Muscat: The Ministry of Social Development today held a media briefing under the theme "Empowerment That Makes an Impact," during which it presented its most notable achievements, key performance indicators, and future plans and strategic aspirations across the various sectors under its mandate. Dr. Laila Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, reaffirmed the 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 led to a transformation in social protection policies, including the disbursement of social security pensions to over 100,000 citizens at a cost of RO 178 million and the directive to assess households eligible for the Family Income Support benefit.
According to Oman News Agency, additional measures include the establishment of marriage funds across various governorates, a Royal Decree regulating premarital medical examinations, and the allocation of RO 7 million for an Autism Spectrum Disorder Care and Rehabilitation Center. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Law was enacted, and a new sector at the Undersecretary level was created within the Ministry to oversee services for persons with disabilities.
Dr. Laila stated that the Ministry achieved 100 percent of its 2025 performance targets as outlined in Oman Vision 2040. These targets included the percentage of families benefiting from the Family Income Support benefit, the percentage of economically empowered families, and the satisfaction rate of service beneficiaries. The Ministry also focused on employment for Omani persons with disabilities, early intervention services for young persons with disabilities, and the growth rate of annual donations through the "Jood" donation platform.
The minister outlined the Ministry's 2026 plan, aiming to implement developmental projects such as issuing executive regulations for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Law, establishing specialized rehabilitation centers, and completing the National Registry for Persons with Disabilities. The plan also includes reviewing legislation related to children and juveniles, enhancing women's leadership empowerment, and launching initiatives like the "Rafaqat Hayah" program.
Dr. Abdullah Hamoud Al Harthy, Undersecretary for Persons with Disabilities Affairs, explained that the Ministry intensified efforts to enhance participation of persons with disabilities in economic and social life. The "Be With Us for Them" initiative graduated 60 individuals, with 39 entering the labor market. The second edition of the "Mawhoob" initiative empowered persons with disabilities in the tourism sector, leading to employment for several trainees.
He noted the "South Al Batinah: Friendly to Persons with Disabilities" initiative aimed at enhancing inclusive environments and the "Mu'in" initiative focused on developing services for persons with disabilities in A'Dhahirah Governorate. The National Guide for Licensing, Classification, and Quality Standards for institutions serving persons with disabilities was also issued.
The sector achieved results in 2025, including the expansion of rehabilitation services through licenses for 20 new centers for persons with disabilities. The National Autism Center gained international recognition, including admission to the QABA Credentialing Board and renewal as a Certified Autism Center. Furthermore, 358 persons with disabilities were integrated into schools.
Sheikh Rashid Ahmed Al Shamsi, Undersecretary for Family and Community Development Affairs, stated that efforts continued to strengthen social protection systems, develop family empowerment programs, and promote volunteer work. By the end of 2025, these efforts benefited more than 23,000 recipients with assistance totaling over RO 17 million.
He added that the Ministry is working towards a safe environment for children, improving the quality of services, and expanding early childhood services with 32 new nurseries. The "Child Protection Guide" serves as a comprehensive reference for safeguarding children, while the "National Guide for Foster Family Child Care" regulates care mechanisms for children deprived of family care.
Efforts to enhance the economic independence of families included providing 82 job opportunities for family members of low-income families and supporting 108 home-based projects with financial support exceeding RO 54,000. Exhibitions for productive family projects were organized to market products and enhance productive capacities.