In a continued demonstration of its purpose-driven banking ethos, Sohar Islamic, the Islamic banking window of Sohar International, served as the Main Sponsor of the Hajj and Umrah Exhibition, held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC). Organised by the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, the three-day event brought together key stakeholders, including government entities, private sector representatives, and Hajj and Umrah service providers, creating a dynamic platform for collaboration and dialogue.This initiative reflects the bank’s steadfast dedication to supporting platforms that catalyze service innovation and foster community engagement while strengthening collaboration across the Hajj and Umrah value chain.
Speaking on the bank’s initiative, Mr. Abdulwahid Al Murshidi, Chief Executive Officer of Sohar International, said, "In today’s financial landscape, meaningful impact arises from a purposeful alignment with the evolving aspirations of the communities we serve. Supporting the Hajj and Umrah Exhibition is not just an act of sponsorship but a strategic engagement that reflects our ongoing commitment to responsible growth, sector-wide collaboration, and sustainable value creation. The platform serves as an important convergence point for stakeholders, enabling dialogue, fostering transparency, and accelerating innovation across the Hajj and Umrah ecosystem.”
As part of its active involvement in the exhibition, Sohar Islamic also showcased a robust portfolio of financial products and services designed to elevate the pilgrimage experience for travelers. Among the key offerings was Murabaha Financing, a Sharia-compliant solution that enables customers to secure the necessary funding for Hajj-related expenses through a transparent mechanism. Sohar Islamic is extending bespoke financing solutions to Omani Hajj and Umrah operators, including the financing of buses and provision of working capital. These solutions are intended to empower service providers to secure travel and accommodation arrangements in advance, thereby ensuring efficient and streamlined logistics for pilgrim groups.
The Hajj and Umrah Exhibition 2025 served as a dynamic platform to unite stakeholders, foster healthy competition, and drive innovation across the sector. Through its active participation, Sohar Islamic reaffirmed its role as a strategic financial partner—facilitating transparent service delivery, enabling informed decision-making, and contributing to the ongoing evolution of services within the ecosystem. The event also witnessed the signing of key cooperation agreements and featured a range of insightful programs spanning history, culture, and knowledge-sharing. Initiatives such as these underscore Sohar Islamic’s commitment to supporting platforms that inspire progress, strengthen partnerships, and create lasting value for the wider community.