MUSCAT: Citizens with disabilities across Oman have expressed strong support and gratitude following His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s directives to establish a new sector under the Ministry of Social Development dedicated to persons with disabilities. This sector, positioned at the undersecretary level, is designed to address challenges faced by this segment of society, enhance access to education and training, and improve their participation in public life. The initiative underscores His Majesty’s deep care and his commitment to empowering citizens with disabilities, while signalling a transformative approach to the quality of services provided.
This newly created sector is expected to unify efforts and provide a centralised platform for improving disability-related services nationwide. By consolidating resources and decision-making, it will enable faster policy implementation, coordinated programmes, and more comprehensive support. Citizens and association leaders have praised the move as a historic step forward, reflecting a humanitarian vision that prioritises inclusivity and social justice. They note that the initiative will not only improve service delivery but also strengthen the institutional capacity to respond to evolving needs.
Prominent figures from associations such as the Omani Association for the Hearing Impaired, the Children with Disabilities Association, and the Oman Autism Association highlighted the far-reaching implications of this decision. They emphasised the importance of developing a flexible, comprehensive system for education, occupational rehabilitation, and training to create equitable opportunities in the labour market. The new sector will also establish clear national standards for services, ensuring consistency across government departments while fostering public-private partnerships for greater impact.
Many citizens with disabilities have echoed these sentiments, noting that the sector will bring empowerment through training, expand employment prospects, and create a more inclusive society. They view the move as a strategic shift that aligns with Oman’s human rights commitments and legislative coordination across multiple ministries. Overall, the creation of this independent sector is widely regarded as a milestone in promoting equality, justice, and sustainable opportunities for all persons with disabilities in Oman, marking the beginning of a new era of social inclusion.
