Supporting national aspirations

STAFF REPORTER

MUSCAT, NOV 19

Coinciding with the celebration of Oman’s glorious National Day, which falls on November 20 and marks the founding of the Al Busaid State, Majlis Ash’shura reflects upon a long-standing national journey grounded in steady achievements and firm principles.

The Shura continues to move forward with determination, drawing upon a solid record of parliamentary action and an experience deeply rooted in participation and gradual institutional development aligned with the nation’s evolving transformations. Today, fifty-five years into the Omani Renaissance and its renewed chapter under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Shura stands as an active national partner in decision-making and in advancing comprehensive development, through clear legislative practices and continuous efforts to strengthen participatory governance. These efforts reflect the Shura’s integral role in realising the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and following up on the implementation of the Eleventh Five-Year Development Plan (2026–2030), in line with Oman’s prudent approach and mature parliamentary experience, supported by laws and systems that serve the nation’s interests and respond to citizens’ aspirations.

Throughout the first half of its tenth term, the Shura has continued to reinforce the legislative framework of the Sultanate of Oman in support of national development and the economy. It has completed forty-seven legislative instruments, including draft laws and agreements, within twenty-six regular sessions, in addition to holding ministerial statements with service ministers to discuss key national issues related to education, labour and employment initiatives. On the oversight side, the Council has actively monitored national issues and public policies through 466 oversight tools during the first and second annual sittings, alongside several task forces dedicated to major files such as job-seekers, social protection benefits and the digital economy. The standing committees of the Council have also discussed more than 220 topics across various sectors in over 225 meetings.

The Shura has also strengthened national partnership and cooperation with other state institutions, in line with the Basic Law of the State and the Law of the Council of Oman. This cooperation has been exemplified in joint meetings between the Majlis Ash’shura and the Council of Ministers, totalling three meetings during the first half of the tenth term, reflecting continuous coordination between the legislative and executive branches to align efforts toward national goals and serve the public interest.

The Council has further deepened legislative coordination with the State Council within the framework of the Council of Oman, as stipulated in the Law of the Council of Oman (Royal Decree 7/2021). This coordination included joint sessions and meetings to discuss differences in draft laws referred by the government.

During this period, both chambers reached consensus on fourteen draft laws, thirteen of which were promulgated as Royal Decrees, including the Law on the Protection of Bank Deposits, the Wildlife Trade Law, the Media Law, the Electronic Transactions Law, the Public Health Law, the Law on Organ and Tissue Transplantation, the Financial Law, the Personal Income Tax Law, the Law on Special Economic and Free Zones, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Law, the Telecommunications and Information Technology Regulation Law, the Real Estate Regulation Law, the Law on the Collection of Public Funds, and the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. These milestones reflect the spirit of institutional partnership and legislative integration between the two chambers.

Regionally and internationally, the Shura has strengthened its parliamentary diplomacy through active participation in sixty-seven regional and international parliamentary events and forums, including those organised by the Gulf, Arab and international parliamentary unions. Through these engagements, the Council has conveyed Oman’s consistent message of dialogue, peace and mutual understanding, reinforcing cooperation with friendly and brotherly nations. These participations highlight Oman’s distinctive diplomatic approach, based on respect, balance, and constructive contribution to the global dialogue on stability and development.

At the same time, the Shura continues to follow up on national plans and development strategies with diligence, reviewing the State Budget annually and assessing progress in the Tenth Five-Year Development Plan (2021-2025), while presenting proposals on the Eleventh Five-Year Development Plan (2026-2030) to ensure alignment with the goals of Oman Vision 2040.

The Council’s committees across various sectors — legislation and law, economy and development, education and youth, and public services — continue to pursue priorities that contribute to the reinforcement of Oman’s legislative framework and the advancement of national objectives in the public interest.

Recognising that communication and community partnership are integral to its role, the Majlis Ash’shura attaches great importance to strengthening awareness and transparency through modern communication tools. It continues to engage with the public by publishing accurate and timely information on its legislative and oversight activities, inviting media representatives and citizens to attend public and ministerial sessions, and organising its annual media forum to enhance dialogue and partnership with media institutions.

The Council also supports researchers and writers documenting the history and progress of Oman’s parliamentary experience and facilitates visits for students and youth groups to deepen their understanding of the Shura process.

On this proud national occasion, the Majlis Ash’shura extends its warmest congratulations and sincere wishes to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and to the Omani people, reaffirming its steadfast commitment to continue fulfilling its national duties with loyalty and diligence.

The Council pledges to sustain its contribution to Oman’s progress and prosperity, upholding the values of participation, transparency, and shared responsibility that define Oman’s parliamentary journey and its enduring role in supporting the nation’s comprehensive development.