Dhofar Islamic crowned Oman's Best Islamic Retail Bank for 2026
Dhofar Islamic has been named Oman's Best Islamic Retail Bank at the MENA Banking Excellence Awards 2026 – Retail, Digital & SME Banking, in recognition of its leadership in customer-centric Islamic banking, digital innovation and product excellence.
The prestigious award, organised by Middle East Economic Digest (MEED) in collaboration with GlobalData, honours leading financial institutions from across 11 countries in the Middle East and North Africa that are setting new benchmarks in retail, digital and SME banking.
According to the organisers, the overall standard of entries was exceptionally high, with Dhofar Islamic distinguished by the quality, relevance and measurable impact of its initiatives in advancing banking excellence across the region.
The inaugural awards programme celebrates financial institutions that are redefining retail banking through digital transformation, personalised customer experiences, financial inclusion and innovative banking solutions. Winners were selected through an independent judging process involving senior banking executives and industry specialists, with strategic vision, innovation and commitment to customer excellence among the key evaluation criteria.
The latest recognition reinforces Dhofar Islamic's position as the leading Islamic banking institution in the Sultanate of Oman. Since commencing operations following the introduction of Islamic banking in the country in 2012, the bank has built one of Oman's largest Sharia-compliant banking franchises, offering a comprehensive portfolio of retail, corporate, SME and wealth management solutions.
Its continued success has been driven by a broad range of Sharia-compliant products and services covering personal finance, home finance, vehicle finance, business banking, and investment solutions. At the same time, Dhofar Islamic has made substantial investments in digital banking, enabling customers to access secure and convenient banking services through advanced mobile and online platforms while maintaining one of the country's most extensive Islamic banking branch networks.
Today, Dhofar Islamic operates 31 dedicated branches across all governorates of Oman, serving a diverse customer base that includes children, youth, women, entrepreneurs and high-net-worth clients through specialised banking propositions such as Al Rafaa and Al Riadah.
Beyond retail banking, Dhofar Islamic continues to play a significant role in supporting Oman's economic development by financing strategic infrastructure projects, empowering small and medium-sized enterprises, and contributing to sustainable growth initiatives aligned with Oman Vision 2040.
The MENA Banking Excellence Award adds to a growing list of regional and international accolades recognising Dhofar Islamic's achievements in Islamic banking, digital transformation, customer service and innovation. The latest honour underscores the bank's commitment to delivering world-class Sharia-compliant financial solutions while continuing to raise industry standards and shape the future of Islamic banking in Oman and the wider region.
