs, enhancing cash flow management, and increasing agility in capital deployment across the Group's operations. The agreement also provides a robust financial framework aligned with Liva's long-term growth strategy, particularly as it expands its presence across key regional markets. Mr. Martin Rueegg, Chief Executive Officer of Liva Group, added: 'This agreement is about more than refinancing; it represents a proactive step in strengthening our capital efficiency and readiness for the future. Sohar International stood out as a strategic partner that understands our operational landscape and shares our ambitions around regional integration, digital innovation, and customer-centric growth.' This partnership further strengthens Sohar International's growing regional presence and aligns with its aspirations to support clients expanding into high-growth markets such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—where both institutions share ambitious strategic goals. This partnership further strengthens Sohar International's growing regional presence and aligns with its aspirations to support clients expanding into high-growth markets such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This collaboration sets the stage for broader financial engagement, including the delivery of advanced, tailored banking solutions that support Liva Group's evolving priorities across its core markets. By forging such strategic alliances, Sohar International reaffirms its position as a trusted partner of choice—empowering clients to unlock growth opportunities, accelerate regional expansion, and contribute meaningfully to the economic transformation of the wider region. About Sohar International Sohar International is Oman's fastest-growing bank, guided by a clear vision to become a world-leading Omani service company that helps customers, communities, and people prosper and grow. With a purpose to help people 'win' by delivering responsive banking for their ever-changing world, the bank offers innovative solutions across Commercial and Investment Banking, Wealth Management, Islamic Banking, and more. Operating with a strong digital-first approach and an expanding regional footprint—including presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—Sohar International is committed to driving value through strategic partnerships and a dynamic customer experience.
Zawya
29-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sohar International launches Oman's first open banking platform, ushering a new era of financial innovation
Muscat – In a landmark move underscoring its commitment to driving digital innovation and financial inclusion, Sohar International has announced the official launch of its Open Banking platform—making it the first bank in the Sultanate to introduce a fully integrated Open Banking solution. This strategic advancement enhances the bank's digital ecosystem and reflects its role as a catalyst for technology-driven progress within Oman's financial sector. Open Banking gives businesses greater visibility and control over their financial information, helping them manage cash flow, plan more accurately, and make informed decisions. The platform also enables faster, more efficient financial transactions, reducing complexity and improving daily business operations. 'This launch reflects our strong alignment with the Central Bank of Oman's forward-looking regulatory framework,' said Abdulwahid Mohamed Al Murshidi, Chief Executive Officer of Sohar International. 'Through Open Banking, we are not only meeting compliance requirements but also enabling the development of industry-specific financial and non-financial services. These capabilities empower businesses to streamline their operations, drive innovation, and contribute meaningfully to national priorities such as financial inclusion, private sector growth, and digital advancement under Oman Vision 2040.' By providing secure and compliant access to banking services through open APIs, Sohar International's Open Banking platform allows fintech companies, corporates, and government entities to build tailored financial solutions with greater agility. The platform aims to lower integration costs, shorten time-to-market, and allow for more customer-centric services to emerge. 'At Sohar International, we continue to reinforce our position as a digital leader by accelerating innovation and delivering solutions at speed,' said Sajeel Bashiruddin, Chief Technology and Digital Officer. 'Our commitment to leveraging advanced digital capabilities enables us to respond swiftly to market needs, foster meaningful partnerships, and shape a future-ready financial ecosystem for the Sultanate .' The launch reflects Sohar International's long-term vision to serve as a strategic partner in Oman's journey toward a more digital, knowledge-based economy. As the financial sector evolves, the bank remains focused on creating value for businesses, customers, and the broader economy through innovation, collaboration, and technology-driven solutions. About Sohar International Sohar International is Oman's fastest-growing bank, guided by a clear vision to become a world-leading Omani service company that helps customers, communities, and people prosper and grow. With a purpose to help people 'win' by delivering responsive banking for their ever-changing world, the bank offers innovative solutions across Commercial and Investment Banking, Wealth Management, Islamic Banking, and more. Operating with a strong digital-first approach and an expanding regional footprint—including presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—Sohar International is committed to driving value through strategic partnerships and a dynamic customer experience. Learn more at
Zawya
10-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sohar International receives prestigious ‘CX Team of the Year' award for innovation and impact
Muscat: Reinforcing its position as a leader in redefining service excellence within the Sultanate's banking landscape, Sohar International has been awarded the title of 'CX Team of the Year' at the CX Awards 2025. The recognition was presented during the prestigious Oman CX Forum, held recently at the St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort, under the patronage of His Highness Mohammed Bin Salim Al Said. This accolade underscores Sohar International's unwavering dedication to enhancing the customer experience through a progressive approach that blends innovation, real-time responsiveness, and personalized service delivery. Grounded in digital transformation and an in-depth understanding of evolving customer expectations, the bank continues to set new benchmarks in customer-centric banking across the region. Commenting on the recognition, Mr. Abdulwahid Mohamed Al Murshidi, Chief Executive Officer of Sohar International, stated, "In an increasingly dynamic and competitive landscape, customer experience has emerged as a critical differentiator. At Sohar International, we have embedded customer-centricity into the core of our strategy—leveraging intelligent digital capabilities, data-driven insights, and a deep understanding of evolving customer expectations to deliver proactive and personalised service experiences. This award is a testament to the unwavering commitment and agility of our teams who consistently go beyond the conventional to create meaningful value for our clients. As we move forward, we remain committed to setting new benchmarks in service excellence, driving innovation, and empowering customers to thrive in a fast-changing world." Bringing together more than 200 senior executives spanning banking, telecom, insurance, FMCG, hospitality, education, and healthcare, the Oman CX Forum 2025 served as a meaningful industry touchpoint for customer experience leadership. For Sohar International, the forum's broader themes—ranging from AI integration and personalized service journeys to data-led strategies, loyalty-building, and emotional engagement—closely align with the bank's evolving approach to CX. Participation in such platforms reflects the bank's commitment to staying attuned to emerging trends, strengthening internal capabilities, and delivering meaningful interactions that resonate beyond transactions. These recognitions come as part of a broader series of accolades that Sohar International has garnered throughout the year, underscoring its leadership across key areas of banking excellence. The bank was honored with multiple prestigious awards at the New Age Banking Summit, including Best Digital Transformation Initiative, Most Innovative CSR Initiative, and Best Bank – Growth. Additionally, Sohar International was named Oman's Most Trusted Brand 2024 by Apex Media Awards, and secured the IPO Deal of the Year 2024 at the IFN Awards—further reaffirming its market leadership, innovation-driven approach, and unwavering focus on delivering stakeholder value across all fronts. About Sohar International Sohar International is Oman's fastest-growing bank, guided by a clear vision to become a world-leading Omani service company that helps customers, communities, and people prosper and grow. With a purpose to help people 'win' by delivering responsive banking for their ever-changing world, the bank offers innovative solutions across Commercial and Investment Banking, Wealth Management, Islamic Banking, and more. Operating with a strong digital-first approach and an expanding regional footprint—including presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—Sohar International is committed to driving value through strategic partnerships and a dynamic customer experience. Learn more at
Zawya
03-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Strategic credit facility agreement valued at $163mln signed
Muscat: In a significant move to advance economic growth and sustainable urban development, Sohar International and Al Mouj Muscat have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a strategic credit facility agreement valued at OMR63 million to Al Mouj Muscat. This agreement reflects the shared commitment of all parties to support the Sultanate's long-term prosperity through innovation, high-quality urban development, and strong financial stewardship enabled by trusted institutional partnerships. Abdulwahid Al Murshidi, Chief Executive Officer of Sohar International, said: 'At Sohar International, we take great pride in actively contributing to the Sultanate's infrastructure development, which is central to Oman's broader national growth agenda. Our support for Al Mouj Muscat visionary project through this strategic credit facility reflects our commitment to empowering landmark initiatives that drive economic diversification and position Oman as a leading destination for investment and tourism. As we continue to deliver innovative financial solutions tailored to the ambitions of our partners, we remain steadfast in our vision to offer an integrated banking experience that creates sustainable value for our clients and contributes meaningfully to the national economy.' Structured as a combination of term and revolving loan facilities, the agreement provides Al Mouj Muscat with the financial flexibility to accelerate ongoing and future developments, enhance operational efficiency, and pursue strategic expansion. This support will not only strengthen its diverse portfolio of residential, commercial, and hospitality assets but also enable the delivery of elevated experiences that meet the evolving expectations of its community, investors, and partners—setting new benchmarks for excellence in the real estate sector within the Sultanate. Nasser Al Sheibani, CEO of Al Mouj Muscat, commented: 'Since the inception of Al Mouj Muscat in 2006, we have shouldered a great responsibility to become Omans' premier waterfront development and also a benchmark project for integrated mix-use developments. This agreement with Sohar International is a testament to the strength of our financial position and a clear vote of confidence in our vision for the future of the project'. The facility also underscores the strength and maturity of Oman's banking sector, highlighting the power of national institutional collaboration in advancing economic diversification. With this agreement, Al Mouj Muscat reinforces its foundation to create long-term value and solidify its position as a dynamic hub for lifestyle, leisure, and investment in the Sultanate. This partnership also reflects Sohar International's broader mandate to deliver impactful financial solutions that foster socio-economic progress, generate employment, and attract sustainable investment. By focusing on high-impact sectors, the Bank remains committed to building strategic partnerships that accelerate development and contribute to shaping a resilient and forward-looking national economy. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
