With an aim to instill financial inclusivity across the Sultanate, Bank Muscat has announced its new CSR initiative that has trained 93 bank employees in Arabic Sign language to further assist people of determination.

Financial inclusion is an important aspect of the growth and development of economies around the world. Hence, in line with its commitment to deliver long-term benefits to Omani society and the nation, Bank Muscat has always extended strong support to initiatives that promote the welfare and financial inclusion of disabled persons.

Recently, the bank announced that it has trained a number of its employees at different branches across the Sultanate in Arabic Sign Language so as to improve service delivery and facilitate their inclusion into mainstream economic activities.

In collaboration with the Omani Association for the Hearing-impaired, the bank has been identifying branches, which serve the maximum number of hearing-impaired and speech-impaired persons, and accordingly training a number of employees in Sign Language over the past few years.

At present as many as 93 bank employees have completed two levels of the Sign Language course in order to better serve customers.

Said Salim Al Aufi, General Manager – Human Resources and Administration

Speaking on the occasion, Said Salim Al Aufi, General Manager – Human Resources and Administration, said: “Bank Muscat has always been a pioneer in promoting financial inclusivity. We are very happy to continue our partnership with the Omani Association for the Hearing-impaired and to train our employees in sign language so as to promote greater participation in economic activities by all sections of our society.

“Employees who complete these courses are able to communicate effectively with customers with hearing and speech disabilities, and understand their various financial needs, thereby ensuring that we are able to better serve them, every day. Going ahead, the bank will continue its efforts for greater all-round financial inclusivity, which is a key enabler of the ambitious goals of Oman Vision 2040.”

As the leading financial services provider in Oman, Bank Muscat has been undertaking many measures for the inclusion of persons with disabilities. In 2021, the bank contributed a number of wheelchairs and electric beds to persons with severe disabilities in partnership with the Oman Association for the Disabled.

The bank also recently contributed laptops and BrailleSense devices to visually-impaired students at Sohar University and hearing aids to the Omani Association for the Hearing-impaired.

Bank Muscat had earlier supported the construction of a playground at the Al Aman Rehabilitation Centre for children with severe disabilities and is also at present helping provide a sports field at the Al Wafa Centre for the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities.

The bank has also previously installed a special ATM with a special transaction flow for blind and visually-impaired people on the premises of the head office of the Al Noor Association of the Blind. This is in addition to special access ramps and other arrangements for easy access have been made available at different branches and ATMs in Oman.

Financial inclusion is very important to Omani society and the Renewed Renaissance of Oman. Bank Muscat is constantly innovating to improve and enhance inclusivity through its various CSR and sustainability programmes.

It must be noted that the bank has been honored in the past by the Ministry of Social Development, the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Fourth Oman Forum for Partnership and Social Responsibility for its efforts in this regard.