MERA establishes RO1mn Palestine Endowment Foundation
2026-02-23 - 17:28
Muscat – The Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs (MERA) has issued a decision announcing the establishment of the Palestine Endowment Foundation, following completion of all legal and procedural requirements. The move aims to strengthen the role of waqf (endowment) and consolidate efforts to support underprivileged communities in Palestine. Under Ministerial Decision No 78/2026, the foundation’s initial capital has been set at RO1mn as a sustainable endowment fund, enabling it to implement programmes and initiatives with tangible developmental and humanitarian impact. The decision is aligned with efforts to enhance the contribution of the endowment sector to social solidarity and development. The ministry stated that the foundation has been established to manage and grow endowment assets, revive the tradition of waqf through projects with modern development dimensions, and create an integrated framework for endowment initiatives. It will also receive donations and bequests from benefactors and channel these to eligible beneficiaries in Palestine. The decision further outlines the governance framework of the foundation, including formation of a board of directors responsible for setting general policies, approving plans and programmes, and overseeing implementation. The board will also supervise asset management and investments to ensure that objectives are achieved in line with principles of governance, transparency and accountability. MERA called on individuals and institutions wishing to support the charitable endowment project to do so through the official bank accounts. Zakat and charitable contributions for underprivileged people in Palestine can also be made through the electronic zakat portal (www.zakah.om). The foundation is expected to reinforce institutional endowment work in Oman, expand the scope of community-impact initiatives, and further entrench the values of giving and solidarity in support of humanitarian causes.