09 May 2012
MUSCAT -- Bank Sohar, the Sultanate's most youthful and dynamic banking institution, celebrated its fifth anniversary milestone recently with a contract signing that will pave the way for the establishment of its own headquarters building.
Set in the exclusive Airport Heights district, one of the most strategic areas of Oman's capital city, Muscat, the new headquarters will be housed in a splendid architectural landmark that will serve as a testament to Bank Sohar's lofty ambitions.
Last month, the bank's top management announced the selection of one of Spain's top-flight architectural firms for the design of its new headquarters building. Madrid-based "Lamela", a renowned design consultancy whose architectural masterpieces dot the European landscape, will supervise the design and construction of a new home for Bank Sohar befitting its vision for success and aspirations to excellence.
Signing on behalf of the bank was its Chairman, Shaikh Dr Salim Said al Fannah al Araimi, while Carlos Lamela, Chief Executive Officer, inked the contract on behalf of Lamela Architect.
In a statement, Shaikh Al Araimi hailed the occasion as a milestone in the rapid evolution of a bank, which aspires its new location to boost its position among the nation's top financial institutions.
"Our new headquarters will embody Bank Sohar's vision, strategy and philosophy. From its exclusive location in Airport Heights to its striking architectural design and distinctive interiors, everything about this new edifice will exemplify our commitment to providing superior banking services to our customers at unsurpassed standards. Above all, it signifies the absolute confidence of our shareholders in the bank's promising future."
According to the Chairman, the design is a blend of "modernity and globalism", which together with traditional Omani architecture epitomises some of the key traits of Oman's longstanding history and its modern renaissance.
Quite appropriately, the design incorporates architectural, historical and cultural themes unique to Sohar, an ancient Omani city that Bank Sohar has the honour to carry its name. Now a bustling seaport with a flourishing industrial zone, Sohar exemplifies the Sultanate's pursuit of modernisation and progress -- values that are also at the heart of Bank Sohar's philosophy.
Inspiration for the new headquarters' conceptual design comes from Sohar's imposing historical landmark, Sohar Fort. A symbol of strength and fortitude, this edifice is a reminder of Sohar's glorious past as a maritime hub that attracted ocean-going ships plying trade routes from East Africa to Asia.
Other elements of modern-day Sohar also form an integral part of the new headquarters' design. Its world-class industrial port, modern university, refinery, and elaborate infrastructure bear witness to a city that typifies the Sultanate's aspirations for growth and modernisation. At the same time, verdant date palm gardens and agricultural farms connote sustainability as is evident from the eco-friendly design and features.
"A key highlight of Bank Sohar's design is its environment-friendly attributes. Energy efficiency and conservation, use of local materials, and recycling are an inherent part of the building's design and construction. Also factored into Lamela's design is the site's undulating contours, which obviates the need for expensive rock excavation work." Said Carlos Lamela, Chief Executive Officer.
Interior settings also promise to be equally impressive. Holding pride of place in the central atrium is an oasis, which is an enduring facet of Oman's natural heritage. Hanging gardens, internal bridges and sea views are all part of a stunning setting on the inside. Embellishments in copper -- a reflection of the metal's pivotal place in Sohar's history -- are envisioned on the façade, as well as on the inside. The building also includes public service facilities, international restaurants and cafes to serve its users. It will be divided into office space on floors dedicated to the bank and other floors will be leased as offices for those who wish to be in a modern environment with advanced services that would be prepared for the commercial spaces.
Adding much prestige to the project is its location in upscale Airports Heights, a district earmarked for development into one of Muscat's prime government, commercial, leisure and entertainment hubs. Airport Heights is already attracting billions of dollars in tourism, infrastructure and real estate investment.
Although one of Oman's youngest banks, Bank Sohar's has made impressive strides in its growth, thanks to its differentiated customer offerings and services, and its embrace of cutting edge technologies. Launching operations as a one branch outfit in April 2007, the Bank's network has burgeoned into 25 branches across the Sultanate as of end of March 2012. It is worth mentioning that the project is one of several initiatives unveiled by this fast-growing bank to mark five years of successful financial operations in the Sultanate.
MUSCAT -- Bank Sohar, the Sultanate's most youthful and dynamic banking institution, celebrated its fifth anniversary milestone recently with a contract signing that will pave the way for the establishment of its own headquarters building.
Set in the exclusive Airport Heights district, one of the most strategic areas of Oman's capital city, Muscat, the new headquarters will be housed in a splendid architectural landmark that will serve as a testament to Bank Sohar's lofty ambitions.
Last month, the bank's top management announced the selection of one of Spain's top-flight architectural firms for the design of its new headquarters building. Madrid-based "Lamela", a renowned design consultancy whose architectural masterpieces dot the European landscape, will supervise the design and construction of a new home for Bank Sohar befitting its vision for success and aspirations to excellence.
Signing on behalf of the bank was its Chairman, Shaikh Dr Salim Said al Fannah al Araimi, while Carlos Lamela, Chief Executive Officer, inked the contract on behalf of Lamela Architect.
In a statement, Shaikh Al Araimi hailed the occasion as a milestone in the rapid evolution of a bank, which aspires its new location to boost its position among the nation's top financial institutions.
"Our new headquarters will embody Bank Sohar's vision, strategy and philosophy. From its exclusive location in Airport Heights to its striking architectural design and distinctive interiors, everything about this new edifice will exemplify our commitment to providing superior banking services to our customers at unsurpassed standards. Above all, it signifies the absolute confidence of our shareholders in the bank's promising future."
According to the Chairman, the design is a blend of "modernity and globalism", which together with traditional Omani architecture epitomises some of the key traits of Oman's longstanding history and its modern renaissance.
Quite appropriately, the design incorporates architectural, historical and cultural themes unique to Sohar, an ancient Omani city that Bank Sohar has the honour to carry its name. Now a bustling seaport with a flourishing industrial zone, Sohar exemplifies the Sultanate's pursuit of modernisation and progress -- values that are also at the heart of Bank Sohar's philosophy.
Inspiration for the new headquarters' conceptual design comes from Sohar's imposing historical landmark, Sohar Fort. A symbol of strength and fortitude, this edifice is a reminder of Sohar's glorious past as a maritime hub that attracted ocean-going ships plying trade routes from East Africa to Asia.
Other elements of modern-day Sohar also form an integral part of the new headquarters' design. Its world-class industrial port, modern university, refinery, and elaborate infrastructure bear witness to a city that typifies the Sultanate's aspirations for growth and modernisation. At the same time, verdant date palm gardens and agricultural farms connote sustainability as is evident from the eco-friendly design and features.
"A key highlight of Bank Sohar's design is its environment-friendly attributes. Energy efficiency and conservation, use of local materials, and recycling are an inherent part of the building's design and construction. Also factored into Lamela's design is the site's undulating contours, which obviates the need for expensive rock excavation work." Said Carlos Lamela, Chief Executive Officer.
Interior settings also promise to be equally impressive. Holding pride of place in the central atrium is an oasis, which is an enduring facet of Oman's natural heritage. Hanging gardens, internal bridges and sea views are all part of a stunning setting on the inside. Embellishments in copper -- a reflection of the metal's pivotal place in Sohar's history -- are envisioned on the façade, as well as on the inside. The building also includes public service facilities, international restaurants and cafes to serve its users. It will be divided into office space on floors dedicated to the bank and other floors will be leased as offices for those who wish to be in a modern environment with advanced services that would be prepared for the commercial spaces.
Adding much prestige to the project is its location in upscale Airports Heights, a district earmarked for development into one of Muscat's prime government, commercial, leisure and entertainment hubs. Airport Heights is already attracting billions of dollars in tourism, infrastructure and real estate investment.
Although one of Oman's youngest banks, Bank Sohar's has made impressive strides in its growth, thanks to its differentiated customer offerings and services, and its embrace of cutting edge technologies. Launching operations as a one branch outfit in April 2007, the Bank's network has burgeoned into 25 branches across the Sultanate as of end of March 2012. It is worth mentioning that the project is one of several initiatives unveiled by this fast-growing bank to mark five years of successful financial operations in the Sultanate.
© Oman Daily Observer 2012
