
1,088 offenders freed through Fak Kurba initiative
The humanitarian drive, now in its 12th edition, commenced on February 25, under the auspices of Dr Hamad bin Hamdan al Rubaie, Chairman of the OLA Board, and concluded on a highly positive note.
Leading the tally, Al Batinah North Governorate recorded 334 releases, followed by Muscat Governorate with 242 cases. Other figures included 102 cases in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, 95 in Al Batinah South Governorate, 67 in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate, 65 in Al Dhahirah Governorate, 60 in Al Buraimi Governorate, 57 in Dhofar Governorate, 46 in Al Sharqiyah North Governorate, 16 in Al Wusta Governorate, and 4 in Musandam Governorate.
Dr Mohammed al Zadjali, General Supervisor of Fak Kurba, remarked, 'Since its inception, the Fak Kurba Initiative has set an organised framework for humanitarian and social action in Oman. Over 12 years, we have alleviated the suffering of many destitute prisoners and helped restore stability to their families.'
Speaking to Observer, Dr Hamad bin Hamdan al Rubaie, Chairman of OLA Board, explained that the initiative targeted insolvent individuals who were either imprisoned or had detention orders issued against them in commercial, civil, labour or Sharia cases, with claims not exceeding RO 2,000. Beneficiaries must not have previously availed the initiative.
'Priority was given to cases involving smaller claims, followed by larger claims and the oldest insolvent individuals,' he added, noting that cases were accepted solely via the Administrative Affairs Council for the Judiciary's General-Directorate of Execution.
Operating under the slogan "Because we believe that people deserve a second chance", Fak Kurba has secured the release of nearly 10,000 individuals since its inception, offering hope and rebuilding lives across the Sultanate of Oman.
The organisers highlighted the active support received from individuals, government bodies, and private institutions, underscoring the spirit of solidarity embedded within Omani society.
'We aim to sustain and expand this impactful initiative in the future, forging more partnerships across sectors to support an even greater number of cases,' Dr Al Rubaie said.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Observer
7 hours ago
- Observer
Programme empowers children to express opinions
Muscat: The Ministry of Social Development organised a two-day discussion panel on building a framework to empower and develop children's capacities for dialogue, discussion and expressing opinions. The panel included several government institutions, the private sector and civil society organisations involved in the child sector. The aim was to raise awareness of the importance of children's right to participate and express opinions within an official framework. This was achieved by examining the current status of children's participation in various institutions using a fact-finding methodology and evaluating the level of participation compared to regional and international practices. The panel also framed Omani experiences in light of legislation, technical and training capabilities, seeking to build a shared understanding of best practices and chart sustainable institutional paths that guarantee children's right to participate at both the central and decentralised levels. This would enhance the integration of children's voices into national policies and programmes. The ministry stated that the panel discussed a number of topics highlighting pioneering experiences in the field of child empowerment and enhancing their community participation. The sessions began with a discussion panel for students, during which they reviewed the experience of the Leadership Development Programme and the experiences of members of the Arab Children's Parliament. They also discussed Oman's debates from a child's perspective and the "Knights of Al Bayan" experience in community and summer centres. Several academic papers were presented. In the first paper, the Ministry of Education discussed the role of student councils, which are vital platforms within educational institutions enabling students to express their opinions and actively participate in developing their academic and social environment. The second paper, presented by the State Council, addressed its role in implementing Article 12 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which stipulates that "States Parties shall ensure to the child the right to express his or her views freely on all matters affecting him or her, his or her views being given due weight in accordance with his or her age and maturity." Furthermore, the session featured a range of projects and experiences in the child sector. The Ministry of Social Development presented the "Child Ambassadors" project, implemented by the Department of Social Development in Al Buraimi Governorate. The project aims to empower a select group of children to become informed representatives of their peers, able to express their issues and convey their voices in influential ways within their school and community environments, while fully adhering to the principles derived from the Omani Child Law and relevant international agreements. The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation also reviewed the experience of student advisory councils, while the Oman Debate Centre presented the experience of children's debates in the Sultanate of Oman.


Observer
16 hours ago
- Observer
Oman Switzerland Friendship Association announces Omani Patron
Muscat: The Oman-Switzerland Friendship Association has announced the appointment of Sheikh Saif bin Hashil al Maskery as its new Omani Patron. Sheikh Saif brings with him a career spanning over five decades in public service and diplomacy. His roles have included Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Nations and various international organizations, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs at the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Undersecretary at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for Tourism. Sheikh Saif is a founding member and former Chairman of the Oman Switzerland Friendship Association, underscoring his long-standing commitment to fostering closer ties between the two nations. Speaking on his appointment, Sheikh Saif said, "It is an honour to become the Oman Patron and continue strengthening the enduring ties between Oman and Switzerland, fostering collaboration built on mutual respect, shared values, and a spirit of friendship. I am delighted to take on this role and look forward to supporting new initiatives that bring our two nations even closer, whether in culture, business, education, or innovation." Sheikh Saif will serve alongside Vincent Maitre, the Swiss Patron.


Muscat Daily
2 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Oman, Saudi launch 2nd phase of industrial integration initiatives
Muscat – The Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia launched the second phase of industrial integration initiatives on Saturday in Riyadh, as part of the Economic, Trade, and Industry Committee under the Omani-Saudi Coordination Council. This new phase features a set of strategic initiatives aimed at deepening industrial cooperation between the two nations. Key among them is the inclusion of Omani products in Saudi Arabia's list of approved industrial capabilities and the application of national origin rules to ensure equal treatment for Omani and Saudi companies in government tenders and procurement. The initiatives also seek to streamline the registration of industrial products with relevant regulatory authorities in both countries and introduce a fast-track mechanism for product conformity processes. In addition, the two sides will exchange investment opportunities in key industrial sectors and work to strengthen integration across supply chains tied to free trade agreements and regional markets, particularly in Africa. The meeting also reviewed the achievements of the first phase of cooperation, which included the linkage of industrial zones, joint projects in strategic industries, data exchange, the formation of technical working groups to align industrial legislation, and coordinated participation in international exhibitions and conferences. H E Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, highlighted that the launch of the second phase and the signing of bilateral agreements reflect the shared commitment of Oman and Saudi Arabia to advancing industrial cooperation. He stressed that the initiatives align with the visions of the leaderships in both countries, aiming to build strategic partnerships rooted in integration and reciprocity. These efforts are expected to boost local value-added production, widen the industrial base, stimulate trade and investment, and foster a competitive business environment that supports private sector growth. The launch ceremony was held under the patronage of H E Yousef and H E Bandar bin Ibrahim al Khorayef, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources. The event was attended by H E Najib bin Hilal al Busaidi, Oman's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Permanent Representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Digital Cooperation Organization, alongside other officials from both countries. The ceremony featured a visual presentation outlining current joint industrial initiatives and expansion plans across priority sectors. Future initiatives focused on bolstering industrial cooperation, scaling up investments, and supporting supply and manufacturing chains were also discussed. During the visit, H E Yousef met with HRH Prince Sultan bin Khalid al Saud, CEO of the Saudi Industrial Development Fund. The meeting explored avenues for financing joint industrial projects, exchanging expertise, and supporting the development of industrial zones and related infrastructure. The launch marks a significant step in advancing industrial integration between Oman and Saudi Arabia.