Sohar International Wins Two Awards for Advancing Omani Women’s Empowerment

 Further strengthening its commitment to an inclusive corporate culture and Oman’s sustainable development, Sohar International has received two prestigious recognitions at the Transformational Leadership Forum and Most Influential Personalities Awards 2026, organised by Al Mar’a. The Bank was named ‘Best Company in Empowering Omani Women’ and ‘Best CSR Initiative for Empowering Women’, recognizing its workplace practices and community initiatives that create opportunities for women to contribute to organizational and societal progress. The event was held under the patronage of Her Highness Sayyida Afrah bint Talal Al Said.

Commenting on the recognition, Mahira Saleh Al Raisi, Chief People Officer at Sohar International, said: “At Sohar International, we believe that strong institutions are built by recognizing talent, creating opportunities and enabling people to realise their potential. These awards reflect our approach to fostering a workplace where Omani women can develop their capabilities, take on leadership responsibilities and contribute to the Bank’s continued growth, alongside initiatives that deliver value to the wider community. We see this as an integral part of responsible business, one that extends beyond organizational priorities to support Oman’s broader ambitions for sustainable development. As the Sultanate advances the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, we remain focused on building an organization that values diverse perspectives and enables talent to contribute meaningfully to the country’s evolving economic landscape.”

The forum brought together a distinguished gathering of influential leaders from government and the business community. Centred on the theme, ‘Recognizing the Transformative Role of Omani Women Leaders in Building Corporate Frameworks and Driving Economic Progress’, the programme featured prominent speakers who shared insights into the growing role of women in leadership and economic development.

Reflecting its community-focused approach, Sohar International supports a range of initiatives that integrate entrepreneurship development with vocational training and practical skills enhancement. Through the Lahunna–Siraj programme, in which the Bank serves as Main Partner, and the second edition of the Sharakah Women SME Development Programme, Sohar International empowers women-led enterprises by providing access to mentorship, business planning, digitalisation and financial guidance.

The Bank’s collaboration with Visa and Lahunna on the ‘She’s Next’ programme has further supported women-owned businesses through a prize pool totalling OMR 38,000. Complementing these initiatives, Sohar International continues to advance vocational development through the Fashion Future programme in partnership with Dar Al Aseel, Omani silver craftsmanship training, and the Itqan Tailoring Training Programme.

Collectively, these initiatives demonstrate Sohar International’s commitment to translating its social responsibility priorities into tangible opportunities for entrepreneurship, skills development and sustainable livelihoods, contributing to women's economic participation and long-term empowerment.

Sohar International continues to align its organizational priorities with Oman Vision 2040, focusing on institutional excellence, responsible business and sustainable value creation. By fostering an environment that recognizes talent, encouraging innovation and supporting initiatives that strengthen communities, the Bank seeks to contribute to a resilient and forward-looking economy. Its continued efforts reflect a long-term commitment to supporting national development through responsible leadership, inclusive business practices and meaningful contributions to Oman’s social and economic progress.