Latest news with #AbdulwahidAlMurshidi


Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Sohar International launches Oman's first open banking platform, ushering a new era of financial innovation
Muscat – In a landmark move underscoring its commitment to driving digital innovation and financial inclusion, Sohar International has announced the official launch of its Open Banking platform—making it the first bank in the Sultanate to introduce a fully integrated Open Banking solution. This strategic advancement enhances the bank's digital ecosystem and reflects its role as a catalyst for technology-driven progress within Oman's financial sector. Open Banking gives businesses greater visibility and control over their financial information, helping them manage cash flow, plan more accurately, and make informed decisions. The platform also enables faster, more efficient financial transactions, reducing complexity and improving daily business operations. 'This launch reflects our strong alignment with the Central Bank of Oman's forward-looking regulatory framework,' said Abdulwahid Mohamed Al Murshidi, Chief Executive Officer of Sohar International. 'Through Open Banking, we are not only meeting compliance requirements but also enabling the development of industry-specific financial and non-financial services. These capabilities empower businesses to streamline their operations, drive innovation, and contribute meaningfully to national priorities such as financial inclusion, private sector growth, and digital advancement under Oman Vision 2040.' By providing secure and compliant access to banking services through open APIs, Sohar International's Open Banking platform allows fintech companies, corporates, and government entities to build tailored financial solutions with greater agility. The platform aims to lower integration costs, shorten time-to-market, and allow for more customer-centric services to emerge. 'At Sohar International, we continue to reinforce our position as a digital leader by accelerating innovation and delivering solutions at speed,' said Sajeel Bashiruddin, Chief Technology and Digital Officer. 'Our commitment to leveraging advanced digital capabilities enables us to respond swiftly to market needs, foster meaningful partnerships, and shape a future-ready financial ecosystem for the Sultanate .' The launch reflects Sohar International's long-term vision to serve as a strategic partner in Oman's journey toward a more digital, knowledge-based economy. As the financial sector evolves, the bank remains focused on creating value for businesses, customers, and the broader economy through innovation, collaboration, and technology-driven solutions. 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


Zawya
10-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sohar International receives prestigious ‘CX Team of the Year' award for innovation and impact
Muscat: Reinforcing its position as a leader in redefining service excellence within the Sultanate's banking landscape, Sohar International has been awarded the title of 'CX Team of the Year' at the CX Awards 2025. The recognition was presented during the prestigious Oman CX Forum, held recently at the St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort, under the patronage of His Highness Mohammed Bin Salim Al Said. This accolade underscores Sohar International's unwavering dedication to enhancing the customer experience through a progressive approach that blends innovation, real-time responsiveness, and personalized service delivery. Grounded in digital transformation and an in-depth understanding of evolving customer expectations, the bank continues to set new benchmarks in customer-centric banking across the region. Commenting on the recognition, Mr. Abdulwahid Mohamed Al Murshidi, Chief Executive Officer of Sohar International, stated, "In an increasingly dynamic and competitive landscape, customer experience has emerged as a critical differentiator. At Sohar International, we have embedded customer-centricity into the core of our strategy—leveraging intelligent digital capabilities, data-driven insights, and a deep understanding of evolving customer expectations to deliver proactive and personalised service experiences. This award is a testament to the unwavering commitment and agility of our teams who consistently go beyond the conventional to create meaningful value for our clients. As we move forward, we remain committed to setting new benchmarks in service excellence, driving innovation, and empowering customers to thrive in a fast-changing world." Bringing together more than 200 senior executives spanning banking, telecom, insurance, FMCG, hospitality, education, and healthcare, the Oman CX Forum 2025 served as a meaningful industry touchpoint for customer experience leadership. For Sohar International, the forum's broader themes—ranging from AI integration and personalized service journeys to data-led strategies, loyalty-building, and emotional engagement—closely align with the bank's evolving approach to CX. Participation in such platforms reflects the bank's commitment to staying attuned to emerging trends, strengthening internal capabilities, and delivering meaningful interactions that resonate beyond transactions. These recognitions come as part of a broader series of accolades that Sohar International has garnered throughout the year, underscoring its leadership across key areas of banking excellence. The bank was honored with multiple prestigious awards at the New Age Banking Summit, including Best Digital Transformation Initiative, Most Innovative CSR Initiative, and Best Bank – Growth. Additionally, Sohar International was named Oman's Most Trusted Brand 2024 by Apex Media Awards, and secured the IPO Deal of the Year 2024 at the IFN Awards—further reaffirming its market leadership, innovation-driven approach, and unwavering focus on delivering stakeholder value across all fronts. 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


Zawya
03-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Strategic credit facility agreement valued at $163mln signed
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 OMR63 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. 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. 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. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (


Times of Oman
02-06-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Strategic credit facility agreement valued at OMR63mn signed
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 OMR63 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. 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. 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.


Zawya
02-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sohar International & Al Mouj Muscat sign MoU for strategic credit facility agreement valued at OMR 63mln
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