Sohar Islamic Empowers Omani Women with 'Be Zahiya' Shariah-Compliant Banking

Sohar Islamic has introduced "Be Zahiya," a Shariah-compliant banking proposition specifically designed for women in Oman. By combining tailored credit products with lifestyle rewards, the bank is addressing a growing demographic of female consumers seeking financial independence. For fintech professionals, this represents a strategic move to capture market share through gender-specific, value-added services in the Islamic finance sector.

What was announced

Sohar Islamic, the Islamic banking window of Sohar International, has introduced ‘Be Zahiya’, a dedicated proposition for women in Oman. The suite integrates Shariah-compliant financial products with lifestyle-focused rewards, aiming to provide a more personalized banking experience. The core of the offering consists of two distinct credit card tiers: the Be Zahiya Visa Platinum and the Be Zahiya Plus Visa Signature.

The Visa Platinum card is designed for everyday convenience, featuring complimentary welcome reward points and rewards on both local and international transactions. It provides access to selected airport lounges, global emergency assistance, and flexible installment plans, secured by Visa 3D Secure technology for online purchases. The Visa Signature card offers an elevated experience, including unlimited access to a network of more than 1,000 airport lounges globally. Signature cardholders also benefit from complimentary self-parking at the Mall of Oman and a dedicated concierge service for travel arrangements and dining reservations.

Both card options are offered with a lifetime-free annual membership, subject to the bank's terms and conditions. This initiative is positioned to align with Oman Vision 2040 by encouraging greater financial participation among women and supporting their contributions to the national economy. Through Be Zahiya, Sohar Islamic aims to strengthen its engagement with women across different stages of their financial journeys by balancing practical payment capabilities with personal preferences.

"At Sohar Islamic, we believe that empowering women financially means creating an environment where they can make informed decisions, pursue their aspirations and build lasting financial confidence. Be Zahiya reflects our commitment to making Islamic banking more responsive to women’s evolving needs, combining Shariah-compliant financial solutions with relevant privileges and a customer experience built around convenience, trust and individual choice. By expanding access to tailored banking services, we aim to support women in strengthening their financial independence and contributing more actively to the economic and social progress of Oman."

Fahad Al Zadjali, Chief Islamic Banking Officer at Sohar Islamic

The companies involved

Sohar Islamic operates as the dedicated Islamic banking window of Sohar International, one of Oman's prominent financial institutions. Sohar International positions itself as a service-led organization with a vision to become a world-leading Omani company. The bank provides a broad spectrum of financial services, including Commercial and Investment Banking, Wealth Management, and its specialized Islamic Banking division.

Under its current strategy, the bank emphasizes a digital-first approach to modernize its service delivery and enhance the customer experience. Beyond its primary operations in Oman, Sohar International has established a regional footprint that includes a presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This expansion is part of its broader purpose to help customers and communities grow through responsive banking solutions. The bank frequently utilizes strategic partnerships to drive value across its various business lines. As the Islamic arm, Sohar Islamic focuses on delivering contemporary banking experiences that adhere strictly to Shariah principles while maintaining the service standards and innovation associated with its parent company.

What FF News has reported before

FF News has closely followed the evolution of Sohar International’s product ecosystem. In October 2026, the bank addressed another specific demographic when Sohar International Launches All-in-One Expat Banking Proposition in Oman. This followed a significant digital move in August 2026, where Sohar International and Omantel Partner to Accelerate Oman’s Digital Economy. The bank’s card strategy has been particularly active; we previously reported that Sohar International Unveils Rebranded Card Portfolio to Drive Digital Banking Evolution. On the Islamic side, FF News covered how Sohar Islamic Enhances Corporate Banking with New Preloaded Card Solution, demonstrating a consistent focus on specialized card products across both retail and corporate segments.

What this means

This move highlights a maturing Islamic finance market where "one-size-fits-all" products are no longer sufficient to maintain competitive advantages. By segmenting the market specifically for women, Sohar Islamic is putting pressure on other regional Islamic windows to move beyond basic Shariah compliance and toward lifestyle-integrated banking. The success of such propositions often hinges on the perceived value of the "perks"—like concierge services and lounge access—rather than the underlying financial mechanics. This raises questions for the sector about whether gender-specific banking will become a standard requirement for Omani banks or remain a niche differentiator for those targeting high-value customer segments.