
Sohar International named ‘Middle East Best Employer Brand'
Muscat: Reaffirming its position as a distinguished employer of choice in the region, Sohar International was recently awarded the prestigious 'Middle East Best Employer Brand' award, an accolade conferred by the World HRD Congress in association with the Employer Branding Institute. Known for its rigorous and multi-tiered selection process—comprising expert recommendations, independent research, and jury evaluation by global industry leaders—the Employer Branding Awards celebrates organizations that exemplify excellence in talent strategy and forward-thinking people practices. Sohar International's recognition underscores its steadfast commitment to fostering a performance-driven, inclusive culture—anchored in the belief that human capital is central to long-term value creation and institutional growth.Representing the bank at the ceremony, Ms. Mahira Saleh Al Raisi, Chief People Officer at Sohar International, attended the event and received the award on behalf of the bank—further highlighting the leadership's active role in driving the bank's people agenda forward.
Commenting on the achievement, Ms. Mahira Saleh Al Raisi, Chief People Officer, at Sohar International stated, 'Our people are integral to every milestone we achieve and every transformation we lead. At Sohar International, we believe that sustained performance stems from an environment where talent is nurtured, ideas are valued, and purpose is shared. We approach human capital with the same clarity and ambition that drives our business strategy—ensuring our people grow as the organization evolves. From fostering inclusive leadership to building next-generation capabilities, our focus on empowering individuals at every level is a strategic imperative that supports our broader goals of being a resilient and future-forward institution. This recognition reaffirms that the investment we place in our people is both meaningful and measurable.'
Sohar International's selection for the award was based on its ability to deliver impact-driven HR practices aligned with the bank's overarching transformation agenda. The jury commended the bank's integrated talent strategy—ranging from proactive recruitment models and competency-based development pathways to inclusive leadership pipelines and retention mechanisms designed to future-proof the workforce. Notably, the bank's structured efforts toward fostering diversity, and women's empowerment have set a regional benchmark. In parallel, Sohar International has embedded robust health, wellness, and recognition initiatives that cultivate a high-engagement culture, while its broader social responsibility efforts reflect a values-based approach to growth.
The award underscores Sohar International's holistic and progressive approach to workforce development, reflecting a careful balance between operational excellence and human capital sustainability, as well as organizational ambition and long-term societal impact.
About Sohar International:
Sohar International is Oman's fastest-growing bank, guided by a clear vision to become a world-leading Omani service company that helps customers, communities, and people prosper and grow. With a purpose to help people 'win' by delivering responsive banking for their ever-changing world, the bank offers innovative solutions across Commercial and Investment Banking, Wealth Management, Islamic Banking, and more. Operating with a strong digital-first approach and an expanding regional footprint—including presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—Sohar International is committed to driving value through strategic partnerships and a dynamic customer experience.
Learn more at www.soharinternational.com
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Khaleej Times
35 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai cracks down on illegal partitioned rooms in residential buildings
Authorities in Dubai are cracking down on the practice of partitioned rooms in several areas of the emirate. A common method of sharing accommodation in many parts of the city, the practice of room partitions has been deemed risky and is being removed. In a statement issued to Khaleej Times, the Dubai Municipality (DM) confirmed that inspections were being conducted in several parts of the city. 'Dubai Municipality, in coordination with the Dubai Land Department and the General Directorate of Civil Defense — Dubai, carried out a field inspection campaign encompassing several multi-storey residential buildings across the emirate,' read the statement. 'The campaign targets densely populated areas, including neighbourhoods such as Al Rigga, Al Muraqqabat, Al Barsha, Al Satwa, and Al Raffa.' The statement also added that ample warnings had been issued prior to the inspections. 'Building owners had been formally informed about the need to abide by the rules through letters,' DM noted. 'The campaign strengthens direct communication with building owners to raise awareness about the risks posed by illegal or unapproved structural modifications or partitions — whether temporary or permanent — within residential units and the need to ensure adherence to building norms and remove any non-compliant structures.' In Dubai, it is compulsory for tenants and landlords to obtain the necessary approvals to create any partition or changes to an apartment. Affordable housing For many Dubai residents, especially those in the lower income bracket, partitioned rooms offer an affordable mode of accommodation. On several websites and social media channels, partitioned rooms are advertised for prices starting from Dh600 per month. However, the municipality noted that the practice 'violates regulations' and poses a 'direct threat' to the safety of residents. 'Such alterations raise the risk of serious incidents such as fires and hamper swift evacuation during emergencies,' it added. 'The campaign ultimately aims to prevent dire incidents related to unauthorised internal modifications in buildings and to raise awareness among property owners and tenants about the importance of complying with building laws and guidelines issued by the relevant authorities.' Such crackdowns have previously been conducted in other emirates as well. In the early 2000s, illegal partitions and sharing of villas were also banned and regular inspections are carried out to ensure that tenants comply with this The civic body added that the initiative was part of the municipality's sustained efforts to 'ensure the highest standards of public safety for residential buildings in the emirate', helping to contribute to the 'optimal upkeep of public infrastructure' and curb negative practices and the 'random subletting' of apartments and other residential units. 'It ultimately aims to prevent dire incidents related to unauthorised internal modifications in buildings and to raise awareness among property owners and tenants about the importance of complying with building laws and guidelines issued by the relevant authorities,' the statement concluded.


Arabian Business
39 minutes ago
- Arabian Business
Dubai real estate: Property market attracts international investors as FDI surges 48% to $45 billion
Dubai-based real estate developer Samana Developers has revealed that foreign buyers account for 86 per cent of its property sales, highlighting international confidence in Dubai's property market and its contribution to the UAE's Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows. The figures reflect broader economic trends across the UAE. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) reported that FDI flows into the country reached AED167 billion ($45 billion) last year, representing a 48 per cent increase compared to the previous year. Data from the Dubai FDI Monitor shows that real estate contributed 14 per cent of total estimated FDI capital flows into Dubai in 2024, establishing the sector as a driver of the city's economic expansion. Indian, UK, Egyptian investors drive Dubai property demand Investors from India, UK, Egypt, and Syria represent the dominant nationalities among Samana Developers' foreign buyers, demonstrating Dubai's appeal as an investment destination. The international investment surge coincides with strong performance in Dubai's residential property sector. The first quarter of 2025 recorded approximately 42,000 sales transactions valued at AED114.4 billion, marking a year-on-year increase of 23.1 per cent in volume and 29.6 per cent in value. Property Finder data shows 45,474 transactions totalling AED142.7 billion in Q1 2025, representing a 22 per cent increase in volume and 30 per cent surge in value compared to Q1 2024. May 2025 witnessed sales of AED 66.8 billion across 18,700 deals, recording a 44 per cent year-on-year value surge. The commercial office market has shown parallel strength, with Q1 2025 sales transactions increasing by 23.7 per cent year-on-year and values rising by 83.1 per cent. 'The fact that 86 per cent of our sales come from foreign buyers is a powerful testament to the global trust and confidence in Dubai's economy and its real estate sector. This directly translates into significant Foreign Direct Investment, reinforcing Dubai's position as a leading global hub for business and lifestyle. The latest market data, with residential transactions soaring by nearly 30 per cent and commercial values by over 83 per cent in Q1 2025, validates the robust and attractive environment we offer to international investors seeking high returns and unparalleled stability,' Imran Farooq, CEO of Samana Developers said. Samana Developers maintains a portfolio exceeding AED 17 billion with a 4.4 per cent market share. The company launched 12 new projects in 2024, including the global launch of Samana Ocean Views Interiors by Elie Saab. The developer's properties target both end-users and investors, offering opportunities for capital appreciation and rental yields. The company has launched a Happiness Centre, focusing on community building and customer service standards in the region's property industry.


UAE Moments
40 minutes ago
- UAE Moments
7awi Media Group: Code of Conduct for AI-Generated Content
At 7awi Media Group, we believe in the power of storytelling and embrace technology that helps us tell those stories more effectively. As Artificial Intelligence continues to reshape the world of content, we see it not as a replacement but as a tool that supports our creativity, enhances our workflows, and allows us to serve our audiences more efficiently. That said, there are lines we won't cross. This AI Code of Conduct reflects our commitment to quality, credibility, and editorial responsibility across all 7awi platforms—whether in fashion and beauty, wellness, automotive, or lifestyle. It's our promise to our readers, our partners, and ourselves that no matter the tool, integrity comes first. 1. Truth First: Accuracy & Credibility No medical, scientific, or technical content is published without verifying it through reliable, recognized sources. Sensitive topics must be reviewed by qualified human experts. AI may assist, but never replace, human judgment in validating facts. 2. We're Transparent With Our Readers If AI helped shape a piece of content, we'll say so—especially when it matters. Misleading our audience by passing AI-generated material as fully human-written is off-limits. 3. Editorial Voice Matters Every piece must reflect the unique tone and editorial spirit of the 7awi platform it appears on. Awkward language, repetition, or robotic phrasing? Not acceptable. Disrespectful, biased, or discriminatory content—AI or not—has no place here. 4. Respect Intellectual Property We do not publish plagiarized material. Period. AI content is subject to the same copyright standards as any other. Quoting studies or reports? Sources must always be credited. 5. Originality Is Non-Negotiable Copy-pasting AI text with no added value is lazy, and it won't fly here. Our headlines must inform, not mislead. We don't do clickbait. 6. Every AI-Assisted Article Gets Human Eyes Nothing generated by AI goes live without a thorough editorial review. Our editors are trained to spot issues, elevate quality, and ensure every story meets our standards. 7. Privacy is Personal We never use real personal data in AI-generated content without explicit consent. Fictionalized content must never blur the line between reality and make-believe when it involves real individuals or organizations. 8. We Evolve With the Technology This Code isn't static. As AI tools evolve, so will our practices. Our content teams remain accountable for applying this policy, consistently and thoughtfully. 9. Empowering Our Teams We invest in training so our editors and writers understand AI's strengths—and its limitations. AI is a support system, not a shortcut. We use it to enhance quality, never to compromise it. 10. A Note on Accountability We're not perfect—and neither is AI. Mistakes will happen. But at 7awi, we own them. We're committed to correcting errors transparently and learning as we go. This is a journey, and we're here for it—with honesty, humility, and an unwavering focus on earning our audience's trust. At 7awi, we celebrate innovation, but never at the cost of trust. This Code is more than a set of rules—it's part of our editorial DNA. Let's use technology the right way. With integrity. With purpose. With people at the center of it all.