Can you tell us about your childhood and any experiences that shaped your passion for philanthropy and social impact?

Looking back, I think a lot of my values around giving and empathy really started at home. My father was a big influence—he didn’t just give quietly; he made it part of how we lived. Every Ramadan for example, for Zakat Al Fitr, he would hand us the money and tell us exactly where to go, who to look for, and how to give in a way that was respectful and dignified. It was about understanding why we give. That really stayed with me.

As the eldest of my siblings and the only daughter, I think I naturally took on a caring and nurturing role with my siblings. My parents raised us to be kind and compassionate, not just with each other, but with everyone. I think being that “big sister” from a young age helped shape how I approach leadership and community work today.

And honestly, even beyond people, as a child, I had this soft spot for animals. I used to dream about becoming a vet so I could help stray cats and dogs. I think I saw animals as voiceless beings that needed kindness and protection. Perhaps that’s where my passion for advocacy and justice began, just wanting to help, to heal, and to make the world a little fairer for everyone.

Was there a defining moment in your life or career that solidified your commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment?

Yes! One of the earliest and most meaningful experiences I had was around 20 years ago, when I was working as a coordinator for an annual exchange program for Omani students. It was designed for 14-year-olds to spend a year in the U.S., living with a host family and attending 10th grade. At first, my role was more behind the scenes, scoring the entrance tests and helping with logistics, but over time, I became part of the interview panel and eventually managed the program locally.

What really struck me about that experience was just how much impact access to education and cultural opportunities could have on young people, especially when the process was fair, inclusive, and even fun. You’d see students walk in unsure of themselves, and months later, they’d come back from their trip more confident, open-minded, and full of ideas.

That experience stayed with me. It made me realize that real, lasting change comes from giving people the tools, experiences, and support to grow on their own. That’s what empowerment looks like to me. And that program was one of the first times I saw it in action.

What is the core mission of Al Jisr Foundation, and how do you personally connect with its goals?

Al Jisr Foundation is about bridging gaps in education, healthcare, and economic opportunity. Our mission is to create sustainable, community-led change by supporting initiatives that empower individuals, build capacity, and improve quality of life. We’re not just about short-term aid; we’re focused on long-term solutions that help people stand on their own.

Personally, I connect with this mission on many levels. It reflects values that were shaped in me from a young age, which include compassion, fairness, and the belief that everyone deserves a chance to thrive. It also speaks to what I’ve learned over the years working in this space: that when you listen to communities, invest in their strengths, and remove barriers to access, real transformation happens.

The idea of being a catalyst really speaks to me, we’re not here to take over or impose solutions, but to help unlock potential, and support communities in leading their own development journeys. That’s the kind of change I want to be part of.

Looking ahead, what is your vision for philanthropy in Oman, and how do you see Al Jisr Foundation evolving in the next decade?

I believe the future of philanthropy in Oman is heading toward greater structure, collaboration, and strategic alignment with national development goals. Over the past few years, we’ve seen growing awareness around the importance of sustainable giving, from individuals and the private sector’s CSR. People are beginning to understand that philanthropy isn’t just about generosity, but about impact and creating value. I expect we’ll see more formal philanthropic institutions emerge, better governance frameworks, and increased transparency and data-driven decision making in the sector.

I also think there’s an exciting opportunity for organizations in Oman to work more closely together, sharing knowledge, pooling resources, and aligning efforts. Instead of working in silos, the sector could evolve into an ecosystem of collaboration, with strong partnerships across civil society, the private sector, and government.

As for Al Jisr Foundation, I’d love to see us continue growing as a trusted, proactive voice in the sector. In the next decade, I envision us being part of creating that greater structure and framework that would shape how other philanthropies and NGOs operate and work. We’ll continue to prioritize evidence-based approaches, invest in capacity building, and explore innovative models like social enterprise and impact investment. And I expect to expand the scale of our work, by being part of national conversations to help shape policies and strategies that affect education, health, and community development in Oman and what philanthropy looks like in the region.

If you could achieve one major transformation in the philanthropic sector, what would it be and why?

I’d shift the focus from charity to sustainable impact. Too often, giving is seen as a one-time act, but real change happens when we invest in long-term solutions that empower communities. I’d love to see the sector adopt more measurable, sustainable approaches, and truly involve communities in shaping the solutions meant for them.

You have extensive experience in corporate social responsibility and social value creation. How have these experiences influenced your leadership approach?

I have learned the value of measuring outcomes, thinking systemically, and aligning social impact with broader economic goals. It taught me that good intentions aren’t enough, but that you need strategy, accountability, and partnerships to really move the needle. I try to lead with both empathy and structure, and always with the mindset that impact must be both felt and proven.

What are some of the most impactful initiatives you have spearheaded at Al Jisr Foundation, and what challenges have you faced along the way?

It’s honestly hard to single out specific initiatives because I believe each one plays a vital role in creating impact, whether it’s immediate or long-term. But there are a couple that have had a particularly wide and cascading effect.

One is our English language curriculum development initiative, where we supported the Ministry of Education in improving English language teaching across public schools. The project included designing new content, training materials, and delivering workshops to enhance teacher capacity. Its impact goes far beyond the classroom and opens doors for students in a globalized world. Coordinating across departments and ensuring alignment with national goals was a challenge, as well as ensuring the project’s sustainability, but working closely with the Ministry of Education has made all the difference.

The second is our effort to outsource orthopedic pediatric surgeries to private hospitals, helping address long waiting lists in government hospitals. Through this collaboration with the Ministry of Health, over 130 surgeries were completed over the last 2 years, giving children timely, life-changing care. Ensuring a fair and transparent referral process was key, and it worked because of the trust and collaboration across sectors.

These kinds of initiatives reflect our approach at Al Jisr which is working within systems to strengthen them, not just provide short-term fixes.

Collaboration is a key part of your strategy. Can you share an example of a successful partnership that led to meaningful change?

One example I’m really proud of is our collaboration with the World Health Organization in Oman, and the Ministry of Health last year to promote physical activity as a way to combat non-communicable diseases. Together, we worked on building walkways in two small villages outside of Muscat, which were designated as “Healthy Villages.”

These weren’t just infrastructure projects, but community-led initiatives that brought people together to spark real behavioral change. Residents started using the walkways regularly, and the local community got involved in promoting fitness and wellbeing. It was a simple idea, but with the right partners and community engagement, it became a model for how public health and infrastructure can go hand in hand.

It’s partnerships like these that truly demonstrate how collective effort leads to meaningful, lasting impact.

Managing large-scale philanthropic projects must be demanding. How do you balance your personal life with your professional commitments?

To be honest, it’s still a work in progress. As a single mum, balancing both worlds isn’t easy, so I try to be intentional with my time. I protect moments with my children and remind myself to unplug and reset, though I’ll admit, I don’t always practice what I preach. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that I can’t do it all alone. I’m fortunate to have a strong, supportive team that I trust and can lean on when needed. That makes all the difference.

What keeps you motivated and inspired to continue your work in philanthropy, even in the face of challenges?

People. It’s always the people. Whether it’s a parent whose child now has access to education, or someone receiving life-changing surgery, or a person with a disability who’s finally employable through training, those stories remind me why this work matters.

I’m also deeply inspired by the vision and commitment of our Board of Directors and Founders, the daughters of the late Sheikh Saud Bahwan, Sheikha Fawziya and Sheikha Anisa and both their children. Their dedication to continuing their father’s legacy of compassion and generosity, with sincerity, humility, and purpose, is something I admire greatly. It gives me a great sense of pride to represent them and the Foundation’s mission, which is only made possible through their unwavering support and belief in the work we do.

What advice would you give to young leaders or entrepreneurs who want to create a meaningful social impact?

You should be clear about your “why” before starting anything, so take the time to understand your purpose. Start where you are, with what you have, because impact doesn’t need to be big to be meaningful. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or to collaborate as some of the best work happens when people come together. Most importantly, listen. The most effective solutions often come directly from the communities you’re hoping to support. And finally, remember that meaningful change takes time. Be patient, stay committed, and trust the process.