More than 400 beneficiaries of the Zakat fund in Oman are set to receive free medical treatment at private hospitals this year, the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs (MoARA) announced. This initiative follows directives from His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to allocate resources specifically for the healthcare of Zakat beneficiaries, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Endowment Health Foundation ‘Athar’.

The program aims to enhance access to quality healthcare for eligible individuals, reflecting a broader commitment to social solidarity and community support. Hilal al Sarmi, head of the Athar programme, emphasized that the initiative reinforces Omani societal values of participation and generosity. He noted that last year, 221 beneficiaries benefited from the scheme.

MoARA currently supports 31,642 families through 66 local Zakat committees, distributing approximately 16 million Omani Rials in assistance. The ministry manages both financial aid and specialised medical treatments, offering digital platforms for application and verification processes to improve access and convenience for applicants.

Eligible individuals and families can register through local Zakat committees during official hours or via official websites of the Ministry of Health or MoARA. Beneficiaries can also use QR codes provided by the ministry to complete their registration. The free medical services will be accessible at over 10 private hospitals across the country, which have agreements in place with MoARA.

Registration for treatment will open in early July and remain open until mid-August. Medical services, including surgical procedures and diagnostic radiology, are scheduled to begin in September 2026 as part of the second phase of the program. This initiative spans all governorates of Oman and aims to bridge healthcare gaps for Zakat recipients by facilitating access to both public and private health facilities.