Muscat – Council of Oman, comprising the State Council and Majlis A’Shura, continues to play a pivotal role in the sultanate’s legislative process. Guided by the Basic Law of the State and the Law of the Council of Oman, it is instrumental in shaping the nation’s development and growth.

In the first session of its eighth term, the State Council convened five sessions, deliberating on the draft state budget for 2024 and various government-referred draft laws. Notable among these were the ‘Draft Law on the Protection of Bank Deposits’, ‘Draft Law on Regulating Trade in Wildlife’ and ‘Draft Media Law’.

The State Council also addressed the responses from the Council of Ministers to previous studies and proposals.

A joint session with Majlis A’Shura focused on resolving differences on several draft laws referred by the government. The State Council’s office held five meetings, reviewing 41 topics, including submissions from its committees, Council of Ministers’ responses and members’ proposals.

During the first session, the State Council formed three special committees, tasked with studying the contents of the Royal Speech at the opening of the first session of the eighth term of the Council of Oman; ways of diversifying sources of income in the sultanate; and the role of local flora in strengthening the local economy.

The State Council’s permanent committees held 58 main meetings and 46 subcommittee meetings during the eighth term. It hosted 22 events, engaging specialists from the public and private sectors.

Additionally, the State Council hosted officials and specialists to discuss national efforts and the roles, plans and programmes of their institutions. Notable presentations included those by the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, Ministry of Finance and Oman Investment Authority.

In its first annual session of the tenth term, Majlis A’Shura held 12 regular sessions, four of which were dedicated to ministerial statements. The majlis reviewed nine draft laws and 12 draft agreements referred by the government.

The State Council and Majlis A’Shura work in close partnership, coordinating through joint committees to resolve differences on draft laws. This collaborative legislative process underscores Council of Oman’s commitment to national development and effective governance.