Saturday 12 / July / 2025
Muscat: Based on the Royal directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the State Council has concluded the work of the second regular session of its eighth term.
His Excellency Khalid bin Ahmed Al Saadi, Secretary-General of the State Council, confirmed that this session witnessed intensive legislative activity, with the Council discussing several specialised draft laws aligned with current national priorities and citizens’ aspirations. The Council also fulfilled its legislative role by reviewing a number of key national study proposals.
His Excellency highlighted the Council’s accomplishments, stating that the session reflected a comprehensive set of legislative activities demonstrating the Council’s commitment to its national duties. Fourteen draft laws were discussed, along with amendments to existing legislation across sectors such as the economy, education, health, and technology. These discussions aimed to enhance the investment climate, improve social services, and reinforce national development.
He noted that the Council’s standing committees were particularly active, holding multiple meetings to address priority topics and preparing key recommendations for general sessions. Open forums were also organised with civil society representatives, experts, and officials to enhance public participation in decision-making and encourage cross-sector collaboration.
During this session, the Council held eight general sessions and reviewed 18 topics. Among the draft laws discussed were those related to electronic transactions, public health, financial legislation, individual income tax, and the regulation of organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
The discussions featured constructive input from members, with in-depth debates exploring legislative aspects of each proposal.
Two joint sessions were also held with the Shura Council to resolve differences in specific articles of draft laws. These sessions concluded with consensus on all disputed points, reflecting national unity and public interest.
The Council’s office held six meetings, reviewed 60 topics, and issued 45 decisions, focusing on session organisation, committee coordination, member proposals, and administrative matters. Three meetings were also held with heads and rapporteurs of permanent committees to strengthen legislative coordination and align with government frameworks.
In line with Article (77) of the Law of the Council of Oman, the Council of Ministers also met with the Chairman and members of the Council’s office during the session.
Standing committees held 72 main meetings and 90 sub-meetings, hosting 45 representatives from public and private sector entities. Special committees held 27 main and 3 sub-meetings, hosting state officials to support their studies. Additionally, 11 joint committee meetings were held with the Shura Council to review specific draft law provisions.
Externally, the Council maintained its presence in regional and international forums, participating in conferences, parliamentary events, and global seminars. These included meetings of GCC legislative bodies, the Arab Parliament, the Parliamentary Union of OIC Member States, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and others.
The Council’s international participation helped enhance Oman’s global legislative standing, reaffirmed its commitment to democratic values and human rights, and supported its positions in international forums.
Domestically, the Council prioritised coordination with national institutions, hosting ministers and senior officials who presented detailed reports on institutional performance, policy implementation, and project indicators. These sessions facilitated dialogue and performance assessment.
Concluding the session, His Excellency noted that several significant draft laws were approved, reinforcing the Council’s legislative engagement and its commitment to national development. He reaffirmed the Council’s dedication to continuing this work in future sessions in service of Oman and its comprehensive development goals.
