Top Oman Banks: A Complete Comparison Guide

Oman’s banking sector has become an important part of the country’s growing economy, supporting individuals, businesses, investors and entrepreneurs across the Sultanate. With several established local banks and international institutions operating in the country, customers have a wide range of banking options.

But which bank is suitable for your needs?

The answer depends on what you are looking for — everyday banking, savings, personal finance, business banking, international transactions, Islamic banking or digital services.

In this guide, DailyMuscat.com compares some of the major banks operating in Oman and highlights the features customers should consider before opening an account.

Oman’s Banking Sector

The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) regulates the country’s banking sector and maintains an official list of licensed banks operating in the Sultanate. The sector includes local banks as well as branches of international financial institutions.

Among the major Omani banks are:

• Bank Muscat
• Sohar International
• National Bank of Oman (NBO)
• Bank Dhofar
• Oman Arab Bank
• Ahli Bank
• Bank Nizwa

The sector also includes international banks such as Standard Chartered, HSBC, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Mashreq and others.

Bank Muscat

Bank Muscat is one of the most prominent names in Oman’s banking industry and has a particularly large domestic branch and ATM presence.

According to Bank Muscat’s December 2025 investor presentation, the bank reported approximately OMR 15.13 billion in total assets, OMR 11.39 billion in gross loans and OMR 10.43 billion in deposits at the end of 2025.

What customers may consider

Bank Muscat can be relevant for customers who value:

• A broad domestic banking network
• Personal and business banking
• Corporate financial services
• Digital banking
• Cards and payment services
• Investment and wealth-related services
• Islamic banking options

Its large domestic footprint can be particularly relevant for customers who frequently use physical branches or ATMs.

Sohar International

Sohar International has expanded significantly in Oman’s banking market and provides services for individuals, businesses and corporate customers.

Banking services include retail banking, corporate banking, investment-related services and other financial solutions.

The bank reported approximately OMR 9.13 billion in total assets, OMR 6.14 billion in gross loans and OMR 6.83 billion in deposits at the end of 2025, according to Bank Muscat’s sector comparison using unaudited financial statements.

Sohar International also announced a rights issue in August 2026, raising gross proceeds of approximately OMR 149.3 million.

What customers may consider

Sohar International may appeal to customers interested in:

• Personal banking
• Corporate banking
• Business finance
• Digital banking
• Investment services
• Islamic banking solutions
• Growing regional financial services

National Bank of Oman

National Bank of Oman, commonly known as NBO, was established in 1973 and provides conventional and Islamic banking services.

The bank operates across retail banking, corporate banking, investment banking, treasury, international banking and Islamic banking.

NBO also provides digital account-opening facilities and 24/7 digital banking services.

What customers may consider

NBO offers products for:

• Individuals
• Small and large businesses
• Corporate customers
• Investors
• International banking customers
• Islamic banking customers

Its current-account offering also supports multiple currencies, including Omani Rial, UAE Dirham, US Dollar, Pound Sterling and Euro.

This can be relevant for customers who regularly deal with international currencies.

Bank Dhofar

Bank Dhofar is another major Omani banking institution with a significant presence in the country’s financial sector.

Its services cover personal banking, business banking, corporate customers and other financial requirements.

At the end of 2025, Bank Dhofar had approximately OMR 5.39 billion in total assets, OMR 4.39 billion in gross loans and OMR 4.12 billion in deposits, according to sector figures published in Bank Muscat’s investor presentation.

For customers based in or connected with Dhofar, the bank’s regional identity and network can be an important consideration.

Oman Arab Bank

Oman Arab Bank is another established player in the Omani banking market.

Its services include personal banking, business banking, corporate financial services and other banking products.

The bank had approximately OMR 4.59 billion in total assets and OMR 3.78 billion in deposits at the end of 2025, based on the sector comparison cited above.

Customers considering Oman Arab Bank should compare its current account charges, financing products, cards, digital services and branch accessibility with alternatives.

Ahli Bank

Ahli Bank is an established local bank offering personal and business banking services.

According to the December 2025 sector comparison, Ahli Bank reported approximately OMR 4.19 billion in assets, OMR 3.57 billion in gross loans and OMR 3.16 billion in deposits.

Customers may compare Ahli Bank with other local institutions based on account requirements, financing rates, service fees, cards, digital banking and branch availability.

Bank Nizwa

Bank Nizwa is particularly important for customers looking for Islamic banking in Oman.

Islamic banks operate according to Sharia-compliant financial principles, making them a distinct option for customers who specifically seek Islamic financial products.

Bank Nizwa was included among the seven local banks in Bank Muscat’s 2025 sector comparison. At the end of 2025, it had approximately OMR 2.03 billion in assets, OMR 1.73 billion in gross loans and OMR 1.65 billion in deposits.

Major Banks Compared

The table is a general comparison, not a ranking. Products, fees and eligibility can change, so customers should verify current terms directly with each bank.

Which Bank May Suit Different Customers?

There is no single banking option that fits everyone.

For Everyday Banking

Customers should compare:

• Number of branches and ATMs
• Mobile banking application
• Online banking
• Debit card services
• Account maintenance requirements
• Transfer charges
• Customer service availability

For Business Owners

Entrepreneurs should pay particular attention to:

• Business account requirements
• Corporate banking facilities
• Working-capital finance
• Business loans
• Merchant payment services
• International transfers
• Payroll services
• Relationship-manager support

For International Transactions

Customers who regularly send or receive money internationally should compare:

• Foreign exchange rates
• International transfer fees
• Supported currencies
• SWIFT charges
• Transfer processing times
• International banking networks

NBO, for example, offers current accounts with multiple major currencies, which can be relevant for customers with international financial requirements.

For Islamic Banking

Customers specifically seeking Sharia-compliant financial products can compare the Islamic banking divisions of conventional banks with dedicated Islamic institutions such as Bank Nizwa.

What Should You Check Before Opening an Account?

Choosing a bank should involve more than looking at the bank’s size.

Before opening an account, customers should compare:

1. Account fees
Check monthly charges, minimum balance requirements and transaction fees.

2. ATM and branch access
Consider how easily you can access your money in Muscat, Salalah or other parts of Oman.

3. Digital banking
Look at mobile applications, online transfers, bill payments and digital account-opening facilities.

4. Financing costs
For loans or other financing, compare the applicable rate, fees, repayment period and total cost rather than focusing only on the advertised rate.

5. International transfers
This is especially important for expatriates, importers, exporters and businesses dealing with overseas customers.

6. Customer service
Availability of telephone support, branches and digital assistance can make a significant difference in everyday banking.

7. Islamic banking requirements
Customers seeking Sharia-compliant products should check whether the specific account or financing product meets their requirements.

Oman’s Banking Industry Is Evolving

Oman’s banking sector continues to develop alongside the country’s broader economic transformation. Digital banking, corporate finance, investment services and Islamic finance are becoming increasingly important areas of competition.

The sector’s scale can be seen in the financial results of major local banks. Bank Muscat’s December 2025 comparison showed significant differences in assets, loans, deposits and profitability across the seven major local banks, illustrating the diverse size and business models within the market.

At the same time, the Central Bank of Oman continues to regulate licensed banking institutions and maintain oversight of the country’s financial system.

Final Thoughts

Oman’s banking market offers customers a broad selection of financial institutions, from large domestic banks to specialized Islamic banks and international banking groups.

Bank Muscat, Sohar International, NBO, Bank Dhofar, Oman Arab Bank, Ahli Bank and Bank Nizwa each have different strengths, product ranges and customer segments.

Rather than choosing a bank simply because it is larger or more familiar, customers should compare fees, digital services, branch access, financing costs, international facilities and specific account requirements.

For the latest terms and conditions, customers should always check the official website or branch of the bank before making a financial decision.

DailyMuscat.com will continue to follow Oman’s banking, investment, economy and financial-sector developments as the Sultanate’s economy evolves.