National Bank of Oman Celebrates First Batch of 300 Graduates From Outward Bound Oman Partnership

National Bank of Oman has rounded off the first year of its ‘Strength in our Youth’ programme, a collaboration with Outward Bound Oman. 300 participants took on the intensive skill-building programme in 2020, the first of 900 young Omanis the bank and the not-for-profit foundation have pledged to support over a period of three years. The course, which is designed to enhance self-awareness and resilience, develop creative thinking and problem-solving skills, is part of NBO’s commitment to nurturing the next generation and in line with the expectations of Oman’s Vision 2040.

His Highness Excellency Sayyid Faisal bin Turki Al Said, Patron of Outward Bound Oman, said, “For the last 12 years we have been working to provide young people with problem-solving skills, attitudes and behaviour, which are all important factors in building the workforce of tomorrow. With our partnership with NBO we are building on this precedence, supporting and enabling even more young people to benefit from opportunities that otherwise they might not have had access to. By continuing to invest in society, we will build the brightest possible future for Oman.”

Abdullah Al Hinai, Chief Executive Officer of National Bank Oman, added, “We’re really proud of the candidates, who went through a series of challenging Next Generation and Skills for Life courses courtesy of our partners, Outward Bound Oman. The courses have been designed to foster a culture of talent and celebrate the amazing contribution young people are making to the community.” 

Outward Bound Oman was first established in Oman in 2009 with a mission to enable young members of the society to be more effective and resilient. Using the mountains and deserts of Oman as inspirational places of learning, away from the distractions of mobile phones, Outward Bound Oman has trained more than 16,000 people, working with corporate teams, young job seekers, school students and those experiencing mental wellbeing and drug related issues throughout the Sultanate. An ambitious five-year development plan includes the construction of a flagship national training centre on Jebel Akdhar, slated to open in late 2021. 

NBO’s long-standing commitment to the Sultanate’s young people is demonstrated by a number of initiatives that it organises and supports, including the Youth Awards, Hackathon, Ibtikar Lab, internships, the Al Kanz Youth draw, the Oman Science Festival, and others. The bank’s various youth-centred activities are also reflective of its dynamic and innovative culture, demonstrated by a rising number of technological achievements and state-of-the-art products.