Women’s seats mark new phase for Majlis Ash’shura

MUSCAT, NOV 11
Majlis Ash’shura has completed 84 legislative items and activated 673 oversight tools since the start of its Tenth Term, its Secretary-General said on Wednesday, as the Majlis prepares for a new phase that will see 11 seats allocated to women. The figures were presented at its 2026 Annual Media Briefing, attended by representatives of local media and those interested in legislative work.
Khalid bin Hilal al Maawali, Chairman of Majlis Ash’shura, said the amendments to certain provisions of the Council of Oman Law, and the Royal Directives allocating 11 seats for women in the Majlis, form part of the continuing development of the Shura journey and support efforts to make national participation more effective.
In a presentation, Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed al Nadabi, Secretary-General of Majlis Ash’shura, said that since the start of the Tenth Term, the Majlis has held 47 ordinary sittings and recorded 94 external participations, while joint sessions reached agreement on 26 projects and the standing committees completed more than 300 topics. These figures reflect the diversity of its work and the breadth of its legislative and oversight efforts, he said.
Al Nadabi outlined developments expected in the coming phase, including Royal Decree No 97/2026 amending certain provisions of the Council of Oman Law, and the Royal Directives issued in June 2026 allocating 11 seats for women, which support national participation and strengthen women’s presence in Shura work. The legislative record achieved since the start of the Tenth Term provides a bridge to a new phase of national contribution, he said.
A dialogue session with the chairpersons of the standing committees reviewed their main achievements during the term. Media representatives raised questions on oversight tools, pressing public issues, social and employment affairs, and the electoral process in light of the allocation of seats for women, including the procedures for implementing the directives.
Al Maawali said the Majlis was committed to meeting the requirements of the current phase, in line with the targets of Oman Vision 2040, and highlighted its relationship with the Council of Ministers and its joint work with the State Council within the Council of Oman. Direct communication with the media and society is a fundamental pillar of its work, he said, ensuring accurate information about its work and roles reaches the public. He described the Annual Media Briefing as a strategic tool for building an integrated and sustainable partnership with media institutions.
An accompanying exhibition showcased the achievements of the Majlis, while a short video highlighted the key milestones of its work during the Third Ordinary Session.