The Government and State Institutions of Oman

The Basic Law and the State’s Organizational Structure
The creation of a modern state with established institutions has been one of the four cornerstones of the country’s development efforts over the past 39 years.

Creating the institutions of a modern state is an ongoing process. To function effectively each individual institution must develop in a series of stages which are in tune with the economic and social progress taking place in Omani society; at the same time each must satisfy the aspirations of the general public, create the conditions that will enable the country’s citizens to make their own positive contributions, and ensure the integration of the state’s executive and parliamentary institutions and the independence of the judiciary.

The Basic Law of the State
November 6th 2009, marks the 13th anniversary of the promulgation of the Basic Law of the State. Instituted by Royal Decree No. 101/96, this law affirms the principles guiding state policy since Sultan Qaboos’ accession in 1970 and reflects the country’s determination to continue building the foundations for an ever improving future. It also reinforces Oman’s international status and its role in helping to consolidate peace, security and co-operation between peoples.

As well as forming the legal frame of reference governing the functions of the different authorities and the separation of their powers, the Basic Law of the State is also the source from which the state authorities derive the principles and scope of their operations and activities. At the same time, it protects and guarantees the freedom, dignity and rights of the individual in accordance with the highest international standards.

The Basic Law of the State comprises 81 Articles, laid out in seven chapters. This document, unprecedented in Oman’s history before 1996, sets out the state’s system of government and the guiding principles of its policies in various spheres. It details the public rights and duties of Oman’s citizens, contains provisions covering the Head of State, the Council of Ministers and the judiciary, as well as a number of specialized councils, including the Council of Oman, as well as bodies related to financial affairs. All Oman’s laws are promulgated on the basis of provisions laid down by the Basic Law of the State and must not conflict with them.

Firm Principles
The Basic Law of the State lays down the firm principles on which the state and the system of government are founded. Article 1 declares: “The Sultanate of Oman is an independent, fully sovereign, Arab, Islamic state. Its capital is Muscat.” Article 2 stipulates: “The state’s religion is Islam and the Islamic Sharia is the basis of legislation.”

Chapter One of the Basic Law of the State defines the manner and procedures for accession. Article 5 stipulates: “The system of government is Sultani (Royal), hereditary in the male descendants of Sayyid Turki bin Said bin Sultan, provided that the one to be chosen as successor shall be a Muslim, judicious, of sound mind and a legitimate son of two Omani Muslim parents”. According to Article 9: “Rule in the Sultanate shall be based on justice, shura (consultation) and equality. The citizens have the right to participate in public affairs in accordance with the Basic Statute and the conditions stipulated by the Law.”

Article 59 declares: “The sovereignty of the Law shall be the basis of government in the state, and the integrity, impartiality and probity of the judiciary shall be a guarantee of rights and freedoms.” The Basic Law of the State guarantees the independence of the judiciary and makes interference in a lawsuit or the affairs of justice “a crime punishable by Law.”

The State’s organisational structure
The State’s organizational structure comprises His Majesty and a series of specialized councils, institutions and authorities:

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said
His Majesty the Sultan is the Head of State, its highest and final authority and the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. His person is inviolate, respect for him is obligatory and his command must be obeyed. He is the symbol of national unity and its guardian and defender. Article 42 of the Basic Law of the State defines His Majesty’s functions.

The Council of Ministers

The Council of Ministers assists His Majesty the Sultan in drawing up and implementing general state policy and is the authority responsible for ensuring that policy is implemented. In this connection the Council submits recommendations to the Sultan on economic, political, social, executive and administrative matters of concern to the government; including proposals for draft laws and decrees; methods of protecting the welfare and interests of citizens, including guaranteeing the provision of essential services and improving the economic, health and cultural standards enjoyed by the population. The Council also sets out the general goals and policies for economic, social and administrative development and proposes methods and procedures for implementing measures to ensure the efficient use of financial, economic and human resources.

His Majesty chairs a meeting of the Council of Ministers

Development plans prepared by the competent authorities are discussed by the Council before being submitted to the Sultan for his approval. The Council also follows up implementation of approved proposals through to completion. It monitors the progress and performance of the state’s administrative apparatus and liaises between its departments, while generally overseeing the efficient implementation of laws, decrees, regulations, decisions, treaties, agreements and court rulings. The Council also undertakes any other responsibilities entrusted to it by His Majesty, or assigned to it under the provisions of the Law.

The Council of Ministers has a secretariat-general to assist it in the performance of its functions, the position of Secretary General is currently held by HE Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal bin Saud bin Hareb al Busaidi.

The Council of Ministers, headed by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, includes among its members:

HH Sayyid Thuwainy bin Shihab al Said
Personal Representative of His Majesty the Sultan
HH Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud al Said
Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers
HH Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq al Said
Minister of Heritage and Culture
HE Sayyid Ali bin Hamoud al Busaidi
Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court
HE General Ali bin Majid al Ma’amari
Minister of the Royal Office
HE Sayyid Badr bin Saud bin Hareb
Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs
HE Sayyid Saud bin Ibrahim al Busaidi
Minister of the Interior
HE Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah
Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs
HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah al Hinai
Minister of Justice
HE Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki
Minister of National Economy and Deputy Chairman of the Financial
Affairs and Energy Resources Council
HE Sayyid al Mutassim bin Hamoud al Busaidi
Minister of State and Governor of Muscat
HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Ali al Qatabi
Minister of Fisheries Wealth
HE Dr. Ali bin Mohammed bin Moosa
Minister of Health
HE Sayyid Hamood bin Faisal bin Said al Busaidi
Minister of the Environment and Climate Affairs
HE Maqbool bin Ali bin Sultan
Minister of Commerce and Industry
HE Mohammed bin Ali al Alawi
Minister of Legal Affairs
HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed al Salmi
Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs
HE Dr. Mohammed bin Hamad al Rumhi
Minister of Oil and Gas
HE Dr. Khamis bin Mubarak al Alawi
Minister of Transport and Communications
HE Sheikh Salim bin Hilal al Khalili
Minister of Agriculture
HE Hamed bin Mohammed al Rashdi
Minister of Information
HE Yahya bin Saud al Sulaimi
Minister of Education
HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah al Harthi
Minister of Civil Service
HE Dr. Rawiyah bint Saud al Busaidiyah
Minister of Higher Education
HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Salim al Rowas
Minister of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources
HE Dr. Rajiha bint Abdulamir bin Ali
Minister of Tourism
HE Eng. Ali bin Masoud bin Ali al Sunaidi
Minister of Sports Affairs
HE Dr. Sharifa bint Khalfan bin Nasser al Yahya’eah
Minister of Social Development
HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Marhoon bin Ali al Ma’amari
Minister of State and Governor of Dhofar
HE Sheikh Saif bin Mohammed bin Saif al Shabibi
Minister of Housing
HE Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal bin Saud bin Hareb al Busaidi
Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers
HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Abdullah al Bakri
Minister of Manpower

The Defence Council
The Defence Council was set up by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos under Royal Decree No. 105/96 on 28th December 1996. Headed by His Majesty, its eight members are chosen on the basis of their rank or position. The Council, which meets at the instruction of Sultan Qaboos, examines issues related to the maintenance of Oman’s defence and security.

The National Security Council
Royal Decree No. 63/2003, issued on 23rd September 2003, amended the name of the National Security Committee to the National Security Council. This Council, which considers all national security related matters, holds its sessions at the direction of Sultan Qaboos, either under His Majesty’s chairmanship or that of a Minister of the Royal Office. Its members include the Inspector-General of Police and Customs, the Head of the Internal Security Service, the Chief of Staff of the Sultan’s Armed Forces and the Head of the Communications and Co-ordination Department.

The Council may request the attendance of non-members as and when appropriate. It has a secretary general appointed from the ranks of the Royal Office staff.

Article 2 of the Law on the Prevention of Terrorism, promulgated by Royal Decree No. 8/2007 on 22nd January 2007, pronounced: “The National Committee for the Prevention of Terrorism shall be restructured and its responsibilities defined by a decision of the National Security Council, and it shall operate under its supervision.”

The Financial Affairs and Energy Resources Council
This Council is responsible for setting out the state’s fiscal policy and all matters related to its financial and monetary system. It prepares the annual General State Budget and studies financial allocations for development projects, as well as domestic and foreign investment and funding, savings and other financial and monetary matters. Royal Decree No. 122/2007, issued on 9th December 2007, restructured the Council under His Majesty’s chairmanship.

The Council’s remit includes the development of energy resources and the extent of their contribution to the national economy, as well as ways of improving the efficiency with which they are utilized. The Council meets under the chairmanship of Sultan Qaboos or its Deputy Chairman.

The Supreme Judicial Council
In addition to drawing up general judicial policies, the Supreme Judicial Council ensures the independence of the judiciary and monitors its development. In this connection it oversees the work of the courts and the Public Prosecutor’s Office, supervises the upgrading of the courts and the litigation process, facilitates access to legal proceedings and considers nominations for appointments or promotions in the judiciary, in cases where the law stipulates such posts shall be filled by Royal Decree. As well as proposing draft laws on judicial matters and considering and commenting on draft laws submitted by the competent authorities, it also gives its opinion on draft judicial co-operation agreements between Oman and other states. The Council also studies and comments on any other matters put before it by His Majesty.

Higher Committees, Specialized Councils and Public Authorities

Article 56 of the Basic Law of the State stipulates: “Specialized Councils shall be established, their powers defined and their members appointed in accordance with Royal Decrees.” The state’s administrative apparatus includes a number of Higher Committees, Specialized Public Authorities, each of which has responsibility for managing or overseeing a specific sector, producing a comprehensive overview and, where necessary, liaising with other relevant bodies, including the ministries, with the aim of serving the public interest and ensuring efficient co-ordination between departments operating within a specific sector.

The members of the Committees, Councils and Authorities include ministers and public figures involved in the relevant fields.

Read more about the Councils, Authorities and Committees from the list below: