Bank Muscat and Oman Tourism College have jointly launched a specialized training program designed to equip individuals with Down syndrome with skills in the hospitality sector. The initiative, announced recently at a signing ceremony held at Bank Muscat's headquarters in Airport Heights, aims to provide both professional development and employment opportunities for participants.
Registration for the program will remain open until July 1, 2026, and targets 20 beneficiaries who will undergo training through two focused tracks: Hospitality Support Services and Housekeeping. These tracks are intended to help participants gain practical skills that facilitate financial independence and professional integration.
The training courses will be developed and delivered by the Oman Tourism Academy in accordance with international hospitality standards. The program will offer a supportive learning environment tailored to the specific needs of individuals with Down syndrome, managed by experienced instructors. In addition to classroom instruction, participants will have the opportunity to undertake practical placements in several hotels across Oman that have expressed willingness to employ program graduates. This effort is being carried out in cooperation with the Oman Down Syndrome Association.
Bank Muscat, a leading financial services provider in the Sultanate, emphasized its commitment to fostering strategic partnerships with educational institutions, community organizations, and the private sector. The bank views collaboration as essential to achieving sustainable social impact and expanding developmental initiatives that empower diverse segments of society.
Beyond this training initiative, Bank Muscat has taken steps to enhance accessibility for customers with disabilities by equipping 73 branches across various governorates and wilayats with facilities designed for improved service. The bank plans to continue integrating such features in future branches to ensure inclusive banking services.
This new program underscores a broader push toward inclusive workforce development in Oman, with both Bank Muscat and Oman Tourism College playing active roles in supporting the effective participation of individuals with disabilities in the country’s socio-economic progress.
