Oman is set to host the fifth edition of the Ihsan International Forum from April 2-4, 2026, bringing together participants from across the Arab world to foster social entrepreneurship and volunteerism. Organized by Oman’s Creative Volunteers Team in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth, this year’s event will operate under the theme, “Towards Effective Entrepreneurial Community Initiatives.”
The forum aims to strengthen the regional entrepreneurship ecosystem by leveraging the creativity and drive of volunteer teams, recognizing their role in developing sustainable and impactful community projects.
Bridging Volunteerism and Entrepreneurship
Dr. Siham Al Harthiya, CEO of the Forum, highlighted the event’s evolution from a local initiative in 2016 to a prominent Arab platform. She emphasized that this edition’s focus on entrepreneurship is a direct acknowledgment of the innovative ideas and sustainable initiatives that volunteer teams contribute to the sector.
According to Al Harthiya, the forum’s core objectives are to embed a strong culture of volunteer work, facilitate the exchange of expertise among Arab volunteers, and build robust networks and databases to ensure the long-term sustainability of community-focused projects.
The Ihsan Volunteer Competition
A central feature of the forum is the Ihsan Volunteer Competition, designed to identify and support the most promising community-led projects. The competition is open for submissions until March 15, 2026, via an official electronic portal.
Mohammed Al Rawahi, Head of the Media Committee, explained that submissions will undergo a rigorous evaluation process. The initial stage involves screening all entries to ensure they meet the requirements, after which the top 15 projects will be selected to advance to the final round, which will be held in person in Oman.
The judging criteria will focus on project sustainability, clarity of vision and objectives, idea innovation, and the scale of societal impact. Winners will be awarded first, second, and third-place prizes, in addition to individual awards for Best Societal Impact, Best Innovative Idea, and Best Media Marketing.
A Comprehensive Experience for Participants
Nasser Al Shukaili, Head of the Organizing Committee, detailed the comprehensive plan to ensure a professional and enriching experience for all attendees. The committee has developed an integrated program that covers all logistics, from airport reception and accommodation for participating teams and international judges to transportation and organized events.
In addition to the main competition and specialized training workshops, the forum will include curated tourist tours. These excursions are designed to introduce international participants to Oman’s historical, archaeological, and contemporary landmarks, promoting the Sultanate’s cultural heritage.
About Ihsan International Forum
The Ihsan International Forum was launched in 2016 as an initiative within Oman’s higher education institutions. It has since expanded its reach, first to the GCC and subsequently across the Arab world. Organized by Oman’s Creative Volunteers Team, the forum is dedicated to promoting a culture of volunteerism, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among volunteers, and building a foundation for sustainable, community-driven work throughout the region.
Source: Oman Daily
