A closing ceremony for the second edition of the Health Endowment Week was held on Wednesday evening at the JW Marriott Hotel Muscat, Al Irfan. The event was organized by the Health Endowment Foundation (Athar) during the first week of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
The ceremony was held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Khamis bin Saif Al Jabri, Minister of Economy, and attended by H.E. Dr. Hilal bin Ali Al Sabti, Minister of Health and Chairman of the Foundation’s Board, along with several Their Excellencies, senior officials, representatives of the healthcare and banking sectors, and supporting companies.
This edition underscores the designation of the first week of the Holy Month of Ramadan as a permanent annual occasion for this national initiative, while reinforcing the role of the health endowment as a sustainable development mechanism that supports the healthcare system and strengthens its long-term resilience. This is achieved through coordinated efforts in partnership with the Ministry of Health and other relevant stakeholders.
During the ceremony, Athar Foundation highlighted that the second edition represents a qualitative shift from laying the foundation to empowerment, and from introducing the concept to maximizing its impact. This edition witnessed an expansion of strategic partnerships, the signing of several agreements to implement healthcare projects with direct impact across the governorates, and the enhancement of endowment and investment solutions in collaboration with banking institutions.
Hilal bin Hamad Al Sarmi, Chief Executive Officer of Athar Foundation, delivered the opening speech at the ceremony, during which he reviewed the Foundation’s journey, highlighted its key achievements, and reviewed the agreements signed over the past five years. In addition, Al Sarmi announced the package of healthcare projects to be funded through the Foundation, the agreements to be signed on the day of the ceremony, and the Foundation’s plans.
The ceremony featured a documentary film highlighting the Foundation’s journey since its establishment in 2020, showcasing its major endowment projects and initiatives that have contributed to supporting healthcare services, reducing waiting times, and promoting health equity for eligible groups.
The event also witnessed the signing of several agreements for the implementation of new healthcare projects, including the establishment of specialized centers and the provision of medical equipment across several governorates.
In a new institutional milestone in the field of endowment initiatives, the Foundation announced the launch of the “Health Endowment Shield - Sustainable Impact Medal”, an official annual recognition awarded to organizations, institutions, and individuals whose endowment contributions have had a tangible and lasting impact on supporting the healthcare sector in the Sultanate of Oman.
The launch of the Shield aims to reinforce the culture of health endowment as a sustainable development tool, encourage high-impact endowment initiatives, foster a sense of social responsibility, and support institutional integration among all relevant authorities.
The Shield targets the Directorates General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, civil society organizations, and individuals, as well as public and private institutions and companies, including the banking sector, in recognition of their roles in supporting health endowment initiatives and maximizing their societal impact.
During the ceremony, supporting authorities, strategic partners, and healthcare institutions participating in the Zakat Beneficiaries Treatment Initiative were honored for their contributions to reducing waiting times and promoting health solidarity. In addition, banking institutions and national companies with significant contributions to supporting the health endowment were also recognized.
