Over
44 Thousand Beneficiaries from Summer Center Programs in North Al Batinah
Sohar,
4 Oct 2026 (ONA) — The 2026 summer center programs in North Al Batinah
Governorate concluded today. Organized by the Governor’s Office with the
participation and implementation of 49 government, private, and civil society
institutions, the diverse programs and activities benefited over 44,000 participants
from various wilayats across the governorate.
The
closing ceremony was held under the auspices of Sheikh Rashid Ahmed Al Shamsi,
Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development for Family Affairs and
Community Development, in the presence of a number of officials.
Mohammed
Sulaiman Al Kindi, Governor of North Al Batinah, affirmed that the summer
centers represent a successful model of integration and partnership among the
various participating institutions, contributing to achieving the goals of the
programs offered to various age groups of youth and adolescents, and making
optimal use of their time during the summer vacation.
He
pointed out that the programs were keen to develop participants’ talents, hone
their skills, and stimulate their potential and creativity through a diverse
package of cultural, scientific, literary, religious, and sports activities, as
well as fine arts, scientific innovations, and educational and recreational
trips, clarifying that the number of beneficiaries this year exceeded 44 thousand
participants from among the residents of the wilayats of North Al Batinah
Governorate, reflecting the expanding scope of the programs and the diversity
of their fields.
For
his part, Dr. Abdullah Said Al Busaidi, Chairman of the Executive Committee for
Summer Centers in North Al Batinah Governorate, explained that in their fourth
edition, the summer centers proved to be a qualitative experience that
transcended the traditional concept of leisure time programs, becoming an
integrated platform for discovering talent, developing skills, fostering a
spirit of initiative and innovation, and opening new horizons for young boys
and girls.
He
added that more than 450 male and female students participated in educational
and recreational visits to a number of landmarks and institutions inside and
outside the governorate, providing participants with opportunities for direct
learning and exposure to various cultural, scientific, and economic
experiences.
The
closing ceremony featured an accompanying exhibition with more than 15 corners
showcasing samples of products and works created by participants in the summer
centers. Its contents ranged from posters, scientific research, innovations,
scientific applications, and robotics to fine arts, handicrafts, and other
works that reflected the skills and knowledge acquired by participants during
the implementation of the programs.
The
ceremony also included a visual presentation reviewing the evolutionary journey
of summer centers in North Al Batinah Governorate since their launch in 2023.
Starting with 1,200 beneficiaries and 2 participating entities, the figures
rose in 2024 to 31,221 participants across 34 entities, then to 41,366
participants and 46 entities in 2025, reaching 44,122 participants with the
participation of 49 entities in 2026—an indicator reflecting the continuous
expansion in program scale, partnerships, and beneficiary numbers over four
years.
—Ends/AG