Sohar International, Oman’s best bank, has been awarded the prestigious ‘Exemplary CSR Leadership’ accolade at the recently held Oman CSR Summit and Awards 2024, reaffirming the bank’s steadfast commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR). This recognition underscores the bank’s clear, strategic approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR), with human development at its core. The award highlights Sohar International's commitment to creating sustainable, long-term impact through initiatives that focus on empowering individuals, fostering community growth, and advancing national progress.

The award ceremony, held under the auspices of His Excellency Sheikh Salim bin Mustahail Al Mashani and graced by His Excellency Mahad bin Said bin Ali Baawain, Minister of Labour, convened senior government officials, business leaders, and nonprofit organizations to celebrate leadership in CSR and sustainability. Receiving the award on behalf of the bank was Mr. Mazin Mahmood Al Raisi, Chief Marketing Officer of Sohar International.

Mr. Said Mohamed Al-Aufi, Chairman of Sohar International, expressed his pride in the award, stating: “At Sohar International, we define success through a dual lens – achieving strong financial performance while delivering lasting, positive impact within the communities we serve. This recognition affirms our strategy of embedding human development as a key pillar in our CSR efforts. Our approach is rooted in empowering individuals and fostering inclusive growth across Oman. Through purposeful collaborations with government entities, businesses, and local communities, we are working towards creating opportunities that deliver sustainable and meaningful impact.”

Rooted in purpose, Sohar International’s CSR framework drives sustainable, long-term impact, positioning the bank as a key enabler of socioeconomic growth. By aligning its initiatives with national development priorities, the bank continues to unlock inclusive opportunities, fostering positive change and shaping a more resilient and equitable future for all.

Mr. Mazin Mahmood Al Raisi, Chief Marketing Officer, further elaborated on the bank’s strategic approach: “Our CSR strategy is grounded in creating long-term value that transcends short-term efforts. We focus on initiatives that drive social integration, economic opportunity, and empowerment, which in turn contribute to the sustainable growth of the nation. By aligning our CSR activities with national development goals, we aim to foster lasting prosperity. Our commitment to supporting entrepreneurship, empowering women, and providing for vulnerable communities positions us as a forward-thinking institution, focused on creating a resilient and inclusive future for Oman.”

Aligned with Oman’s long-term development goals and driven by a commitment to foster national progress, Sohar International remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing societal development through sustainability-focused corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The bank’s multifaceted contributions reflect a strategic approach to community enrichment, individual empowerment, and inclusive economic growth. By enhancing maternal healthcare infrastructure through the donation of advanced ultrasound machines to the Directorate General of Health in Muscat for Al Seeb Polyclinic, and partnering with the Al Noor Association for the Blind to deliver soft-skills training for visually impaired individuals, Sohar International actively drives social integration and workforce inclusion.

Further reinforcing its role as an enabler of economic opportunity, the bank continues to foster entrepreneurship and SME growth through strategic initiatives such as Sharakahh, alongside a six-month program designed to equip 10 Omani female entrepreneurs with the digital capabilities required to expand and modernize their businesses. Sohar International’s community engagement extends to addressing immediate societal needs, exemplified by its Ramadan initiative, which supported 100 underprivileged families in Muscat with essential food hampers and electronic items. Simultaneously, the bank champions local culture and the creative economy through the Safiya Art Gallery, providing a platform to promote Omani artists and preserve the nation’s artistic legacy.  Through these initiatives, Sohar International not only reinforces its position as a key driver of sustainable economic and social progress but also strengthens its role as a trusted partner in shaping a more inclusive and resilient future for Oman.

These initiatives illustrate Sohar International's holistic approach to sustainable development, demonstrating a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between community well-being, economic resilience, and national growth. By driving impactful change across the Sultanate, the bank solidifies its reputation as a forward-thinking institution prioritizing socio-economic impact alongside financial success.