Bank Muscat reinforces commitment to inclusive banking for people with disabilities

Muscat: Bank Muscat, the leading financial service provider in Oman, is dedicated to fostering an inclusive banking environment that caters to all community segments. As one of the earliest banking institutions to embrace this mission, the Bank actively works towards meeting the diverse needs of its customers, particularly those with disabilities.

In coincidence with the Arab Deaf Week, celebrated annually in the last week of April, Bank Muscat reiterates its commitment to financial inclusion by enhancing access to banking services for all societal segments.

The Bank is implementing a comprehensive strategy that prioritizes accessibility by utilizing modern technologies and interactive devices. The Bank has trained 180 employees in sign language and another 99 in disability service skills, ensuring that staff across various branches can effectively assist customers with diverse needs.

The Bank also offers the “Maliyat” programme, an electronic platform that provides free financial literacy courses tailored for all community members, including those with disabilities. This programme incorporates digital tools and sign language to enhance learning opportunities and promote informed financial decision-making.

Moreover, Bank Muscat prepares media and marketing communications in sign language to effectively convey information about its services and community initiatives.

With a focus on enhancing the banking experience for individuals with disabilities, Bank Muscat ensures that its 60 branches are equipped with accessible features, such as well-designed corridors, appropriate reception areas, dedicated parking, waiting areas, stairs and elevators, and specially designed entrances to facilitate seamless service.

To further promote community integration and support the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, Bank Muscat is launching several initiatives highlighting the importance of people with hearing, visual, and physical disabilities. This includes the introduction of a groundbreaking direct debit card specifically designed for the blind, featuring a unique Braille account number for easier use in retail, online shopping, and other transactions. The card can be availed at any of the Bank’s branches across the governorates, reflecting Bank Muscat’s ongoing efforts to broaden access to financial services and maintain exceptional service standards for all customers.

To enhance the experiences of customers with disabilities, Bank Muscat actively collaborates with various institutions, and associations. Recent contributions include providing wheelchairs through partnerships with the Omani Association for the Disabled and the Association for Children with Disabilities, Braille computers with Sohar University, and hearing devices for the Oman Association for People with Hearing Disabilities. The Bank also supported Al Wafa Social Center in Izki with a number of air conditioners and supported the paly yards in Al Wafa Centers in Bidbid, Bahla and Al Mudhaibi, as well as the play yard in Al Aman Rehabilitation Center in Al Khoudh with artificial turf.

Last year, the Bank organized the “Himam Marathon,” a pioneering sports event in Oman aimed at empowering individuals with physical, visual, and hearing disabilities, as well as those with autism spectrum and Down syndrome, thus promoting social integration in alignment with Oman Vision 2040.