Second-quarter net profit at Oman International Bank, the sultanate's fourth-largest bank by market value, fell 36 per cent, missing analysts expectations.

The bank made a second-quarter net profit of RO3.5 million ($9.09 million), Reuters calculated based on the bank's previous financial statements. This compares to RO5.47 million the lender posted in the second quarter of 2009.

The results fell short of analysts' average forecast of RO5.6 million in a Reuters poll.

OIB reported a profit of RO9.23 million in the first six months of the year. First quarter net profit was RO5.66 million.

Banks throughout the Gulf have taken a hit in recent quarters due to a rise in provisions against bad debts, which have dampened profits and slowed credit growth. OIB did not release a detailed financial statement.

Shares of Oman International Bank are down 3 percent this year.-Reuters