Meethaq signs pacts on energy conservation, financial literacy

MUSCAT: Meethaq, the pioneer of Islamic banking in Oman from Bank Muscat, as part of its commitment to social responsibility and partnership in sustainable development, signed two agreements linked to the Imprints social responsibility initiative launched by Bank Muscat.

The agreements relating to energy conservation and financial literacy programme for school students were signed at the bank’s head office in the presence of Management Team members, senior executives of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and participating institutions and companies.

Sulaiman Al Harthy, deputy chief executive officer - Islamic Banking, said, “Meethaq, in step with its commitment to social responsibility, is proud to join hands with leading Omani companies to chart the way forward for the Imprints CSR initiative. At a time when the role of Islamic finance is increasingly seen in supporting economic and social development, Meethaq considers this, a great opportunity for defining benchmarks in conservation of energy and financial literacy programmes. Meethaq remains committed to social responsibility initiatives contributing to sustainable development in Oman.”

The Imprints programme on energy conservation focuses on green energy initiatives starting with a pilot Meethaq branch using solar energy. Nafath, which is a leading player in energy conservation, will be responsible for implementing this project. Sulaiman Al Harthy and Abdullah Al Saidi – chief executive officer of Nafath, signed the agreement to establish the Meethaq branch run on solar energy. Meethaq seeks to educate the public as a role model in conservation of energy by implementing an energy efficient branch open to the public.

Abdullah Al Saidi thanked Meethaq for the opportunity to be involved with the Imprints initiative. “This is a big opportunity for Nafath, which is an SME company, and we aim to do our best to raise awareness on energy conservation, which is critical for the country.”

Meethaq signed an agreement with Injaz Oman to launch a financial literacy programme for Omani school students.

Sulaiman Al Harthy and Khoula Al Harthy, Chief Executive Officer, Injaz Oman, signed the agreement for ‘Little Investor’ programme, which is a core component of the Imprints initiative launched in association with the Ministry of Education to educate Omani children on the basics of financial literacy. The aim is to motivate children to develop entrepreneurial thinking and skills from an early age.

Khoula Al Harthy expressed confidence that the ‘Little Investor’ programme would lay the foundation for a future generation responsible for Oman’s progress and development. “Injaz Oman is proud to join hands with Meethaq to impart financial literacy for school students,” she added.

Imprints, the bank’s largest CSR initiative was launched in 2016 to address the changing economic climate and current social issues. Currently, Imprints serve as the umbrella for all Bank Muscat CSR programmes, aimed at creating long-standing value and partnership.

The initiative marks a big step in the public-private partnership in making lasting contributions to society and the nation.