MUSCAT – In a statement covering six key pillars, Her Excellency emphasised that the Sultanate is moving away from traditional material aid models in favour of sustainable empowerment. The session addressed critical societal issues, including juvenile delinquency prevention, family protection, and the growing role of civil society.

Her Excellency Dr. Laila Najjar highlighted that over RO 17 million was disbursed in social assistance to 22,000 cases last year, while affirming that the ministry is actively monitoring social phenomena – such as street vending – to ensure that genuine cases of need receive targeted support.

The Minister also pointed out that more than 10,000 individuals benefited from the ‘Ease Their Burden’ initiative. Social development committees and affiliated volunteer teams also provided over RO12 million in support to more than 350,000 families.

The Minister reported that more than 8,000 individuals have been registered in the Disabled Persons’ Card System. She added that 145 governmental, private and community rehabilitation centres operate across various governorates, serving more than 9,800 beneficiaries.

In the family development sector, the number of licensed nursery facilities exceeds 300 across Oman. In addition, more than 3,900 family guidance and counselling services have been delivered, and over 660 productive families were supported to participate in local and international exhibitions.
The Minister also noted that charitable associations receive land support under the directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.

Responding to a question regarding children and families selling water, tea and other items on the streets — a phenomenon that has raised public concern — the Minister said many such cases involve expatriates. She acknowledged that Omani cases do exist and are more visible to the public, affirming that these are directly monitored and studied by the Ministry, which provides assistance to families in need.