Muscat – The Ministry of Social Development (MoSD), in partnership with Al Hosni Group International, has launched Oman’s first national volunteering platform ‘Ayadi’ to bring together volunteer teams, associations, institutions, and individuals under one system.

The platform has been created to make it easier to access opportunities in fields such as health, education, environment, relief and development. It aims to unify efforts and build an accurate record of volunteer contributions, fostering a culture of giving and teamwork, officials said.

The launch event took place on Wednesday under the patronage of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, and was attended by ministers, dignitaries and representatives from government, private institutions and civil society organisations.

Ayadi is intended to promote and organise volunteer work in line with Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises social welfare and the creation of an environment that encourages community participation and social responsibility.

The platform aims to strengthen the culture of volunteerism and manage it efficiently through a supportive digital system. It will provide a unified database of volunteers and volunteering activities across the sultanate, and help generate diverse opportunities for community engagement and social cohesion.

During the launch, three initiatives were introduced on Ayadi – one of which is ‘Our Sea, Our Responsibility’ announced by Sohar Port and Freezone.

This programme aims to increase environmental awareness and protect coastal areas through beach clean-ups in Majis and Suhar, involving around 200 volunteers.

The Omani Society for Design presented its national initiative ‘Oman Design Week’, to engage youth in organising an annual event for the promotion of design and reinforcement of cultural identity through ten participating volunteers.

Salalah Volunteer Team introduced Sawaed al Khair (Hands of Goodness), targeting remote mountain areas in Dhofar to open trails and clean water streams and springs, with around 30 volunteers involved.

Ayadi was developed with input from the community through an online engagement phase to ensure it meets public expectations for a technology-based volunteering environment.

The platform’s mobile app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play, allows volunteers to register, create profiles, join opportunities, access training programmes and receive certificates. Organisations can propose initiatives, manage volunteers, track hours, and generate reports on their projects.

Officials hope Ayadi will encourage greater participation in volunteer work and strengthen community responsibility across Oman.