Oman
CSR Forum Focuses on Adopting Sustainable Institutional Programs

Muscat,
22 Dec 2025 (ONA) — The Oman Forum and Awards for Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR), organized today in Muscat by United Media Services (UMS),
emphasized the importance of developing the institutional CSR framework and
enhancing its role as a supporting tool for sustainable economic and social
development in the Sultanate of Oman.

The
opening of the forum was held under the auspices of Dr. Mahad Said Ba’Owain,
Minister of Labour.

The
second edition of this forum focuses on the transition of CSR from individual
initiatives to an integrated national system based on governance, impact
measurement, and the maximization of social and economic returns.

Said
Masoud Al Maashani, Deputy CEO of United Media Services, stated in his speech
that the forum highlights CSR as a strategic tool to support national policies
and build trust between institutions and society. He stressed the importance of
governance, unifying efforts, and maximizing the socio-economic returns from
community investments in alignment with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.

Mubarak
Khamis Al Hamdani, Director of the National Office for Future Foresight at the
Ministry of Economy, explained that modern international trends are moving
toward linking CSR with long-term financial performance. This is achieved by
transitioning to more committed models based on legislation, disclosure, impact
measurement, and linking social and environmental performance to value chains
and investment.

Majda
Shikhan Al Maamari, Director of the Sustainable Investment Center at the Muscat
Stock Exchange, underscored the importance of enhancing governance and
disclosure, unifying concepts and standards, and adopting clear methodologies
for impact measurement. She noted the pivotal role of the Muscat Stock Exchange
in encouraging listed companies to adopt sustainability practices and
disclosure according to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards.

During
the forum, Dr. Walid Khalid Al Rajhi, Dean of Planning and Quality Management
at the University of Nizwa, reviewed the university’s experience in
establishing an integrated CSR system. He confirmed that the university has
contributed to building a sustainable institutional structure based on
strategic planning, integration of roles, and impact measurement.

Hamoud
Mohammed Al Shizani, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Oman Association
for the Hearing Impaired, spoke about the association’s central role in empowering
persons with hearing disabilities and enhancing their integration into society.
This is achieved through an integrated system of programs and initiatives,
including rehabilitation, training, spreading awareness of sign language, and
providing hearing aids and assistive technologies.

Amna
Ibrahim Al Shizawiya, Corporate Communications Specialist at the Jusoor
Foundation, reviewed the foundation’s experience in building an institutional model
for CSR based on governance and sustainability. She emphasized that the
transition from simple initiatives to sustainable developmental programs
requires clear frameworks for organization, planning, and impact measurement.

Eng.
Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Balushi, Head of the Construction and Maintenance
Department at the Dar Al Atta’a Association, presented a working paper
reviewing the association’s efforts to transform charitable work into an
institutional developmental system. This system is based on sustainability,
empowering deserving groups, and maximizing the social impact of initiatives.
He noted that the association implements integrated programs covering housing,
education, social support, and economic empowerment, while adopting best
practices in governance and transparency.

Basma
Hamad Al Kiyumi, Head of the Business Development Department at the Omani
Women’s Academy, reviewed the academy’s role in empowering women and building
their professional and leadership capacities. She explained that the academy
works to develop women’s skills in multiple fields and enhance their economic
and societal participation through specialized training and development
programs.

The
forum featured an extensive panel discussion titled “Corporate Social
Responsibility in Oman: From Initiatives to a Sustainable National
System.” Participants discussed the current state of CSR and the
challenges associated with unifying efforts and transforming individual
initiatives into sustainable institutional programs. The session emphasized the
importance of governance, impact measurement, and strengthening partnerships
between the public and private sectors and civil society institutions, in
addition to the role of companies in maximizing the social and economic returns
of their community investments.

—Ends/AG