𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐪𝐟 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐎𝐦𝐚𝐧

Oman is exploring how companies can move beyond one-off sponsorships and create a more sustainable model for community investment through corporate waqf institutions.

The proposal was highlighted by Dr Ahmed bin Mohsen Al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, during the Sustainability Forum 2026 in Salalah. He suggested that individual companies—or groups of companies—could establish waqf institutions to create lasting sources of funding for community initiatives.

Unlike annual sponsorship spending, a waqf can manage and invest endowed assets, with the returns directed towards defined social and community priorities.

Oman already has a legal framework for waqf institutions, including requirements for capital, governance, auditing and regulatory oversight. Registered waqf donations can also qualify for tax deductions, subject to applicable limits.

With 109 MSX-listed companies covered by ESG disclosures, there is also growing visibility into corporate social responsibility and community investment.

The idea could help shift corporate social responsibility from short-term spending to long-term social impact, while aligning private-sector resources with community needs and national development priorities.