A people-centric organization that places uncompromised attention on community development initiatives, Sohar International has extended support to the Ministry of Social Development to sponsor the UN-mandated International Day of People with Disabilities. The event took place on 29 December 2022 at the Kempinski Hotel Muscat and was held under the auspicious of H.E. Dr. Laila Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, welcoming a number of people with disabilities as well as their families, government delegates, and key decision-makers from the private sector. Representing Sohar International at the event was Ms. Mahira Saleh Al Raisi, Chief Human Resources Officer.

Apart from honoring people with disabilities, the International Day of People with Disabilities’ event was geared at spreading greater awareness about the various challenges encountered by them as well as applauding their efforts in overcoming such hurdles. Ministry of Social Development utilized the platform to highlight its intent and the importance of providing programs in various fields of creativity that are tailored to suit the unique needs of people with disabilities.

Commenting on the bank’s support toward the event, Mr. Mohamed Mahfoodh Al Ardhi, Chairman of Sohar International said, “Sohar International has always been committed to promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equality in the community from every segment of the population. We strongly believe that every individual within the society can play a contributing role towards our nation and henceforth acknowledging, supporting and nurturing people with disabilities is quintessential. Such ideology encourages and enables us to proactively support causes such as the International Day of People with Disabilities as well as uphold the socio-economic goals underscored in Oman Vision 2040.”

The event drew attention to the importance of acting as responsible citizens and coming together to take a holistic approach to addressing the requirements of people with disabilities. The Ministry also recognised the increasing number of individuals in the segment who have the potential to set new milestones across different fields like art, sports, and education and stressed the need to further support, encourage, and enhance their capabilities.

Mr. Mohamed Mahfoodh Al Ardhi added saying, “Living with any disability poses its unique challenges that we should be more respectful and responsive towards. Being a source of inspiration and despite the challenges, there are a significant number of individuals from this segment that perform and outperform in their respective fields. Whether in the field of art, sports, education, and others, both; the private and government sectors play a contributing role in nurturing, supporting, and growing this talent to ensure a positive society that is productive and sustainable. We commend the efforts of this segment of the society as well as the efforts of the Ministry with this regards.”

As a socially conscious financial institution, Sohar International, through its various initiatives, has continued to extend support to various segments of the society through direct and indirect backing towards various causes going the extra mile to understand the underlying requirements and addressing them.