5.15% return on orphans’ funds recorded

MUSCAT: The Department of Orphans’ and Minors’ Funds at the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs (MoARA) reported strong financial and investment performance in 2025, underscoring efficient fund management and prudent investment policies aligned with the goals of Oman Vision 2040.
Talib bin Ali al Hinai, Assistant Director-General for Orphans’ and Minors’ Affairs at MoARA, said the total return on investment reached 5.15 per cent — a stable and sound rate considering the department’s focus on low-risk investment instruments.
He explained that the process begins with competent courts transferring inherited assets of orphaned minors to the ministry. The department then assumes responsibility for safeguarding the inheritance, ensuring its growth through diversified investments across projects in Oman, while fully protecting beneficiaries’ rights.
Al Hinai noted that an income diversification strategy has strengthened financial stability, with revenues split between real estate investments (53 per cent) and investment agencies (47 per cent).
Real estate investments posted solid net returns, supported by an income-generating asset portfolio and healthy profit margins after operating expenses. Meanwhile, investment agencies — particularly bank deposits and sukuk — delivered steady, low-risk returns, enhancing liquidity to meet the needs of orphans referred by the courts.
By the end of 2025, the number of registered orphans and minors under the department’s care had reached approximately 19,000, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to safeguarding and developing their funds within a comprehensive framework of governance, regulatory controls and approved procedures.
In parallel, the ministry is implementing qualitative initiatives aimed at equipping orphans with essential financial management skills.
These programmes are designed to build a solid foundation in financial literacy and practical money management, supporting their long-term financial independence.