Sohar, May 2015 – Under the auspices of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Said Al Kalbani, Minister of Social Development and in the presence of His Excellency Sheikh Muhanna bin Saif Al Lamki, Governor of North Al Batinah, Sohar Aluminium (SA) headed by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Eng. Said bin Mohammed Al Masoudi along with Mohammad Ismail Al Balushi, Chairman of Al Noor Association for the Blind in Wilayat Sohar, successfully unveiled a fully-fledged 500 square meter premises for the Al Noor Association for the Blind in Wilayat Sohar.

The event was attended by their Excellencies the Walis and members of Al Shura Council, along with General Managers from the Private and Public sectors in Al Batinah and members of the community.

As part of the company’s steadfast commitment to enhancing the lives of each and every member of the community, the OMR 120,000 building aims to improve the quality of life of more than 300 visually impaired individuals from Al Batinah North and South, Ad Dhahirah as well as Al Buraimi Governorates.

The newly opened premises will offer a wealth of programmes to support the visually impaired such as courses in using Braille Typewriters, Braille Sense Displays and Notetakers, computer lessons, employment programmes as well as coordinating with the relevant authorities to ensure employment.

Furthermore, the Al Noor Association will also organize Hajj and Umra excursions from its new premises and provide Ramadan Rations to those in need. The state-of-the-art branch consists of a reception hall, multi-purpose hall, fully equipped computer labs for males and females, Braille printing facilities, meeting rooms, a library and a preparatory kitchen and will also include offices for the President and Vice President of the Association’s Board of Directors and the Association’s Treasurer.

The Al Noor Association for the Blind in Wilayat Sohar has been built with the intention of raising awareness about visually impaired people’s rights, and empowering them to improve their lives. It will go a long way towards instilling the visually impaired with the confidence and tools they need to lead productive lives and to this end, Sohar Aluminium is proud to continue playing an instrumental role in the communities it serves.