STAFF REPORTER
SUHAR, SEPT 20
Waqf investments implemented in Al Batinah North Governorate exceeded RO 170,000 in 2026, reflecting growing efforts to develop endowment assets and enhance their financial sustainability.
Najeeb bin Salim al Rahili, Assistant Director at the Directorate of Endowments and Religious Affairs in Al Batinah North Governorate, said the governorate is continuing efforts to develop the Waqf system, grow and invest endowment funds, and ensure that Waqf assets fulfil the objectives set by their founders.
Al Rahili who spoke during a dialogue session on the development of Waqf investments in Al Batinah North, said the investment growth reflects the Ministry’s increasing focus on moving beyond the preservation of endowment assets towards their development and the maximisation of returns.
He said the approach is aimed at growing Waqf funds and diversifying investment opportunities to achieve sustainable returns while preserving the underlying assets. This would strengthen their ability to support beneficiaries and finance the charitable and philanthropic purposes designated by endowers.
Al Rahili also highlighted significant growth in new Waqf assets during the year, with their value reaching approximately RO 2.5 million. He said the addition represents an important expansion of the governorate’s endowment asset base and will enhance its future capacity to generate sustainable returns.
He stressed that increasing Waqf assets and investing them effectively are key pillars in developing the endowment sector. Such efforts contribute to financial sustainability, improve management efficiency and transform endowment assets into productive resources capable of generating social and economic benefits.
Al Rahili pointed to the growing shift in Oman’s Waqf sector towards modern management and sustainable investment, including the effective use of available resources and development of endowment assets based on sound economic and administrative principles.
He said these efforts are aligned with Oman Vision 2040, particularly its objectives related to financial sustainability, resource development, community partnership and the effective utilisation of Waqf as a component of Oman’s social economy.
He noted that the implementation of more than RO 170,000 in Waqf investments, together with the addition of approximately RO 2.5 million in new assets in one year, demonstrates the scale of efforts to activate and develop the endowment sector.
Al Rahili said the Ministry will continue to develop Waqf investments, identify new opportunities and diversify Waqf portfolios and assets to maximise returns and generate greater benefits for society while safeguarding the trust placed by endowers in the institutions managing their endowments.
He said the latest indicators demonstrate that Waqf is not merely a historical legacy, but a dynamic economic and social resource capable of supporting development needs and contributing to a more sustainable future for Waqf and society.
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