Sohar International opens new branch at Al Mouj in Muscat

Sohar International, an Oman-based commercial bank providing retail, corporate, and investment banking services, has opened its 59th branch in Al Mouj, a mixed-use residential and commercial development in Muscat, as part of its strategy to expand physical banking access alongside digital services.

The branch, located within Al Mouj Walk, was inaugurated by Halima bint Rashid Al Zarriyah, Chairperson of the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, in the presence of senior executives including chairman Said Mohamed Al-Aufi and chief executive officer Abdulwahid Mohamed Al Murshidi. The opening coincided with the launch of the Sohar International Souq – Layali Al Mouj, an event aimed at engaging the surrounding residential and business community.

The move reflects the bank’s network expansion strategy, which focuses on placing branches within areas with high concentrations of economic activity and residential growth. Despite the increasing shift towards digital banking, the bank said physical presence in key locations remains important for strengthening customer relationships and delivering advisory services.

Abdul Qadir Al Sumali, Chief Retail and Premier Banking Officer at Sohar International, said that while digital channels continue to reshape banking interactions, proximity to customers in integrated economic communities remains essential for long-term engagement. He noted that the Al Mouj branch reflects a data-driven approach to network expansion, positioning services within communities where residential living, commerce, and business activity intersect.

The branch will offer a range of retail and business banking services, including account opening, card issuance, deposits, financing solutions, and advisory support. According to the bank, the facility has been designed in line with its contemporary brand identity, focusing on operational efficiency and consistent service delivery across its physical network.

The expansion forms part of Sohar International’s broader network optimisation framework, which evaluates customer density, economic activity patterns, and long-term service demand when determining new branch locations. The approach aims to balance continued digital transformation with a sustained physical presence to support customer engagement and business growth.

The development also aligns with the country’s economic diversification strategy under Oman Vision 2040, which seeks to strengthen the role of financial services in supporting entrepreneurship, small businesses, and broader economic development across the Sultanate.