HM presides over the cabinet meeting

Muscat: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik presided over the meeting of the Council of Ministers at Al Alam Palace on Tuesday.

HM presides over Council of Ministers meeting

Muscat: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik presided over the Council of Ministers meeting at the premises of the Council of Ministers in Muscat on Tuesday.

At the outset of the meeting, His Majesty the Sultan gave thanks and praise to the Almighty Allah for the abundant bounties that He bestowed on this dear nation. His Majesty prayed that the current year (2026) would be one marked by successive achievements and the realization of aspirations for a promising tomorrow and a radiant future for the Sultanate of Oman and its loyal people.

His Majesty then proceeded to review a set of topics. In light of sustained positive growth in the national economy's performance and tangible improvements across financial, economic, and social indicators during the past period—praise be to Allah—His Majesty the Sultan expressed his satisfaction with the positive results achieved. His Majesty commended the dedicated efforts of all relevant entities and the government's policies aimed at enhancing fiscal sustainability, which have helped foster an attractive investment climate and stimulate various economic sectors.

In light of the adoption of the Eleventh Five-Year Development Plan (2026-2030) and the State Budget for fiscal year 2026, and following a review of the state's economic and financial performance along with its key annual targets, the Council of Ministers stressed the necessity of integration among state institutions and a strengthened partnership with the private sector to meet the plan's financial, economic, and social objectives. It further emphasized focusing on the expansion of promising economic sectors expected to generate employment opportunities and contribute to gross domestic product (GDP) growth.

Following a review of the key successes achieved by government entities in 2025—including the Central Bank of Oman, the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, the Tax Authority, the Oman Investment Authority, and the State Financial and Administrative Audit Authority—as well as their ongoing challenges, work plans, and objectives for 2026, the Council of Ministers commended the efforts of all government entities. It underscored the importance of further strengthening these efforts to realize the targets of Oman Vision 2040 and meet the aspirations of citizens.

In recognition of the strategic importance of establishing a global financial centre in the Sultanate of Oman to drive economic diversification, boost the financial sector's contribution to GDP, attract capital, and foster an ecosystem attractive to investment, the Council of Ministers has approved the establishment of the "Oman Global Financial Centre." The centre, which will enjoy legislative, administrative, and regulatory autonomy, is designed to create a compelling environment for commercial banks and specialized global financial institutions in commercial and Islamic banking, finance, insurance, and related support services. Its establishment also aims to facilitate knowledge transfer and generate high-quality employment in the financial sector, built upon a new legal, judicial, and financial framework aligned with international standards.

In line with His Majesty the Sultan's continued focus on social and cultural issues, and his commitment to strengthening Omani society and protecting all its segments, and in view of the adverse impacts of modern technology and digital communication—including emerging social issues such as weakened community ties, the declining influence of positive role models, a lack of constructive intergenerational dialogue, and other harmful trends among some youth—His Majesty has directed the Council of Ministers to study and analyse behavioural shifts in society. The Council is tasked with developing clear-cut, structured policies and operational mechanisms to promote positive values, foster constructive behaviours, and mitigate the negative influence of social media on social conduct.

Following a review of the implementation progress, key indicators, and outcomes of the 2025 employment and training initiatives, the Council of Ministers commended the efforts of its Financial and Economic Committee, the Ministry of Labour, and all contributing government entities in meeting their targets. The Council also stressed the importance of sustaining this momentum and enhancing collaboration with private sector establishments to create wider avenues for sustainable employment opportunities.

In line with the Royal interest to accelerate the Government Digital Transformation Programme and to enhance the effectiveness of public services delivered through the Unified Government Services Portal, the Council of Ministers underscored the need for continued collaboration and integrated roles among all government units. The goal is to establish the Portal as the central gateway for government services, while leveraging artificial intelligence technologies to develop innovative digital offerings that meet user expectations and ensure satisfaction.

Following a review of the outcomes from the third meeting of the Oman-Saudi Coordination Council, held on 23 December 2025, the Council of Ministers expressed its satisfaction with the positive and fruitful results achieved across multiple areas. It reaffirmed Oman's commitment to strengthening cooperation with the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), deepening the strategic partnership, and advancing integration across various sectors in line with their shared aspirations. The Council of Ministers also highlighted the importance of ongoing consultations between the two countries on all regional and international matters of mutual interest.

Following a reference to the Royal and official reciprocal visits with several sisterly and friendly countries, and the anticipated economic outcomes thereof, the Council of Ministers stressed the need for both the public and private sectors to maximize the benefits from the agreements, memoranda, and programmes concluded by the Government of the Sultanate of Oman. It also emphasized translating these instruments into executable programs and capitalizing on the promising opportunities and future projects they generate.

Within the framework of reviewing the bilateral relations with several sisterly and friendly countries, as well as regional and international affairs, the discussions reaffirmed the core tenets of Oman’s foreign policy. These are based on good neighbourliness, positive neutrality, and non-interference. The Council of Ministers emphasized Oman's commitment to forging friendly and cooperative ties with all states to achieve mutual benefit. It also reiterated Oman's full support for international law, respect for national sovereignty and independence, and its endorsement of United Nations efforts to maintain international peace and security. The Council further called on all parties to exercise restraint, engage in dialogue, prevent escalation, and pursue reconciliation to promote security, stability, and the protection of civilians.

At the conclusion of the meeting, His Majesty the Sultan offered prayers, beseeching continued righteousness and success in all endeavours that bring goodness and prosperity to this dear nation and its loyal people.