Oman reaffirms Arabic language use across public and private sectors

Muscat: The Government Communication Centre clarifies that the Council of Ministers has recently directed all units of the State’s administrative apparatus, and other relevant public and private legal entities, institutions, and civil associations, to adhere to the mentioned guidelines.

The clarification comes in response to a formal directive by the Council of Ministers emphasizing the importance of upholding Arabic as a key element of national identity and a pillar of Oman’s Vision 2040.

According to a document released by the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, the use of Arabic is now mandatory in several key areas, including:

Naming of Public Projects: New government-related projects such as streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces must be named in Arabic. A secondary name in another language may be added in parentheses if needed, but priority is given to Arabic terminology.

Official Government Operations: All official business — including meetings, contracts, agreements, circulars, publications, and advertisements — must be conducted and documented in Arabic. The use of other languages is permitted only in urgent cases where public interest is at stake.

Language of Instruction: Arabic remains the primary language of instruction in all government and higher education institutions unless otherwise specified by relevant regulations.

Medical and Legal Documentation: Medical prescriptions, scientific certificates, legal decisions, and commercial contracts must be issued in Arabic. Other languages may be added alongside Arabic for clarity or international purposes.

In addition, the Council urged private sector entities — including telecom companies, banks, utility providers, and insurers — to adopt the proper use of Arabic in their public communications and reports.

The Government Communication Center stressed that these efforts aim to reinforce the Arabic language's standing in Omani society, highlighting it as one of the core components of the nation’s cultural identity and strategic vision for the future.