Saturday 22 / November / 2025
In alignment with the national direction toward strengthening financial infrastructure and accelerating digital transformation, Sohar International has announced the launch of the national payment card “Maal”, a strategic initiative led by the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) to advance the Sultanate’s national card system. The initiative represents a major step in promoting the digital economy, enhancing financial inclusion, and supporting the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 for a more innovative and less cash-dependent society.
The Maal card is designed to operate through the national payment network OmanNet, ensuring that all domestic transactions—whether through point-of-sale (POS) terminals, ATMs, or e-commerce channels—are processed securely within Oman. The project is part of a broader national effort to strengthen payment system infrastructure, enhance data security and localisation, and support innovation in modern financial technologies. It is also expected to reduce transaction-related costs for banks, merchants, government entities, and cardholders, while expanding access to financial services across society.
In this regard, Abdulwahid Mohamed Al Murshidi, Chief Executive Officer of Sohar International, stated: “At Sohar International, we believe that true progress lies in building systems that strengthen national resilience and empower future generations. This approach is fully aligned with the path of national development, fostering a secure, inclusive, and innovation-driven economy. Beyond enhancing the way people transact, it symbolizes the collective commitment of the public and private sectors to shaping a stronger, more sustainable future for the nation. In support of this national vision, we are proud to contribute by launching our ‘Maal’ Card, reinforcing Oman’s journey toward financial independence and digital advancement.”
The card supports a wide range of domestic transactions such as POS payments (contact and contactless), ATM withdrawals, e-commerce purchases, and government service payments. The Maal national payment card adheres to the highest global security standards, including PCI-DSS for card data protection and ISO standards for payment systems, ensuring a secure and reliable payment environment for all users. The project will advance the national shift toward electronic payments, reduce reliance on cash, lower operational costs across the ecosystem, and support long-term sustainable economic development.
The launch of the Sohar International ‘Maal’ card reflects the bank’s commitment to supporting and keeping pace with both the local and global digital economy, while advancing the Sultanate’s ambitions to drive significant technological, economic, and societal transformations. Market indicators show that payments made through point-of-sale terminals and electronic payment gateways accounted for approximately 92% of all transactions on the national network, and the number of active cards in the Sultanate reached around 4.9 million in 2024. These figures highlight the market’s readiness to adopt the national card from its official launch. Sohar International will continue to dedicate the necessary resources to support the widespread adoption of this domestic card, reinforcing the national digital economy and enabling greater financial inclusion.
Sohar International encourages its customers to visit the nearest branch to obtain the Maal card—an initiative that supports national priorities, strengthens the financial sector, and contributes to Oman’s comprehensive economic development. With this step, the bank reaffirms its ongoing commitment to empowering customers with secure, modern payment solutions that align with Oman’s future-ready digital vision.
