MUSCAT, DEC 20
The two-day Village of Happiness Carnival, inaugurated by Dr Khamis bin Saif al Jabri, Chairman of Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, at the Oman Civil Aviation Club on Friday, concluded successfully on Saturday. Organised by HH Sayyidah Hujaija bint Jaifer al Said, Chairperson of the Association for Children with Disabilities, and managed by the Civil Aviation Club, the carnival was held to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The event reflected the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, particularly the Human and Society pillar, which focuses on building an inclusive society, empowering persons with disabilities, and ensuring their active participation in social, economic and cultural life.
In her address, HH Sayyidah Hujaija bint Jaifer al Said congratulated persons with disabilities and expressed her appreciation to strategic partners and sponsors whose support ensured that the carnival was fully accessible and offered free of charge to children and their families.
The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with national partners, participated in the opening ceremony, aligning with this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities theme: 'Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress.'
The opening ceremony featured a traditional Omani dance performed by children from the Hams Al Atheer Rehabilitation Center, followed by stage activities hosted by Mohammed bin Mousa al Balushi, a media presenter and a person with disability, underscoring the importance of empowerment and inclusion in leadership roles.
Dr Jean Jabbour, WHO Representative in Oman, highlighted that disability is an integral part of human diversity that enriches society, stressing the need to shift perspectives from limitations to capabilities.
The carnival also supported small and medium enterprises owned by persons with disabilities, offering a platform to showcase products and generate sustainable income, in line with the social and economic sustainability goals of Oman Vision 2040. Among the participants was young entrepreneur Fatma Al Zahra al Lawati, who operated a stall featuring perfumed creams and handmade soaps, skills she acquired through the Down Syndrome Association.
Over 2,000 children with disabilities and their families took part in the carnival, alongside students from local schools, promoting values of coexistence, diversity and inclusiveness. Visitors enjoyed more than 30 activities, including educational workshops, arts and crafts, magic shows, horse riding, adapted car rides, face painting, circus performances and cartoon character shows — all designed with accessibility in mind.
The event also featured dedicated zones for leading Omani SMEs specialising in children’s entertainment, with complimentary food and beverages provided free of charge, reinforcing community support and social welfare.
The successful conclusion of the Village of Happiness Carnival highlighted the strength of collaboration between government entities, the private sector and civil society, combining entertainment, education and social empowerment to create an inclusive environment for children and adults with disabilities in Oman.
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