Wednesday 25 / February / 2026
Muscat: The Indian Social Club (ISC) has called on members of the Indian community in the Sultanate to come forward with financial support to construct a dedicated complex on its allotted land in Al Amerat, as it faces directives to vacate its current premises.
The appeal comes amid ongoing discussions regarding the future of ISC’s facilities, which it has shared for decades with Indian School Muscat (ISM) in Darsait.
Community appeal
At an Open House held on February 20, 2026, and during an Iftar gathering hosted by a senior community member on February 24, 2026, it was proposed that the community make a renewed effort to mobilise funds to build the ISC complex at Al Amerat.
Community members have been requested to express their interest by March 1, 2026, through a designated form. “Based on the response received, the next course of action will be decided,” a social worker said.
The circular has urged recipients to share the appeal widely among potential sponsors and contributors to ensure comprehensive feedback and adequate participation.
If sufficient funds are pledged, a steering committee comprising senior community members is expected to form to oversee the project transparently and within a set timeframe.
Major contributors would be represented on this committee, and pledged funds would need to be deposited promptly to enable construction to commence.
The Indian Social Club leadership has also invited suggestions from the community to strengthen the proposal and ensure the long-term sustainability of the planned complex in Al Amerat.
Welcoming the appeal by the ambassador to the community to come forward to support the construction of a dedicated complex in Al Amerat, senior ISC member Sohail Khan said: “We warmly welcome this initiative by His Excellency G V Srinivas. It is an encouraging call for our community, especially business leaders, to come forward and support the creation of a modern, state-of-the-art Indian Social Club complex in Al Amerat.”
“The new facility will strengthen our cultural, social, and recreational activities, foster greater community engagement, and serve as a vibrant hub for generations of the Indian community in Oman,” he further added.
A legacy spanning five decades
The ISC traces its origins to the early 1970s, when prominent members of the Indian community formed the Indian Cultural Association to cater to the social, cultural, sporting and intellectual needs of expatriates in Oman.
In 1974, the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimour granted 15,000 square metres of land in Darsait to the Indian community.
As the land allocation did not restrict usage solely to a school building, it was decided that the premises would house both a school and a cultural association. Infrastructure for both institutions was subsequently developed with donations from benefactors, including leading business houses and community members.
In 1994, the government initiated a programme to establish nationality-based community clubs supervised by the Ministry of Social Development. Consequently, the Indian Cultural Association was reconstituted as the Indian Social Club. The ISC is now governed by Articles of Association issued by the Ministry and managed by a 12-member committee.
Over the years, ISC has functioned as an umbrella body for the Indian community, promoting sports, educational, charitable and cultural activities.
Through its various wings, it organises music programmes, literary events, mushairas, cultural evenings, and celebrations of Indian national days and festivals, while also coordinating closely with the Indian Embassy and Omani authorities.
Al Amerat land and funding challenge
In 2010, the ISC was granted usufruct rights over a 10,000 square metre plot in Al Amerat by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning for 25 years, renewable upon request. The land was allocated to enable the Club to establish an independent facility separate from the school.
However, the Club has been unable to develop the site due to financial constraints. According to estimates shared with the community, levelling the uneven topography of the land could cost around OMR1 million, while construction expenses may range between OMR2 million and OMR8 million depending on the scope of the project.
