Sohar International has marked another significant milestone in its international growth journey with the official opening of it’s Asia Pacific Office in Hong Kong, strengthening the Bank’s ability to build relationships with investors, financial institutions, businesses and strategic partners across Asian markets.
The office was officially launched during a gala ceremony at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, held in the presence of The Honourable Paul Chan Mo-po, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, as Guest of Honour; His Excellency Sheikh Abdulaziz Abdullah Al Hinai, Ambassador-at-Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; His Excellency Pankaj Khimji, Advisor for Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP); His Excellency Muneer Ali Nasser Al-Muneeri, Deputy President of the Oman Investment Authority for Operations; Said Mohamed Al-Aufi, our Chairman; and Abdulwahid Mohamed Al Murshidi, our CEO, alongside our Board of Directors and other senior representatives from Oman and Hong Kong.
The opening follows Sohar International’s receipt of approval from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority in April 2026, followed by final approval from the Central Bank of Oman in May 2026. The Asia Pacific Office provides the Bank with an on-the-ground platform to deepen institutional and commercial relationships in Hong Kong and across wider Asian markets, while creating stronger connections between international opportunities and the Sultanate of Oman.
The significance of the opening is also rooted in Oman’s longstanding engagement with Asia. For centuries, Oman’s geographical position and maritime capabilities connected its shores with markets across India, Southeast Asia and China. Omani sailors, merchants and ports participated in extensive maritime trading networks between East and West, including those now associated with the Maritime Silk Roads.
These historic relationships extended beyond the exchange of commodities, contributing to the movement of knowledge, ideas, culture and commercial relationships across regions. Sohar was among the Omani ports that played an important role within these networks. Historical research documented by UNESCO identifies Sohar as an important trading port and entrepot for vessels travelling between East and West. By the tenth century, it had developed into one of the most significant commercial centres of the Islamic world, with international trading links extending to markets including China.
Sohar International’s presence in Hong Kong builds on this wider legacy of outward-looking engagement, translating Oman’s historic tradition of international connectivity into a contemporary context centred on investment, finance, enterprise and strategic partnerships.
Commenting on the milestone, Mr. Abdulwahid Mohamed Al Murshidi, Chief Executive Officer of Sohar International, said:
“Oman has looked east for centuries, building strong commercial and cultural connections across Asia, with Sohar playing an important role in this history. Today, we are building on that legacy in a modern economic context. Our presence in Hong Kong is a strategic step in Sohar International’s international growth, giving us closer access to one of the world’s most important financial and commercial centres and a stronger platform from which to engage with investors, financial institutions, businesses and strategic partners across China and Asia. Our objective is to turn this connectivity into tangible opportunities for Oman and our clients — attracting investment and capital into the Sultanate, supporting Omani businesses seeking to access Asian markets, and creating stronger channels for investment, trade, knowledge and business between Asia, Oman and the wider GCC. Hong Kong therefore represents more than a geographic presence for us; it is an important gateway through which Sohar International can build meaningful relationships and create value across these interconnected markets.”
The Asia Pacific Office reflects Sohar International’s commitment to supporting the broader economic ambitions of the Sultanate under Oman Vision 2040. The Vision places significant emphasis on private-sector development, investment and international cooperation, with the objective of building a competitive economy that is increasingly integrated with global markets.
It also recognises Oman’s strategic geographical position as an opportunity to strengthen international trade partnerships, attract high-quality foreign investment and deepen relationships between the Omani private sector and the international business community.
Through its growing international presence, Sohar International seeks to contribute to these priorities by developing relationships that can support investment and partnerships into Oman while helping Omani businesses build stronger connections with international markets.
Hong Kong’s position as a leading international financial centre and its connectivity with the Mainland and global markets provides Sohar International with a strategic platform from which to develop relationships across Asia. Through the Asia Pacific Office, the Bank will be able to engage more closely with financial institutions, investors, corporates and strategic partners while increasing awareness of Oman’s evolving investment and business landscape.
The presence is intended to support opportunity in both directions by bringing international investors, institutions and partnerships closer to Oman while creating stronger connections for Omani businesses and clients seeking to establish or expand relationships across Asian markets.
The opening represents another step in Sohar International’s development as an increasingly internationally connected Omani banking institution. Building on its presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Asia Pacific Office in Hong Kong extends the Bank’s connectivity into Asia and reflects its broader ambition to support clients across markets while bringing international relationships and opportunities closer to Oman.
The official opening ceremony brought together senior representatives from Oman and Hong Kong, reflecting the growing economic and institutional ties between the two markets. The Honourable Paul Chan Mo-po, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, addressed the occasion, followed by Mr. Abdulwahid Mohamed Al Murshidi, Chief Executive Officer of Sohar International.
The ceremony also celebrated the longstanding cultural ties between Oman and Asia, combining elements from both regions while showcasing Sohar International’s growth journey, expanding international presence and ambitions for the future.
The establishment of the Asia Pacific Office reinforces Sohar International’s commitment to supporting Oman’s international economic connectivity and its broader ambition of bringing the best of Oman to the world and the best of the world to Oman.
