Are things getting better for Omanis with disabilities?

In an article I recently wrote titled “Are Things Getting Better for Disabled People in the Middle East? The Case of Oman,” I explored the experiences of Omanis with physical impairments to understand how much progress has truly been made. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 19 participants from across the country, the study revealed a story of both promise and frustration — a landscape defined by progress on paper but persistent barriers in daily life.
Over the past few years, Oman has made notable strides toward inclusion. The 2025 Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the 2023 Social Protection Law are landmark reforms that represent a growing recognition that disability is not simply a medical matter, but a social and rights-based issue.
Yet, this progress remains uneven. Physical accessibility continues to be one of the most pressing challenges. Many public buildings, schools, and even government offices are inaccessible to wheelchair users. In rural areas, the situation is even more difficult — there are no clear building codes, few adapted transportation options, and limited awareness of accessibility. One participant described feeling “trapped” in her own home because public facilities were impossible to navigate. Others recounted stories of airlines mishandling wheelchairs or refusing to transport them. These barriers hinder not only mobility but also education and employment opportunities.
Employment, in particular, still reflects symbolic inclusion rather than genuine equality. Although Omani law requires companies to hire workers with disabilities, several interviewees described a practice in which some employers pay reduced salaries to employees who stay at home, simply to meet legal quotas. As one participant said, “That’s not empowerment — it’s dependency in disguise.” Many Omanis with disabilities want meaningful careers that build their skills and self-worth, not charity-based treatment that reinforces stereotypes.
Representation is another area where much remains to be done. Despite a growing presence of advocates with disabilities in civil society, almost no persons with disabilities hold high-level government or leadership roles in Oman. The few disability associations that exist are often under-resourced and tightly controlled, limiting their capacity to influence policy. Participants repeatedly argued that real inclusion begins when people with disabilities themselves are trusted with decision-making power — when they move from being spoken for to speaking for themselves.
Social media, however, has become a crucial space for visibility and voice. Influencers, who collaborated in this study, use platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram to share experiences, raise concerns, and advocate for accessibility. These online spaces help shift perceptions and encourage dialogue, though online influence still rarely translates into policy change.
There is one important issue I did not address in the original article but plan to write more about: marriage and disability, especially for women. Several participants hinted at it indirectly, revealing how women with physical impairments face deeper social stigma than men. While men with disabilities often marry or discuss marriage openly, women with similar conditions are frequently discouraged, overprotected, or viewed as “unfit” for partnership. This unequal treatment highlights the intersection of gender and disability — a topic that deserves more public discussion in Oman.
Oman’s journey toward inclusion reflects a broader Middle Eastern trend: Many countries have ratified international disability conventions but still struggle with implementation. Real progress will depend on shifting from symbolic inclusion to structural change — through stronger laws, better enforcement, inclusive infrastructure, and leadership opportunities for citizens with disabilities.
The message from the study’s participants is clear: inclusion begins with law, but it ends with action. Omanis with disabilities do not want pity — they want access, autonomy and equality. If Oman acts on the solid foundation it has already built, it has the potential to become a regional leader in disability inclusion.