As part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening collaboration and partnerships with the media, Bank Muscat, the leading financial services provider in the Sultanate of Oman, held a media meet attended by a number of journalists and representatives from traditional and digital media institutions. The event aimed to deepen the Bank’s strategic relationship with media and support all media representatives with the tools necessary to help them communicate the latest advancements and trends across economic and social sectors. Bank Muscat places emphasis on the pivotal role which the media institutions have played in supporting the Bank's journey over the years and reinforcing its leadership in corporate social responsibility. They contribute great effort to promote the wide range of banking services and solutions offered to all the Bank’s customers.
The event featured a specialized workshop on the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing the skills of journalists and media representatives. The workshop was led by Abdullah Al Saba’, a content creator and expert in modern technology and digital innovation. Various subjects were highlighted during the event, including the significance of harnessing AI in enriching, evolving and improving the quality of journalistic content. Al Saba’ also addressed some of the challenges journalists and the broader public might encounter when using AI, along with strategies to mitigate these issues.
The media event served as an open platform for dialogue, allowing the audience to exchange ideas, ask questions, and explore current trends in digital transformation. Attendees discussed both challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies, examined international experiences in digital media and AI, and explored future possibilities. The event also provided an effective networking opportunity to foster stronger cooperation between the Bank and its media partners.
In her welcoming speech, Sheikha Yousuf Al Farsi, Deputy Chief Executive Officer- Operations, at Bank Muscat, expressed her delight in hosting this event dedicated to the Bank’s partners from the media sector. She emphasized that the Bank’s success has never been the result of a single institution’s effort, but rather the outcome of responsible and sustainable partnerships.
“Artificial intelligence plays a pivotal role in empowering and developing the skills of professionals working in the media industry. We must explore how to make positive use of this global technological revolution and seize the promising opportunities it offers for the benefits of the media and society. At Bank Muscat, we believe that envisioning the future can only be achieved through a deep understanding of modern technologies and conscious preparedness on how to utilize them in ways that serve our community and national economy. We view artificial intelligence as a cornerstone for enhancing services, efficiency, and innovation. Today, we also celebrate the role of media professionals and the valuable work you do, as you are the bridge that connects knowledge with society. Through your professionalism, smart tools are transformed into meaningful insights, and fast-breaking news is framed within a responsible context. We always count on your expertise to educate the public, combat misinformation, and present real examples of how technology impacts individuals and institutions.” She added.
A number of journalists shared their perspectives on the importance of such gatherings and the evolving role of AI in shaping media content. Journalist Zainab Al Zadjali said: "I would like to thank Bank Muscat for organizing this outstanding event, which reflects the Bank's commitment to advancing local media and enhancing the skills of journalists in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence. This initiative not only deepens cooperation between the Bank and the media but also opens up tremendous opportunities for professional growth in the face of rapid technological developments. We greatly appreciate Bank Muscat’s efforts in supporting journalists by providing educational platforms that enhance our ability to use modern tools across media sectors. This initiative is vital for all of us as it contributes to raising the quality of media content and equips us to deal with technical challenges in innovative ways."
Journalist Ali Al Mataani commented: "Bank Muscat’s initiative to organize this event significantly strengthens the relationship between the Bank and the media community. What stands out about this workshop is its focus on developing our skills in artificial intelligence, being a field that has become central to media daily work and the future of journalism. AI is opening up new horizons in how we collect and analyze information, helping us deliver accurate and reliable content. This initiative reflects the Bank's forward-looking vision and its commitment to building strong partnerships with local media."
Journalist Sahar Al Amri mentioned: "I personally appreciate Bank Muscat for organizing this event, which enhances the relationship between journalists and the banking sector. The Bank hosts several such events throughout the year to achieve this goal. The AI-focused workshop was an excellent opportunity to understand how we can leverage these technologies to improve our journalistic performance. AI is not just a technical tool, but a key enabler that helps us reach wider audiences in innovative ways. Today, as we are witnessing a true revolution in how data is used and analyzed to craft more personalized and impactful media messages. As journalists, it is now crucial that we embrace these technological developments and integrate them into our daily work to stay competitive and innovative in the digital age."
Bank Muscat places significant importance on the media sector, recognizing its pivotal contributions to society and Oman’s cultural and developmental achievements, while building bridges between institutions and the community. Therefore, the Bank regularly organizes media meetings with its partners from both traditional and digital outlets.
These gatherings aim to enhance direct communication and share updates on the Bank’s various initiatives. Such meetings are part of the Bank’s strategy to keep media professionals well-informed about developments across all business lines, enabling them to relay this information accurately and objectively to the public. One of the Bank’s key annual initiatives is the Media Visit, a platform that offers journalists an up-close look at the Bank’s operations, innovations, and future plans. Through this initiative, media professionals gain first-hand insight into the Bank Muscat’s strategic direction and its contribution to the national economy, further solidifying the constructive partnership between Bank Muscat and the media.