MUSCAT -- Bank Sohar has won the distinguished Tatweej Academy's 'Golden Order of Merit in the field of prudent management and the best supportive bank for tourism projects in the Arab world' at a ceremony held on June 15. Bank Sohar was the only organisation from Oman and the Only Bank in the Middle East to have won this award. The award was received by Dr Mohamed Abdulaziz Kalmoor, CEO, on behalf of Bank Sohar, at the Tatweej ceremony held at the Burj Al Arab Hotel, in Dubai in the presence of Dr Taleb Al Rifai, Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and representatives from various prominent institutions in the Arab world and high dignitaries. Also present at the event representing the bank were, Abdulali al Lawati, Senior AGM -- Corporate Support and Mazin Mahmood al Raisi, AGM-Head Marketing and Publicity.
Commenting on the bank receiving this award Dr Kalmoor said, "This is a great honour not only for me but more importantly for Bank Sohar which has been a model of banking excellence and innovation in Oman. Through this recognition we hope to influence more people and organisations in the country to embrace excellence as an important element and requisite goal in everything they plan and do." Dr Rifai personally handed over the award to Dr Kalmoor and the bank was commended for their active support and achievements in direct relation to the tourism and hospitality sector over the past six years.
Chief amongst these is the bank's year-on-year support of the Muscat Festival and Salalah Khareef Festival and the support the bank provides to key hospitality related events in the country such as the renowned Oman Today Restaurant Awards. In addition, Bank Sohar's funding of projects under tourism and hospitality takes up a good share of its total credit portfolio. The bank was also recognised for their excellent performance and prudent management strategies, and at the same time adhering to international management standards, providing world-class services and actively driving organisational growth.
"We are delighted to receive this recognition which is a further acknowledgement of Bank Sohar's commitment towards the economy and stands as a testament to our continued support towards the hospitality and tourism sector in Oman. We, at Bank Sohar, consider social responsibility towards our economy as an essential part of our vision and values system, and therefore, winning this award motivates us to continue work on the implementation of such strategies," said Dr Kalmoor.
© Oman Daily Observer 2013
