Latest news with #MinistryofEndowmentsandReligiousAffairs
Muscat Daily
3 days ago
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
New working group to oversee halal food compliance in Oman
Muscat – Following a ministerial decision (No 215/2025) issued by H E Dr Saud bin Hamoud bin Ahmed al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the ministry has established a dedicated working group to regulate halal foods in the country. Chaired by Director of Department of Food Specifications and Conformity at the ministry, the group will include representatives from Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs. It will set controls and requirements for halal foods, review and update technical regulations, and re-examine approvals granted to food establishments exporting meat and poultry to Oman. The working group will also coordinate overseas inspections of exporters certified by authorised halal bodies, conduct field visits to local producers and develop a framework for accrediting foreign establishments. Additionally, it will look into governance reforms by creating a system for appointing authorised halal-certification bodies in line with international standards. Halal food – 'permissible' in Arabic – follows dietary guidelines in the Quran that emphasise cleanliness, animal welfare and hygiene. Certification involves auditing preparation practices to ensure the supply chain – from slaughtering to packaging – complies with Islamic law. The decision generated reaction from citizens on social media. Dr Ahmed al Mahrouqi welcomed the move, calling it 'a vital step towards ensuring Omani consumers have complete confidence in the religious and hygienic integrity of what they eat'. He added that aligning certification with global practices would also strengthen Oman's position in international food trade. Another citizen, Khalid al Hinai, said the move reflected 'a strong commitment to Sharia-compliant food standards' and would ensure both imported and locally produced meat products meet the highest religious requirements. 'This will not only boost consumer trust but also strengthen Oman's position as a leader in the halal sector,' he said. Hinai added that hygiene is one of the key reasons many prefer halal food. 'From slaughtering animals to packaging products, hygiene is paramount. This means fewer chances of contamination, resulting in safer food for consumption.'
Ammon
06-08-2025
- Politics
- Ammon
Israeli authorities extend Al-Aqsa ban on Jerusalem's Grand Mufti for six months
Ammon News - Israeli authorities issued a six-month ban on Sheikh Muhammad Hussein, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and the Palestinian Territories, banning him from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque. The Jerusalem Governorate, citing lawyer Khaldoun Najm, affirmed that the occupation decided to ban Sheikh Hussein from Al-Aqsa for six months, following the expiration of his eight-day ban. This ban was imposed following his Friday sermon in which he denounced the occupation's starvation policy against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. Israeli forces had summoned Sheikh Hussein on July 27 and handed him an initial eight-day expulsion order from the mosque, with the possibility of renewal. The Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs condemned the Israeli decision. It said in a statement on Wednesday that the ban of the Mufti is a clear attempt by the occupation to empty Al-Aqsa of religious authorities who confront its plans and demonstrate the extent and scope of its violations in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank in general, and Al-Aqsa Mosque in particular. WAFA
Muscat Daily
05-08-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Omani Haj Mission reports 96% pilgrim satisfaction
Muscat – Omani Haj Mission for 1446 AH has reported increased satisfaction among pilgrims, with overall satisfaction for services in Mina and Arafat camps reaching 96%, compared to 89% last year. The figures were shared at a press conference held on Tuesday by H E Ahmed bin Saleh al Rashidi, Undersecretary in Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs and Head of the Haj Mission for 1446 AH. H E Rashidi stated that satisfaction with haj and umrah companies in Makkah and Madinah – covering awareness, guidance, logistics, food and other services – reached 98%. Satisfaction with security services stood at 100% and 99% for health services. The electronic registration system for Omani pilgrims also received high praise, recording a satisfaction rate of 99%. Satisfaction with entry and exit services via land and air ports reached 97.6%. According to the ministry, 5,122 pilgrims travelled by road and 8,878 by air, taking the total number of pilgrims to 14,000. Several initiatives were implemented this year to improve the haj experience, including Awqaf Bait al Rabat, which supported over 150 pilgrims with assistance amounting to more than RO150,000.
Observer
02-08-2025
- Business
- Observer
Charitable sector's role in Oman's development
In Oman, the charitable sector—comprising voluntary teams, non-profit organisations, waqf-based entities, and government-linked foundations—plays a vital role in driving inclusive economic development. From direct poverty alleviation to support for entrepreneurship, social welfare, and empowerment, charitable organisations contribute significantly to national development strategies outlined in Oman Vision 2040 and national five-year plans. This article examines the regulatory and institutional landscape, key stakeholders and initiatives, economic development mechanisms, evidence of impact, prevailing challenges, alignment with Vision 2040, and potential future directions. REGULATORY AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK Legal structure & oversight: In 2024, Oman's Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) introduced new regulations requiring charities to obtain licenses before soliciting public donations. Organisations must maintain transparent records and submit detailed reports within 15 working days after any fundraising campaign. Violations may lead to penalties, license suspension, or revocation. Government ministries and waqf oversight: The Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs (MARA) supervises Islamic charitable mechanisms such as zakat and waqf (endowments). It ensures endowment assets are protected and utilised to support sustainable charitable projects in health, education, and social welfare. Government-established foundations: MoSD's 2025 launch of the Bait Al Hassan Charitable Foundation reflects a shift toward more structured and strategic philanthropy. It supports education, youth empowerment, and regional development through partnerships with civil society and the private sector. KEY PLAYERS AND INSTITUTIONAL ACTORS National charities and volunteer teams: Well-known national NGOs like Dar Al-Atta'a, Al Rahma Association, and Oman Charitable Organisation have long operated across Oman. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they provided crucial support through food distribution, financial aid, and education assistance, often coordinated through volunteer teams. Corporate-led and CSR-centred funds: The Tawasul Charitable Organisation, founded in the Duqm Special Economic Zone, links CSR initiatives with community development. It funds training centres, vocational programmes, and SME support in underserved areas, bridging corporate capital with social needs. SME Support via Waqf-Backed Funds: The Ishraq Endowment Investment Fund, introduced in 2024, uses a sustainable waqf model to fund charitable services while investing in growth-oriented sectors. Initial capital of RO 10 million provides a base for Sharia-compliant returns that support educational, medical, and housing assistance. Dedicated SME development vehicles: Sharakah, established in 1998, blends charitable principles with economic objectives. It provides financing and mentorship to entrepreneurs, supporting job creation and private sector participation in line with national goals. MECHANISMS: HOW CHARITIES SUPPORT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Direct poverty alleviation and social welfare: Charities provide essential support—cash transfers, food aid, utility bill payments, and emergency relief. In 2021, RO 3.5 million was mobilised to help families impacted by the pandemic, stabilising livelihoods and preventing deeper poverty. Financial inclusion and micro-credits: Microfinance initiatives like the Sanad Programme give job seekers and low-income families access to interest-free loans. This supports self-employment and income-generating activities, particularly for youth and women. Entrepreneurship and youth empowerment: Charities like Bait Al Hassan and Tawasul offer entrepreneurship workshops, business incubators, and mentorship schemes that enable youth and women to launch startups. These programmes also help diversify Oman's economy beyond oil. Capacity building and skills development: Many charities invest in human capital through vocational training, STEM education, and financial literacy. These initiatives directly align with Vision 2040's human development pillars, ensuring future workforce readiness. CSR channels and hybrid models: Corporate social responsibility efforts, especially those led by large infrastructure or tourism firms, support community-based initiatives such as artisan training, eco-tourism, and sustainable agriculture, adding an economic layer to charitable goals. ECONOMIC IMPACTS AND OUTCOMES Job creation and SME growth: Access to micro-credit, training, and advisory services leads to the launch of thousands of micro-enterprises and SMEs annually. These businesses generate employment, especially in rural and underserved regions. Poverty reduction and human capital improvement: Education sponsorships, health support, and food security initiatives break the cycle of poverty. By enabling access to essential services, charities help beneficiaries move toward long-term economic self-sufficiency. Social cohesion and national solidarity: Charities often serve diverse populations, fostering inclusion regardless of gender, age, or economic background. They help reintegrate vulnerable groups—such as the disabled, single mothers, or migrants—into the broader economy. Supporting economic diversification: Charitable and waqf-based funds channel investment into non-oil sectors like education, healthcare, and agriculture, aiding in the national shift toward a knowledge-based economy. CHALLENGES FACING THE CHARITABLE SECTOR The charitable sector is highly dependent on fluctuating donations: During downturns, such as the 2016 austerity phase, many organisations struggled to maintain services. Sector fragmentation and limited coordination: Oman hosts many small, independent NGOs and volunteer teams. Without coordinated platforms, overlapping efforts reduce efficiency and dilute potential impact. Capacity and governance deficits: Many organisations lack skilled staff and professional systems to monitor, evaluate, and report on programmes. This limits their ability to attract sustained donor support. Regulatory burden and compliance issues: While new legal frameworks increase transparency, they also add administrative complexity. Smaller organisations may lack the resources to comply, risking suspension or fines. Well-known national NGOs like Dar Al-Atta'a, Al Rahma Association, and Oman Charitable Organisation have long operated across Oman. ALIGNMENT WITH OMAN VISION 2040 & NATIONAL STRATEGIES Developing human capital: By funding schools, training teachers, and providing scholarships, the charitable sector enhances Oman's educational capacity—central to Vision 2040's goals. Promoting economic diversification: Waqf investment funds and social entrepreneurship hubs create new income streams outside oil, helping Oman transition toward a more resilient and diversified economy. Enhancing social protection and inclusion: Charities provide a vital safety net, ensuring that vulnerable populations are supported while being empowered to become active economic contributors. FUTURE DIRECTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Scale through digital platforms: Digital tools like Tarabut Gateway and online donation systems should be expanded to unify charity efforts, centralise data, and track impact in real-time. Strengthen capacity and professionalism: Investing in leadership, training, and organisational systems is crucial. Government and donors should provide institutional support and technical training. Expand waqf and endowment-based financing: Waqf models offer sustainability and growth. More institutional waqf funds should be established to reduce dependence on annual donations. Deepen private sector integration: CSR strategies should be embedded in corporate policies, with clear impact metrics. Partnerships between firms and charities amplify social and economic returns. Focus on women, youth, and marginalised communities: Targeted programmes for women entrepreneurs, rural youth, and persons with disabilities can significantly enhance inclusiveness and innovation. Improve monitoring, evaluation, and research: Rigorous data collection and analysis are essential. Academic partnerships and government agencies should help develop national charity performance dashboards. CONCLUSION Oman's charitable sector is an indispensable pillar of its economic development strategy. Through job creation, SME development, education, and social support, charities make meaningful contributions to the country's Vision 2040. As regulatory frameworks strengthen and new waqf models emerge, the sector stands poised to deepen its impact—provided it addresses fragmentation, enhances professionalism, and continues aligning with national development priorities.
Saba Yemen
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Gaza Endowments: Zionist enemy commits crime by storming Turkish cemetery
Gaza – Saba: The Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs in the Gaza Strip confirmed that the Zionist enemy committed a new crime by storming the Turkish cemetery west of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, exhuming graves, and stealing the bodies of the dead. The ministry said in a statement received by the Yemeni News Agency (Saba): "This is a scene that transcends the limits of humanity and is devoid of all religious and international values and norms. Whatsapp Telegram Email more of (International)
