Muscat – The Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs unveiled plans to establish a Museum of the Prophet’s Biography as a flagship cultural project, alongside the creation of more than 400 religious-sector jobs this year, as it reviewed its 2025 performance and 2026 targets on Sunday.
The planned museum will spotlight the historical ties between Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and Oman, connect younger generations with the Prophet’s life and values, and serve as an interactive knowledge hub. Further details are to be announced.
The ministry said its strategy is anchored on sustainable development, stronger community partnerships, investment in religious resources, and the promotion of moderation and citizenship values.
H E Dr Mohammed bin Said Al Maamari, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, reported a 5% rise in beneficiaries of religious activities and fatwa services – equivalent to 2,083,725 people – adding that the actual reach in 2025 exceeded 10mn across various programmes.
Programmes promoting tolerance and coexistence recorded 12,400 beneficiaries globally, while national-identity initiatives met their targets in full, with beneficiary numbers rising 5% locally.
On the investment side, returns from endowment assets, Bait Al Mal and funds for orphans and minors grew 5%, with the ministry achieving 130% of its target, amounting to RO8.56mn. New endowment assets rose 7% annually, with 168 assets registered in 2025 valued at RO53mn – surpassing plans and reflecting public confidence in the endowment system.
Zakat revenues reached RO15.78mn, or 183% of the target, signalling rising awareness and trust in zakat institutions across Oman.
Quran learning also expanded, with the number of learners climbing to 298,643. Meanwhile, 2,741 mosques, prayer halls and Quranic schools now cover their basic service costs, meeting the annual growth target of 15%. Community-backed endowment partnerships delivered 339 mosque and Quran-school projects worth RO32.3mn.
The ministry manages investment portfolios for orphans and minors exceeding RO123mn, generating a 5.15% return. Contracts were also signed for new investments in 16 endowment properties worth nearly RO6mn.
In zakat disbursement, 31,642 families were supported through 66 committees staffed by more than 2,550 members and volunteers, with total aid of about RO16mn in 2025.
Youth engagement included more than 2,520 summer religious activities reaching 126,000 students. The ministry designated 2023 as the Year of Waqf, 2024 the Year of the Mosque, 2025 the Year of the Employee, and 2026 the Year of Excellence.
For 2026, targets include a 5% rise in beneficiaries of religious and fatwa services, 2% growth in international tolerance programmes, and 5% growth in national-identity initiatives. Financial goals include a 5% increase in endowment returns, 8% growth in new endowment assets and a 3% rise in zakat revenues, alongside an 8% increase in Quran learners.
More than RO5mn has been allocated to restore mosques and Quranic schools. Development projects were also announced for Al Abbad Mosque in Nizwa and Al Qiblatain Mosque in Ibra, in addition to upgrades to Mina services for Omani pilgrims.
