As a recognition of the Sultanate of Oman’s efforts to promote health, improve quality of life and achieve sustainable development, the Ministry of Health today (Wednesday) marked the accreditation of the Wilayat of Yanqul in Al Dhahirah Governorate as a “Healthy City” by the World Health Organization (WHO). 
The ceremony was held under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Hilal bin Ali Al Sabti, Minister of Health, with the attendance of H.E.  Sheikh Tahir bin Mabkhout Al Junaibi, Governor of Al Dhahirah along with several members of the Shura Council, Walis, and other officials.
With this accreditation, the number of internationally accredited Healthy Cities in the Sultanate of Oman has increased to eight.
Yanqul is the first accredited Healthy City in Al Dhahirah Governorate. This achievement strengthens the progress of Oman’s Healthy Cities Program and enhances the country’s presence within the regional and international Healthy Cities network.
As part of the ceremony, a visual presentation highlighted the achievements of Yanqul as a Healthy City. Dr. Ahmed bin Saeed Al Kalbani, Director General of Health Services in Al Dhahirah Governorate, also delivered a speech on the occasion. He emphasized that the accreditation was “not merely a certificate” but rather the result of continuous efforts and a firm belief that health is a shared responsibility that cannot be achieved through healthcare institutions alone. He explained that Yanqul’s experience had demonstrated that the concept of a Healthy City goes beyond medical treatment to include improving the environment, promoting healthy lifestyles, raising community awareness and supporting the most vulnerable groups.
He praised the efforts of the Wilayat Health Committee, government, private and civil society institutions as well as sheikhs, community leaders and members of the public. He also expressed his gratitude to the World Health Organization for its technical support and to the Ministry of Health, the Governor of Al Dhahirah and the Wali of Yanqul for their continued follow-up and support. The DG of Al Dhahirah Health stressed that the accreditation marks the beginning of a new phase that requires sustaining existing programs, developing partnerships and measuring their health impact, hoping that Yanqul would become a model for other wilayat’s in the governorate.
H.E. Dr Asmus Hammerich, WHO Representative in Oman in his speech that today marks another important milestone in Oman’s journey toward strengthening public health and sustainable development at the community level. Between 2022 and 2026, Oman expanded its network from two certified Healthy Cities/Islands to eight, reflecting strong national commitment to improving health, well-being, and quality of life through multisectoral action and community engagement.

WHO Representative in Oman pointed out that in the WHO EMR, the Healthy Cities Programme was introduced in 1990, and the Regional Healthy Cities Network was established in 2012 to strengthen cooperation and knowledge sharing among Member States. Since then, Oman has emerged as one of the Region’s leading countries in implementing community-based health initiatives, including Healthy Cities, Healthy Villages, and Healthy Islands.
He emphasized that the journey of Yanqul toward this recognition reflects the core values of the Healthy Cities Programme in practice. Since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with WHO in September 2022, the Wilayat has made remarkable progress through strong community engagement, effective intersectoral collaboration, and a shared commitment to improving the quality of life of its residents.
The accreditation was granted after the wilayat fulfilled the World Health Organization’s requirements and standards through field assessment visits conducted by the WHO Regional Team in cooperation with a team from the Ministry of Health represented by the Department of Health Promotion, the Partnership and Community-Based Initiatives Section. The visits included an assessment of initiatives and projects implemented in areas related to health and sustainable development.
The ceremony concluded with H.E. Sheikh Dr. Ali bin Mohammed Al Busaidi, Wali of Yanqul receiving the certificate of recognition accrediting Yanqul as a Healthy City.
The assessment focused on several areas that contribute to improving public health and quality of life including health, social, economic, and environmental aspects; empowering productive families; promoting security and safety; improving air quality as well as community initiatives and sustainable development projects that demonstrate the real impact of community partnerships.
This pioneering achievement reflects the successful integration among different sectors. Government institutions, executive offices, health committees, civil society organizations, charitable teams and community members all contributed to implementing various initiatives and supporting the wilayat’s efforts to meet its accreditation criteria.
This achievement confirms that a Healthy City is not merely a certificate but rather a sustainable, participatory approach that places human health and quality of life at the center of development. It also reflects the Sultanate of Oman’s commitment to continuing its investment in healthier and more sustainable communities, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.