Oman Arab Bank officially launched its new SME growth initiative for 2026 during a press conference held on Sunday, marking a significant milestone in the bank’s long-term commitment to empowering small and medium enterprises across the Sultanate. The initiative is positioned as a national growth platform that goes beyond conventional banking support, offering SMEs a structured journey focused on capability building, sustainability, and long-term impact.

Designed to support Oman’s Vision 2040 objectives, the initiative reflects Oman Arab Bank’s strategic role as a partner in economic development. By combining financial solutions with non-financial enablement, the program aims to strengthen SME resilience, improve competitiveness, and contribute meaningfully to private sector growth. The launch event brought together key stakeholders from across the business and institutional ecosystem, reinforcing the collaborative nature of the initiative.

The program will unfold over multiple phases throughout 2026, beginning with a nationwide application and selection campaign to ensure geographic and sector diversity, OAB top executives including CEO, Sulaiman Al Harthi, who were present, said. Selected SMEs will then embark on a structured journey that includes training, mentorship, and incubation elements, covering critical business areas such as finance, business development, marketing, and governance. This approach is designed to address real operational challenges while supporting sustainable growth.

Beyond direct SME engagement, the initiative places strong emphasis on visibility and impact storytelling. Through ongoing content, media engagement, and progress updates, Oman Arab Bank aims to highlight the tangible outcomes of the program and the journeys of participating businesses. This sustained visibility underscores the bank’s belief that meaningful impact is built over time, not through one-off interventions.

The initiative will conclude with a graduation and awards phase later in the year, celebrating SME achievements and setting the foundation for future editions beyond 2026. With this launch, Oman Arab Bank reinforces its position as a long-term SME partner, committed to enabling growth, fostering innovation, and supporting the next generation of Omani businesses through a platform built for lasting value.