MUSCAT — Oman’s Sohar International has received approval from the Central Bank of Oman to establish a representative office in Hong Kong, the lender said on Saturday, marking its latest step in expanding beyond the Gulf.

The Hong Kong office will serve as a platform for relationship-building and market engagement, supporting clients involved in cross-border trade, treasury and investment activities, the bank said.

Chief Executive Abdulwahid Al Murshidi said the move was part of Sohar International’s long-term international strategy, adding that Asia plays a central role in global trade and capital flows. Presence in Hong Kong would help the bank support clients operating across increasingly interconnected markets, he said.

The approval follows the recent inauguration of Sohar International’s branch in Riyadh, underscoring the lender’s efforts to build a diversified international footprint linking Asia and the Middle East.

Sohar International said the Hong Kong representative office would help deepen ties with Asian financial institutions and corporates, encourage knowledge-sharing and attract investment interest into Oman, in line with the sultanate’s economic diversification agenda.

Representative offices typically focus on business development and liaison activities and do not conduct full banking operations.

Sohar International is one of Oman’s fastest-growing lenders, offering commercial and investment banking, wealth management and Islamic banking services, and has been expanding its regional presence in recent years.