The first forum for persons with disabilities, titled “Inclusion and Empowerment,” commenced today at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre under the patronage of His Excellency Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, and in the presence of Her Excellency Dr. Laila bint Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development.
The forum was held with the participation of more than 65 governmental and private local and international entities, as well as over 20 private-sector organizations focused on employing persons with disabilities and strengthening partnerships with the private sector to support the employment of individuals with all types of disabilities. The forum also aims to open pathways for persons with disabilities to continue their education, develop their skills, strengthen the role of families within early intervention systems, and enhance societal awareness of the rights of persons with disabilities.
Partnerships and Services
The Minister of Social Development stated that the forum aims to establish partnerships and introduce the services provided to persons with disabilities in the Sultanate of Oman, highlighting the progress achieved in the current phase and the efforts made by all sectors—including civil society organizations, the private sector, and various government institutions—which collaborate to elevate and improve service quality.
Her Excellency added that the forum seeks to raise awareness among families and their children with disabilities on enabling comprehensive inclusion across various fields, while nurturing talents in sports, arts, innovation, and research. She noted that the forum provides private-sector companies and contributing entities with opportunities to directly meet persons with disabilities, assess their capabilities, and create employment opportunities. The forum also brings together higher education institutions to open pathways for persons with disabilities to complete their education and develop skills in innovation and scientific research.
She further emphasized the importance of partnership and collective support for all categories of persons with disabilities, who receive comprehensive attention and direct support from both government and private sectors. The forum represents a tangible example of collaboration, whereby institutions coordinate with the Ministry to open rehabilitation, training, and employment pathways, and to identify suitable job opportunities for different types of disabilities. The forum also offers parents an opportunity to learn about modern tools, equipment, and technologies that facilitate inclusion and participation in comprehensive societal development.
The Minister explained that the disability sector spans a full life course—from birth through adulthood—requiring inclusive integration across education, rehabilitation, higher education, empowerment, entrepreneurship, and employment. She announced the launch of workshops to establish a National Laboratory for the Development of Disability Services, with participation from persons with disabilities themselves, to discuss aspirations and identify areas for service enhancement in the coming phase.
She affirmed aspirations to open new academic pathways with universities and colleges, expand suitable specializations, and implement these initiatives in the coming years. The Development Laboratory is expected to produce initiatives that enhance educational futures, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship, and product marketing for persons with disabilities.
Development Laboratory Initiatives
Hamad bin Mirdad Al Shubaibi, Director General of the Directorate General for Persons with Disabilities Affairs at the Ministry of Social Development, stated that the forum focuses on workshops that contribute to improving and developing disability-related services and programs, while strengthening structured partnerships among institutions concerned with disability affairs. The forum includes a dedicated employment and training exhibition, inspirational success stories from persons with disabilities, and workshops for families to raise awareness on effective engagement and support.
He explained that the Development Laboratory will operate for six months and is expected to generate initiatives ensuring integrated service delivery across government institutions, with oversight from the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit. The laboratory focuses on three main pillars:
Healthy Quality of Life – early diagnosis, health services, assistive devices
Educational, Rehabilitation, and Employment Life – early intervention, inclusive education, vocational training, and employment
Family, Society, and the State – awareness, civil society engagement, sports, and recreational activities
Forum Activities
The forum includes preparatory workshops under the “Disability Services Development Laboratory”, in cooperation with the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, to align disability initiatives with Vision 2040. It also hosts 16 specialized training workshops, covering topics such as Braille education, assistive technology, digital accessibility, autism interventions, inclusive design, psychological support for families, early intervention, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
“Inclusion and Empowerment” Exhibition
The forum features the “Inclusion and Empowerment” Exhibition, showcasing services and programs for persons with disabilities, with participation from government institutions, rehabilitation associations, medical device manufacturers, assistive technology companies, innovation sponsors, and private-sector partners. The exhibition also highlights achievements and innovations by persons with disabilities.
The exhibition includes employment platforms and specialized dialogue sessions addressing inclusive education, health, economic empowerment, vocational employment, accessibility, and digital inclusion, presented by relevant ministries and institutions.
Experiences and Performances
The forum showcases success stories and initiatives, including early language intervention programs, mobility solutions, Guinness World Record achievements, autism acceptance, artificial intelligence in education, and artistic journeys. It also features theatrical and musical performances by talented persons with disabilities, a children’s interactive corner, and adaptive sports activities supervised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth.
Participants expressed appreciation for the forum’s role in advancing disability services. Representatives from Saudi and Omani institutions highlighted the forum’s scale, diversity, and impact, praising Oman’s commitment to inclusion and empowerment.