In recognition of their significant contribution as strategic sponsors, Sohar International and Sohar Islamic were honored with an award at the 8th Al-Bashayer Festival 2025. This prestigious award celebrates the bank’s unwavering support in ensuring the success of the festival. Held at the Bashayer Track in Ad’Dakhiliya Governorate, the festival is a landmark event in Oman’s sporting calendar. The event culminated in a grand closing and award ceremony on 15th February 2025, under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Asaad bin Tariq Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs, and Personal Representative of His Majesty the Sultan. Mr. Abdul Wahid Al Murshidi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Sohar International, represented the bank at the closing ceremony and received the honorary award. This recognition underscores Sohar International’s dedication to preserving Oman’s rich cultural heritage while fostering community engagement and economic development.

Commenting on the successful conclusion of the festival, Mr. Al Murshidi stated, "More than a celebration of heritage and culture, the Al-Bashayer Festival also serves as a catalyst for progress, seamlessly intertwining tradition with opportunity. While the exhilaration of competition captivates audiences, the festival’s true impact extends far beyond the racetrack, driving tourism, encouraging talents, and promoting local business growth. By providing a platform for rural communities to showcase their craftsmanship and skills, it nurtures economic resilience and fosters a spirit of enterprise. We recognize that sustainable development is built upon such initiatives—ones that create real value, strengthen community bonds, and contribute to a thriving, inclusive economy. We remain committed to championing platforms that not only preserve our nation’s cultural legacy but also pave the way for a future of shared prosperity.”

The final day of the festival delivered a thrilling spectacle as Oman’s finest camel racing talents competed for top honors. Drawing participants and spectators from across the GCC, the event reinforced its role as a unifying force, strengthening cultural ties and positioning Oman as a premier destination for regional tourism. Sohar International’s involvement, far from being symbolic, was deeply embedded in the festival’s objectives—bridging heritage with progress and unlocking new avenues for sustainable growth.

With a heightened focus on youth engagement, the festival also served as an enabler for emerging talent in media, arts, and culture. By offering young Omanis a platform to exhibit their creativity, the event aligned seamlessly with Sohar International’s broader vision of empowering future generations and fostering an ecosystem where talent and enterprise can flourish. Simultaneously, the festival created economic opportunities for local producers and artisans, further reinforcing the bank’s ongoing efforts to champion financial inclusion and stimulate grassroots entrepreneurship.

Sohar International’s strategic sponsorship stands as a testament to the bank’s commitment to cultivating meaningful partnerships between the public and private sectors, with the community at the heart of these collaborations. Through such initiatives, the bank remains resolute in its dedication to supporting events that drive economic diversification, catalyze development, and create sustainable opportunities for communities to thrive.