MoSD marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities, honours achievers

MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD), marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Sunday by honouring a group of outstanding individuals with disabilities for their achievements in arts, culture, innovation and sports.
The ceremony, held under the auspices of Nasr bin Hamoud al Kindi, Secretary-General of the Royal Court Affairs, highlighted the capabilities and accomplishments of persons with disabilities, while promoting their empowerment, social integration and full participation in society.
The celebration underscored national efforts to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities and support their active role in development, in line with Oman’s commitment to inclusive growth.
Mohammed bin Ahmed al Mahrouqi, Director-General of the Directorate-General for Persons with Disabilities at the Ministry of Social Development, said the 2025 observance — designated by the United Nations under the theme ‘Building Inclusive Societies for Persons with Disabilities and Advancing Social Progress’ — aims to promote the rights, well-being and integration of persons with disabilities across social, economic, cultural and developmental sectors.
He added that the event also seeks to strengthen partnerships among government, private and civil society institutions, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which emphasises building a more inclusive society that guarantees equal opportunities for all.
The ceremony honoured distinguished individuals, including Ahmed bin Mohammed al Salehi for excellence in design and photography; Al Baraa bin Omar al Jabri for media presentation and programme hosting; and Bushra al Kindi, a talented artist with Down syndrome, who has participated in several exhibitions and won gold in bocce at the 2023 annual festival for persons with disabilities.
In sports, Tharaa al Ghafri was recognised for her achievements in equestrian events at the Special Olympics Regional Competition in Al Ain in 2025, while Sarah al Balushi was honoured for her medal-winning performances at the Special Olympics World Games and national disability festivals.
Other honourees included visual artist Salem bin Abdullah al Mahrouqi, runner Saja al Rawahi, poets Abdul Hafiz bin Suhail al Rawas and Mohammed bin Ismail al Balushi, innovator Awad bin Salem al Mazidi, and Mujahid bin Ishaq al Sarhani, the official global spokesperson for Special Olympics International (MENA) for 2024-2027.
The event celebrated stories of determination, creativity and excellence, reaffirming Oman’s commitment to empowering persons with disabilities and recognising their valuable contributions to society. - ONA