Shura Council reviews 2027 budget, key proposals

MUSCAT: The Majlis Ash’shura began on Sunday began the proceedings of the fourth regular session (2026-2027) of the tenth term (2023-2027) by holding its first regular sitting.
The meeting was chaired by Khalid bin Hilal al Maawali, Chairman of Majlis Ash’shura.
The sitting commenced with a speech by the Chairman of the Council, in which he expressed deep appreciation for the continuous attention His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik accords upon the Council of Oman.
He stated that this necessitates all to bear this trust in performing responsibilities and presenting national work that responds to the citizens' aspirations and serves the nation's interests.
Al Maawali praised in his speech the approach of Omani foreign policy, whose efficacy, wisdom, and farsightedness have been proven by events and time, making it an exemplary model and a commendable experience that has garnered wide praise and attention in numerous international and regional forums.
He affirmed that the Council begins the proceedings of the fourth regular session of the 10th term fully aware of the magnitude of responsibilities and efforts required by the march of national work. This necessitates the Council to give it utmost attention, place it among the priorities of its annual plans and programmes, and address and examine it within the framework of the Basic Statute of the State and the Council of Oman Law. This is carried out through the Council's observations and recommendations on draft laws, the State's General Budget, economic and social agreements, and in the Council's discussions with the Ministers when hosting them to deliver their ministerial statements. These are responsibilities that require honesty and dedication, and must be performed optimally, striving to advance the Council's work and exercise its powers in a manner that effectively contributes to propelling the march of national work.
The proceedings of the sitting began with the new member of the Majlis Ash’shura, Ali bin Salim al Makhmari, taking the membership oath. This was part of completing the legal procedures to fill the vacant seat in the Council's membership and commence his duties for the remainder of his predecessor's term, pursuant to the provisions of the Council of Oman Law promulgated by Royal Decree No (7/2021).
During the sitting, the members were briefed on the State's Draft General Budget for the fiscal year 2027. This comes within the Council's prescribed jurisdictions in studying financial and economic topics, and reviewing the State's financial directions and public spending priorities, thereby enhancing the Council's role in following up on financial and economic policies and keeping pace with national development targets.
Furthermore, during the sitting, the Council approved the work plans of the standing committees for the fourth regular session of the tenth term. Through these plans, the committees reviewed their priorities and proposed executive programs for the upcoming period, within the framework of their legislative jurisdictions and the follow-up tools referred to them by the Council's Bureau. This is in alignment with the topics and issues listed on the Council's agenda, and the priority developmental files across various sectors.
In this context, the rapporteurs of the committees presented to the members the annual work plans for each committee. They detailed the expressed desires and proposed topics to be studied and discussed during the fourth session, the programs and initiatives the committees intend to implement, and the mechanisms for following up on the topics referred to them. This also included studying draft laws and agreements, reviewing legislation related to their jurisdictions, as well as examining issues and developments connected to the sectors overseen by each committee.
The presented plans encompassed the works of the Legislative and Legal Committee; the Economic and Financial Committee; the Health and Social Committee; the Education, Scientific Research and Innovation Committee; the Services and Public Utilities Committee; the Youth and Human Resources Committee; the Food and Water Security Committee; and the Media, Tourism and Culture Committee.
During the proceedings, Hamid bin Awadh Sakroon, Head of the Health and Social Committee and its rapporteur for the sitting, presented the committee's report on the draft unified (statute) law for voluntary work in the GCC countries.
He addressed the most prominent justifications and objectives of the draft, and the provisions and articles it contains aimed at regulating voluntary work and enhancing its legislative and institutional frameworks at the level of the GCC countries. He also presented the most prominent views and observations the committee reached in light of its study of the draft.
The members expressed their observations and interventions regarding the draft's articles, exchanging views on the provisions contained therein and their importance in regulating and developing voluntary work. This aims to enhance its societal role and consolidate the legal frameworks regulating its practice.
At the end of the extensive discussions by the members, the Council concluded its discussion of the draft's articles and decided to refer it to the State Council to complete its legislative cycle.
Ahmed bin Said al Sharqi, Head of the Economic and Financial Committee, presented the committee's report on the draft amendment to certain provisions of the Securities Law. He clarified the most prominent justifications for the proposed amendments and their aim to develop the legislative provisions regulating the securities sector and enhance the efficiency of the legal and regulatory framework of the financial market, in a manner that keeps pace with economic variables and the requirements for developing the investment environment in the Sultanate of Oman.
He also reviewed the views and observations the committee reached regarding the amendments contained in the draft, in light of its study and analysis of its various provisions.
The discussion of the draft witnessed interventions and observations from the members regarding a number of its articles and the proposed amendments.
These addressed legislative and regulatory aspects related to the securities sector, emphasising the importance of legislation keeping pace with the developments witnessed by the sector, in order to enhance market efficiency and safeguard the rights of its dealers.
Hamid Awadh Sakroon, Head of the Health and Social Committee, also presented the committee's report on the draft Civil Defence and Ambulance Law. He addressed the most prominent justifications and objectives of the draft, highlighting its importance in developing the legislative ecosystem regulating civil defence and ambulance operations, and enhancing the relevant legal and institutional frameworks. This contributes to regulating the jurisdictions and responsibilities related to prevention and response operations for emergencies and accidents, and raising the efficiency of the public safety and protection ecosystem.
He clarified that the committee, within the framework of its study of the draft, was keen on expanding the examination of its various legislative and practical aspects. This was achieved by hosting representatives from government entities, concerned institutions, and relevant legal personalities, listening to their views and observations regarding the proposed provisions, and identifying the most prominent challenges related to its application.
For their part, the members expressed their observations and interventions on the articles of the draft Civil Defence and Ambulance Law. They addressed a number of aspects related to its provisions and objectives, emphasising the importance of integrated roles among the concerned entities, and enhancing readiness and response to accidents and emergencies. They also discussed the views and recommendations contained in the committee's report, and the legislative and regulatory proposals and observations raised concerning the articles under discussion.
During the sitting, the report of the Services and Public Utilities Committee on the draft Air Services Agreement between the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and the Government of the Republic of Malawi was reviewed.
The report stated that the agreement aims to establish an organised framework for cooperation between the two countries in the field of air services. This contributes to enhancing bilateral relations, facilitating air transport movement, and creating suitable conditions for operating air services between the two sides, in accordance with the agreed-upon frameworks and controls.
Furthermore, the agreement will open broader horizons for cooperation in areas related to air transport, and enhance opportunities for communication, trade, and tourism exchange. This serves the mutual interests of both countries and supports the Sultanate of Oman's directions toward expanding its network of international relations and partnerships.
At the conclusion of the discussions, the members approved the draft agreement, and it was referred to the Council of Ministers.
Also during the sitting, the report of the Services and Public Utilities Committee on the draft Air Transport Agreement between the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini was reviewed. The report clarified that the agreement aims to enhance the frameworks of bilateral cooperation in the field of air transport and establish the regulatory foundations for relations between the two countries in this field. This allows for the development of air services and the facilitation of transport and communication movement, in accordance with the regulations and controls in force by both parties.
The agreement also represents a supportive step towards expanding areas of cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Eswatini, and creating new opportunities to enhance trade, investment, and tourism exchange. This is alongside supporting the Sultanate of Oman's openness to international markets and destinations, and benefiting from the potential of the air transport sector in consolidating economic and developmental relations between the two countries.
Following this, the agreement was approved by the members at the sitting, and was referred to the Council of Ministers.
Hamid Awadh Sakroon, Head of the Health and Social Committee and its rapporteur for the sitting, presented to the members the committee's report on the draft Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships.
He clarified that the convention aims to establish an international framework regulating ship recycling operations, ensuring their implementation in accordance with occupational health and safety requirements, mitigating their resulting environmental impacts, and enhancing responsible practices in dealing with ships at the end of their operational life.
He pointed out during the sitting that the importance of the convention lies in establishing clear standards for managing ship recycling operations by enhancing oversight over concerned facilities and installations, and ensuring the safe handling of hazardous materials and waste. This contributes to protecting workers and the marine environment, reducing pollution, and supporting international trends towards sustainability in the maritime sector.
At the end of the discussions, the Council concluded its discussion of the draft convention, and it was referred to the Council of Ministers to complete its legislative cycle. — ONA