Oman’s CSR accomplishments in 2025: From charity to impact

The evolution of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in 2025 saw Oman adapting CSR to long-term strategic programmes rather than discrete acts of corporate philanthropy. This evolution took place in all sectors of the economy including telecommunications, banking, insurance, logistics and energy. Companies began to align CSR with sustainable development, job readiness, community health, and environmental protection in accordance with Oman Vision 2040’s goal of economic, social and environmental balance
The Oman CSR Forum conducted in Muscat in December 2025 underscored the importance of this direction where organisations are no longer treating CSR as an extraneous activity but rather integrating it into the core of their business activities. This change brings the opportunity for more effective CSR programmes where planning, budgeting and outcomes measurement are the focus. Outcomes for measurement would be jobs created, skills gained and emissions reduced as opposed to charity measurement of dollars donated.
One of the most modern approaches was the use of recognition and awards. Digitally integrated tools, Empirical and Omantel, received two awards for innovation and technology-driven social responsibility, highlighting how digital tools are being integrated into the delivery of social responsibility. Oman Arab Bank, in the financial sector, received an award for corporate social responsibility practices at the Oman Leadership Awards 2025, reflecting growing expectations for banks to contribute to social and economic empowerment beyond financing. Meanwhile, Takaful Oman received the “Excellence in Social Responsibility Award 2025”, recognising its leading role in corporate social responsibility across a wide range of sectors, particularly in Islamic finance and insurance.
One of the most important institutional changes in 2025 took place in the energy sector, where a formal foundation for social responsibility was established. This signalled a shift towards structured and coordinated social investment, rather than ad hoc initiatives. This is particularly relevant in Oman, where large energy companies have long played a positive role in community development, with a growing focus on providing sustainable frameworks. These companies have been closely involved in training, small business support and community services in the areas surrounding their operations, underpinned by frameworks designed to ensure continuity, transparency and sustainability while responding to evolving community needs.
Oman’s CSR advancement in 2025 was also closely tied to environmental concerns. Oman Vision 2040 sets out clear goals for environmental sustainability and natural resource management. In this context, the role of the private sector in conservation efforts, renewable energy advocacy and responsible resource use is increasingly important. As global ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) frameworks become more mainstream, the Omani business community is moving beyond viewing CSR as charitable “doing good” and is instead refocusing on building prosperous and resilient communities alongside sustainable businesses for the future.
Overall, 2025 illustrates that CSR in Oman is becoming more sophisticated, more measurable and more closely aligned with national development priorities. With stronger advocacy, first-of-its-kind industry-wide collaborations and growing recognition of responsible corporate citizenship, Oman stands on the cusp of a paradigm shift in which social responsibility becomes the default standard of business citizenship.