MUSCAT, APRIL 1
The Ministry of Social Development highlighted the ministry’s key achievements in 2025 and its future plans to advance the social development system in the Sultanate of Oman.
The ministry held an annual media briefing under the theme 'Empowerment that Creates Impact' at The St Regis Al Mouj Muscat, in the presence of Dr Laila bint Ahmed al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, and the under-secretaries.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Laila reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to advancing the social sector and strengthening the comprehensive protection and care system. She noted that this commitment has brought about a qualitative transformation in social protection policies, evidenced by the continued disbursement of social security pensions to over 100,000 citizens at a cost of RO 178 million, as well as the directive to assess the status of households eligible for the Family Income Support benefit within the social protection system.
She said that the ministry has achieved 100 per cent of its 2025 performance targets as outlined in Oman Vision 2040, reflecting the progress made in implementing social programmes and enhancing their developmental impact.
Additional measures include the establishment of marriage funds across various governorates, the issuance of a Royal Decree regulating premarital medical examinations, the allocation of RO 7 million for the construction of an Autism Spectrum Disorder Care and Rehabilitation Centre, the enactment of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Law, and the creation of a new sector at the level of under-secretary within the ministry's structure to oversee services provided to persons with disabilities.
Shaikh Rashid bin Ahmed al Shamsi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development for Family Affairs and Community Development, explained the transition from the previous social security system to the new Social Protection Fund. He clarified that ongoing reviews and assessments were not a continuation of the former system but part of efforts to ensure fairness and sustainability in support mechanisms.
The ministry reported a 100-per cent completion rate of its 2025 targets under Oman Vision 2040, demonstrating the effectiveness of social programmes in economic empowerment, beneficiary satisfaction and the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the workforce.
Regarding disability services, the ministry operated 139 rehabilitation centres serving nearly 9,933 beneficiaries. Assistive devices were provided to over 10,000 individuals, along with training programmes and initiatives to integrate persons with disabilities into the labour market.
Dr Abdullah bin Hamoud al Harthy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development for Persons with Disabilities Affairs, highlighted the ministry’s focus on early diagnosis, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities and promote their active inclusion in society.
The ministry also expanded family services, offering social assistance to more than 23,000 beneficiaries and supporting home-based businesses and job creation for low-income families.
In child protection, the ministry expanded early childhood services to 364 nurseries and addressed numerous cases of child abuse through specialised mechanisms like the Child Protection Hotline and regulatory frameworks.
The ministry provided services to around 6,996 elderly beneficiaries, including home care, assistive devices and family support programmes, with a decrease in institutional care cases due to successful community-based care approaches.
Private sector contributions to social programmes increased by 61%, and community participation benefited over 378,000 individuals.
Digital platforms like ‘Ayadi’ and ‘Jood’ played a significant role in enhancing volunteer and charitable work.
With an 87-per cent digitalisation rate and 60 e-services, the ministry improved accessibility and service efficiency.
The 2026 plan focuses on strategic projects like expanding rehabilitation services, enhancing women’s empowerment, developing elderly care programmes and launching initiatives to improve quality of life in line with Oman’s sustainable development goals.
