logo
Sohar International & Al Mouj Muscat sign MoU for strategic credit facility agreement valued at OMR 63mln

Sohar International & Al Mouj Muscat sign MoU for strategic credit facility agreement valued at OMR 63mln

Zawya02-06-2025
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 OMR 63 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.
Mr. 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.
Mr. 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.
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 www.soharinternational.com
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

UBF: Etihad Credit Bureau a key pillar of sustainable development
UBF: Etihad Credit Bureau a key pillar of sustainable development

Zawya

time30 minutes ago

  • Zawya

UBF: Etihad Credit Bureau a key pillar of sustainable development

Abu Dhabi- Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The UAE Banks Federation (UBF), the sole representative and unified voice of UAE banks, stressed importance of role the Etihad Credit Bureau has been playing in the development of the banking and financial sector in the UAE, consolidating the country's position as a global financial and commercial centre. During the "Partner Engagement Forum", organised at the Emirates Institute of Finance in Dubai, UBF praised the Etihad Credit Bureau's initiatives in supporting sustainable development of the UAE through collection, analysis and use of credit information that contribute to making informed decisions based on accurate data and on scientific bases for individuals and companies. UBF hailed progress achieved by Etihad Credit Bureau during its journey since it was established in 2012 and launched its operations in 2014 as a specialised federal entity entrusted with collecting and maintaining credit information for individuals and businesses in the UAE, and contributing to the development of financial and banking services and enhancing transparency. The Federation has renewed its commitment to further strengthen the solid partnership with Etihad Credit Bureau, as their constructive cooperation contributed to the development of solutions and products that suit various stakeholders' requirements, and to build on the strong foundations of the UAE's economic, financial and banking ecosystem to continue growth. Mr. Jamal Saleh, Director General of UBF, said: 'Accurate data and information are the basis of development in various sectors, especially the banking and financial sector. Since its establishment, Etihad Credit Bureau has been playing a key and vital role in socio-economic development by providing advanced information and solutions to individuals, banks and financial institutions, where its reports, data, and studies have enabled various stakeholders to make informed decisions and manage risks prudently". He added: 'The banking sector has consolidated the UAE's position as a global financial and banking centre, under the direct supervision and guidance of the Central Bank of the UAE. We are keenness to strengthen the partnership between the UBF and Etihad Credit Bureau comes as part of UBF's ongoing efforts to provide a seamless and secure banking experience characterised by transparency and competitiveness, to enhance the knowledge and innovation economy and employing the advanced technologies. These efforts are reflected in the positive performance of the banking sector in the Trust Index, which reached 90%, outperforming several advanced financial and banking centres, and the banking sector remained the most trusted sector in the UAE". His Excellency Marwan Ahmad Lutfi, Director General of Etihad Credit Bureau said: "Our Partner Engagement Forum marks a significant milestone as we celebrate a decade of service to the UAE's financial ecosystem. From the beginning, Etihad Credit Bureau has worked in close collaboration with the banking sector through the UAE Banks Federation. By listening closely to their needs, we strive to develop the tools necessary to help them succeed. Our focus is on enabling a proactive approach to risk management, ensuring banks have the insight to make sound decisions. Fulfilling the needs of our banking partners is our top priority, as their stability and growth directly benefit the bigger picture, which is the health of the financial sector and, accordingly, the strength of our national economy". UBF and its member banks work in cooperation with Etihad Credit Bureau to enhance the financial and banking industry's efficiency and integrity by providing accurate information, data, and reports to deliver banking services that meet the requirements of customers while maintaining the highest levels of transparency, governance, and prudent risk management. The Director General of UBF said the partnership with Etihad Credit Bureau will witness further developments during the coming period by launching innovative products and solutions to meet the growing requirements of individuals, institutional, and corporate customers, especially start-ups and SMEs, which play a vital role in the socio -economic development. He explained that the adoption and employment of advanced technologies and the launch of digital channels by Etihad Credit Bureau have allowed individuals and companies easier and faster access to their credit reports and scores, enhancing financial inclusion. The Partner Engagement Forum witnessed a wide participation of member banks of UBF. Etihad Credit Bureau's achievements, products, solutions, and its credit scores were highlighted. -Ends- About UAE Banks Federation (UBF): Established in 1982, UAE Banks Federation (UBF), the sole representative and unified voice of UAE banks, comprising 64 members of banks and financial institutions operating in the UAE. UBF advocates the interests of all its members and enhances cooperation and coordination between them in order to elevate the UAE's banking ecosystem for the benefit of members, customers, and the overall UAE economy. UBF's mission and objectives are focused on representing its members and defending their rights and interest. UBF provides a platform for cooperation and the exchange of ideas and expertise among its members and plays a significant role in raising public awareness about the contributions of the UAE banking sector to the economic and social development of the country. UBF has a 22-member Advisory Council consisting of CEOs and General Managers from member banks and financial institutions, which oversees the implementation of UBF's policies and activities. The CEOs Council also makes directional decisions through UBF's General Secretariat for UBF's 28 technical and 6 advisory committees, which in turn are tasked to discuss all issues relevant to the UAE banking and financial services ecosystem. UAE Banks Federation also includes a CEOs Consultative Council, which consists of chief executives of other member banks. For further information, please contact: Sooyin Lee UAE Banks Federation sooyin@ About Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB): Al Etihad Credit Bureau is a federal entity wholly owned by the UAE Federal Government. It was established under Federal Law No. (6) of 2010 concerning credit information, as amended by Federal Decree-Law No. (8) of 2020. Under this law and its amendments, AECB is mandated to request, organize, collect, preserve, analyze, classify, utilize, and disseminate credit information. This data is then processed into a range of fully digital credit-related products. For more information, please visit: or download the 'Al Etihad Credit Bureau' app available on the App Store and Google Play. Media Contact: Bachar Dib Email:

ADFD, Kenya strategic partnership supports sustainable development
ADFD, Kenya strategic partnership supports sustainable development

Zawya

time4 hours ago

  • Zawya

ADFD, Kenya strategic partnership supports sustainable development

ABU DHABI: Aligned with its support for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) continues to support projects that enhance infrastructure, strengthen vital services, and improve quality of life for communities in partner countries. Reflecting this strategic focus, the Fund has cultivated a strong and impactful partnership with Kenya, which stands as ADFD's strategic partner in advancing sustainable development across the African continent. ADFD's strategic collaboration with Kenya underscores its commitment to enable rural development through financing impactful transport and energy projects. These investments reflect the UAE's role as an international partner in supporting the economic progress and social development of other nations. Throughout the partnership, ADFD has financed a portfolio of development projects in infrastructure, energy, water, health, and education, with a total value of approximately AED 620 million, contributing significantly to Kenya's Vision 2030. Among the Fund's most transformative contributions is the 136-kilometer Nuno–Modogashe Road Rehabilitation Project which was upgraded from an unpaved track to a fully developed roadway, linking Garissa County to surrounding areas. With a loan of AED 36.7 million, the project resulted in safer and more efficient transportation, bolstered regional commerce, and strengthened social cohesion between rural communities, improving the lives of approximately 200,000 locals in rural communities. The road also provided the opportunity for children -particularly girls - to have safe and easy access to schools and education services, as well as improved access to goods and services for families and small business owners. Additionally, ADFD's funding of the Kenya Rural Electrification Project, with a loan of AED 36.7 million, further highlights its role in advancing inclusive development. By expanding the national grid to reach thousands of homes and public facilities in remote regions, the project has enhanced living conditions, increased economic opportunities, and created a conducive environment for small businesses and agricultural enterprises. The development of power distribution stations and new transmission lines has also ensured reliable access to electricity for schools, clinics, and farms, benefiting over 20,000 people. These efforts are aligned with Kenya Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which supports the development of pillars including infrastructure, education, healthcare, and inclusive economic growth. ADFD remains committed to investing in impactful development projects across Africa and other emerging regions, with the aim of enhancing quality of life and empowering communities to build a more resilient and prosperous future.

Oman revises rules for bank transfers, makes IBAN mandatory
Oman revises rules for bank transfers, makes IBAN mandatory

Khaleej Times

time15 hours ago

  • Khaleej Times

Oman revises rules for bank transfers, makes IBAN mandatory

The Central Bank of Oman had earlier announced that the International Bank Account Number (IBAN) will be mandatory for all domestic financial transactions From July 1, 2025, Oman has implemented a new requirement for all financial transfers. The Central Bank of Oman had earlier announced that the International Bank Account Number (IBAN) will be mandatory for all domestic financial transactions. It also added that international transactions will accepted without an IBAN now. The IBAN was made mandatory for international transfers on March 31, 2024. According to the Central Bank of Oman, this initiative has significantly improved transaction accuracy, reduced errors, and accelerated processing times for both local and international bank transfers. On the Emirates NBD app in the UAE, users have seen an awareness message that asks them to delete and re-add beneficiaries in Oman with their IBAN. The advisory says, "In line with new regulatory mandates, IBAN is now a mandatory requirement for all payments to Sultanate of Oman, starting from July,1 2025." It added: "Please delete and re-add your beneficiaries in Oman using their IBAN to avoid payment failures. Kindly note a cooling period of 4 hours will apply for newly added beneficiaries." What is IBAN? The IBAN or International Bank Account Number is a standardised way to identify any bank account anywhere in the world, designed to make sending money across borders much less of a headache. It's like a universal postal code for a bank account that includes the country (like "AE" for the UAE), some security digits, and regular account details all rolled into one. Earlier, before the system was created, delays and mix-ups were common as banks couldn't properly identify where payments should go. Now, with IBAN covering most of Europe, the Middle East, and parts of the Caribbean, money gets where it needs to go faster and with fewer costly errors. This number doesn't replace the regular account number – it's just an extra layer that helps banks around the world speak the same language when handling international payments.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store