Sultan Haitham Announces OMR 178 Million Royal Grant to Mark 5th Accession Anniversary

Muscat, The Gulf Observer: On the occasion of the 5th anniversary of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s Accession Day, which falls on January 11, the Diwan of Royal Court has announced a Royal grant of over OMR 178 million to support various social and economic initiatives in Oman.
In a statement, the Diwan highlighted His Majesty’s commitment to ensuring a dignified life for Omani citizens and addressing their needs. The Royal grant, benefiting more than 100,000 citizens, includes the following key measures:
- Housing Assistance Programme: An increase in financial allocations for the Housing Assistance Programme for 2025.
- SME Development: Enhanced funding for the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development.
- Loan Support: The government will bear the remaining amounts of specific categories of loans:
- Housing loans for citizens earning RO 400 or less from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, Oman Housing Bank, and the Ministry of Defence.
- Housing loans for individuals terminated from private-sector jobs with salaries of RO 400 or less.
- Loans for stalled or closed projects financed by the former Al Raffd Fund.
- Stalled project loans financed by the Development Bank’s government loan portfolio.
- Social and Insurance Protection: Extension of social and insurance protection in 2025, including continued payment of social security pensions and eligibility studies for family income support benefits.
- Retirement Pension Support: An additional pension for retirees earning less than RO 350.
- Marriage Funds: Establishment of marriage funds in all governorates to support and provide loans to those wishing to marry, with regulations to be announced by the relevant authorities.
The Diwan of Royal Court concluded with prayers for His Majesty’s health, wellbeing, and continued prosperity for Oman and its people.