Endowment fund to support education

A first-of-its-kind fund — Siraj, Endowment Establishment for Supporting Education — has been formed as part of achieving Oman’s sustainable development goals.

The announcement was made by Shaikh Abdullah bin Mohammed al Salmy, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, during a symposium on Endowment for Supporting and Funding Education held here on Wednesday. It was attended by a number

high-profile representatives of and delegates from the Sultanate and abroad.

To be supported by the Education Council, ‘Siraj’ is expected to provide necessary support for research and innovation centres in the Sultanate, and also support education at all levels using different sustainable sources.

“I wish this organisation and similar ones in the Sultanate the best of luck in their endeavours to serve our society, and hope they would become models for other waqf organisations as they altogether can bring welfare and prosperity to everyone,” the minister said, while announcing the formation of the fund. According to him, the fund will extend its support to students who are physically challenged and economically weak on the basis of recommendations from competent authorities.

Commenting on the symposium, Al Salmy said: “We have sought to revive the concept of waqf and its practices to meet the needs of modern life. The renovation process is not limited to waqf nature and its practices but also included raising public awareness on the importance of charitable work and its benefits to national economy. We are also making endeavours to make waqf sector a key contributor to sustainable development.”

The minister pointed out that the efforts of the Ministry of Endowment and Religious Affairs are not limited to renovating waqf practices, but also aimed at promoting high-quality standards and governance.

“They also include employing artificial intelligence and block chain application to serve waqf interests and ensure the sustainability of its benefits. Our efforts paid well and waqf organisations now have sound legal and legislative frameworks,” he said.

We have sought to revive the concept of waqf and its practices to meet the needs of modern life

SHAIKH ABDULLAH AL SALMY Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs

The Royal Army of Oman (RAO) continues the implementation of the Omani-british joint exercise (Musandam Fort-1). The exercise is aimed at enhancing joint military action with friendly forces besides sustaining the military and operational efficiency of RAO personnel and to gain more experience in mountain and rough terrain combat.