The Sultanate of Oman participated today (Wednesday) in “Mu’azez” (Health-Promoting Malls) initiative Awards Ceremony, held at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The event honored shopping centers and commercial complexes that achieved the Diamond Level across GCC member states. The ceremony was attended by official delegations and representatives of relevant authorities from across the region.
Oman was represented by an official delegation that included three Walies, alongside the Ministry’s representative to the GCC Joint Committee for Healthy Cities, the Director General of Health Services in Muscat Governorate, representatives from the MOH’s Community Partnerships and Initiatives section, members of health committees, and representatives of the award-winning health-promoting shopping malls.
The participation underscores Oman’s commitment to supporting community health initiatives and strengthening health-supportive environments in line with shared GCC public health strategies.
According to the final evaluation results, Muscat Mall ranked first at the Diamond Level with a score of (98.5 %). Salalah Grand Mall achieved (97.5%), while Muscat Grand Mall secured the same level with (95.5%).
The recognition marks a culmination of efforts by leadership and officials at the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the winning Omani shopping malls, which successfully implemented approved health standards, enhanced health awareness, and provided environments that encourage healthy lifestyles. The awards fall under the “Mu’azziz” Program, one of the Healthy Cities Program initiatives across GCC countries. The project aims to strengthen the role of shopping malls as health-supportive environments through unified Gulf standards that address the needs of various community segments.
The evaluation process included on-site visits conducted by specialized field teams under a unified GCC framework supported by standardized measurement tools to ensure comprehensive and objective assessment. It was based on approved criteria covering healthy lifestyles, community partnerships, health awareness, hygiene and environment, safety and security, and quality community services. The initiative supports collaboration between government entities, the private sector, and sustainable health programs.
