Monday 02 / November / 2026
Muscat: It was a night of celebration, emotion and immense pride – a night when generosity reached an extraordinary milestone. As the final figure appeared on the screen, the audience witnessed a moment etched in the history of Dar Al Atta’a Association: OMR1,004,779 raised through the collective efforts of young volunteers participating in the tenth edition of the Big Give Competition.
Tears of joy and pride reflected the achievement’s significance. More than a fundraising success, it was a powerful demonstration of what young people can accomplish when compassion, determination and a shared sense of responsibility come together.
The landmark edition concluded at a special ceremony held under the patronage of Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said Al Busaidi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, in the presence of distinguished guests, members of the State Council and Shura Council, undersecretaries, families and supporters.
Launched five months earlier, the competition brought together 57 charitable teams from public and private universities and colleges across Oman. Inspired by the country’s longstanding traditions of generosity and community solidarity, the initiative encouraged young people to translate their values into meaningful action.
The results were remarkable. The participating teams helped alleviate the hardship of 163 cases through charitable initiatives, while, for the first time in the competition’s history, two teams succeeded in building two homes for families in need.
As the competition reached its final stages, 23 teams qualified for recognition across different categories, reflecting their creativity, professionalism, community impact, sustainability, organisational excellence and fundraising achievements.
Celebrating outstanding achievements
The closing ceremony recognised the teams whose initiatives demonstrated the many dimensions of effective charitable work.
In the Most Innovative Idea category, awards went to Team Dithar from Sultan Qaboos University and Team Himma from Arab Open University.
The Most Professional Execution awards were presented to Team Kahatin from Modern College of Business and Science and Team Uboor from Sultan Qaboos University.
For Greatest Community Impact, the winners were Team Qout Al Atta from the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS), Muscat, and Team Bunyan from Sultan Qaboos University.
The Most Sustainable Initiative awards went to Team Nafs from the University of Nizwa and Team Rafd from UTAS, Nizwa.
In Organisational Excellence, three teams were recognised: Team Rafaa from Sultan Qaboos University, and Team Majaz and Team Kafaf, both from UTAS, Nizwa.
Meanwhile, Team Tablil and Team Ihyaa, both from UTAS, Nizwa, received the awards for Highest Fundraising Achievement.
The ceremony also celebrated individual contributions through the Kafu Alayk (Well Done!) medals of encouragement and excellence.
Recipients included Noor and Anwar Al Busaidi, Jawahir Al Shehhi, Ahmed Al Hinai, Al Farouq Al Jabri, Atheer Al Rashidi, Said Al Amri and Yousef Al Khusaibi, in recognition of their dedication and outstanding efforts.
Recognising the supporters
Dar Al Atta’a Association also honoured the sponsors and supporters who contributed to the success of the tenth edition. They included Al Zubair Group, Towell Group, Mohsin Haider Darwish, the Office of the Governor of Muscat, Thawani Pay and Al Fairuz.
The evening featured films and creative presentations celebrating the meaning of giving, including a film highlighting the association’s charitable initiatives and community programmes, as well as a special presentation featuring renowned motorsport endurance racing champion and Giving Ambassador Faisal Al Zubair.
Minister praises Omani youth for inspiring achievement
Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said Al Busaidi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, expressed his pride in the achievements of the participating students, praising their initiative, teamwork and commitment to social responsibility.
Speaking after attending the ceremony as its patron, he said: “What we have witnessed today fills us with pride in the young people of Oman. They have presented an inspiring example of generosity and teamwork and, through their efforts and initiatives, have managed to raise more than one million Omani rials, contribute to alleviating the hardship of families in need and build two homes. This achievement truly makes this edition worthy of being called the Million-Riyal Edition.”
He added that the accomplishment reflected deeply rooted values within Omani society, particularly solidarity, compassion and cooperation, which Omani families have instilled in their children and passed down through generations.
“These young people have demonstrated that they possess the determination and ability to translate these values into meaningful initiatives that make a real difference in the lives of others,” he said.
The Minister emphasised that the achievement went beyond the funds raised, demonstrating young people’s awareness of their role in serving society and their ability to plan, innovate and work collectively.
He also encouraged universities and colleges whose student teams had not participated this year to join future editions, helping extend the competition’s humanitarian impact across the governorates of Oman.
Concluding his remarks, he said: “However many words of thanks and appreciation we offer these young people, they will never be enough to do justice to their efforts. They are a source of pride for this nation.”
He also commended Dar Al Atta’a Association for organising the competition over ten editions and for its continued social and charitable initiatives.
‘Achievement fills us with immense pride’: Maryam
For Maryam bint Issa Al Zadjali, Founder and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Dar Al Atta’a Association, the million-riyal milestone represented a particularly proud moment, reflecting the dedication of young people who had worked tirelessly over five months to make a difference in their communities.
Expressing her happiness at the achievement, she said: “I find it difficult to put into words my feelings and happiness at what the Big Give Competition has achieved this year. Surpassing the one-million-riyal mark is an extraordinary accomplishment and a tremendous source of pride for all of us at Dar Al Atta’a.
“But what makes us even prouder is seeing the young people of this nation achieve so much. In just five months since the launch of the tenth edition, they have succeeded in raising more than one million Omani rials, contributing to the resolution of 163 cases of hardship and building two homes. This is truly something to celebrate.
“These young people have demonstrated an exceptional understanding of what giving really means. This spirit is nothing new to the people of Oman, who have always been eager to extend kindness and generosity wherever they are. We have all grown up with these values, and it is wonderful to see the younger generation carrying them forward.”
Reflecting on the competition’s growth, Maryam highlighted the remarkable increase in funds raised over successive editions.
“In an earlier edition, we raised OMR80,000. Last year, the total exceeded OMR300,000. This year, we have achieved a milestone that fills us with immense pride by surpassing one million Omani rials,” she said.
She also paid tribute to all the participating teams, universities, colleges, sponsors and supporters whose cooperation had made the achievement possible.
“Whatever I say, I will never be able to give these young people the recognition they deserve. I am deeply proud of every team and of the dedication they continue to demonstrate. This achievement gives us even greater motivation to work harder and accomplish more in the next edition. Success is never achieved by one organisation alone; it is the result of everyone’s cooperation and support,” she added.
