Zakat as a Strategic Tool for Sustainable Development in Oman: Towards Economic and Social Integration with Oman Vision 2040

Zakat is one of the most prominent tools of Islamic economy in redistributing wealth, promoting social justice and reducing poverty. However, its investment in Oman remains focused on short-term direct aid, with limited integration into long-term development strategies. This study aims to analyze the role of Zakat in supporting sustainable development in the Sultanate, focusing on its alignment with the Oman Vision 2040.the study adopted a mixed approach, combining a field survey distributed to 300 participants from Zakat payers, beneficiaries and members of Zakat Committees, and in-depth interviews with six officials from Zakat Committees. analysis of official statistical data. The results showed that Zakat contributed to the improvement of the conditions of the beneficiary families, where the average income increased by 18%, and contributed to the support of education and health care. However, only 15% of Zakat funds were allocated to productive projects, which reduced their developmental impact. Institutional challenges have also emerged, including the absence of central management, weak managerial competencies and fragmented data. The study recommends the establishment of a national Zakat Authority, the adoption of digital platforms to ensure transparency, and the integration of Zakat policies into national plans, while drawing on successful experiences in Malaysia and Algeria to enhance its role in achieving sustainable development in Oman.