Muscat – Oman is set to mark the fifth anniversary of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s Accession Day on January 11, a momentous occasion that signalled the start of a new era defined by transformation and progress.

Since his ascent to the throne, His Majesty the Sultan has led the sultanate on a path of profound change, aligned with the goals of Oman Vision 2040. His leadership has spearheaded a series of reforms and initiatives aimed at modernising the country’s political, social and economic structures, positioning Oman as a competitive and progressive player on the global stage.

Under His Majesty the Sultan’s stewardship in the last five years, Oman has witnessed the enactment of over 470 Royal Decrees, marking a comprehensive restructuring of the country’s administrative and legal frameworks. These reforms have addressed critical issues related to governance, modernisation, financial transparency and institutional integrity, with a focus on building a future grounded in rule-of-law principles.

One of the most important legislative milestones in this ongoing transformation is Royal Decree No 6/2021, which introduced the Basic Law of the State. This law represents a major step towards establishing a law-based society. These legal updates are part of a broader strategy that seeks to modernise Oman’s governance systems while preserving its rich cultural heritage.

Jamal Salim al Nabhani, Spokesman for Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs, highlighted the role these reforms have played in advancing Oman’s governance model. He stressed the positive impact of these changes in areas such as economic regulation, including the Securities Law, Labour Law and Public Debt Law. “These developments are in line with Oman’s modernisation objectives and have created a more transparent, efficient and competitive environment for growth.”

Sariya Khalfan al Hadi, a member of the State Council, commended the sultanate’s legal reforms, stressing that these updates and new laws are essential in achieving the long-term goals of Oman Vision 2040.

According to Sariya, among the landmark initiatives is the Foreign Capital Investment Law, which is designed to enhance the business environment and attract foreign investments to diversify the economy. “By streamlining investment processes, the law aims to reduce Oman’s reliance on oil as a primary revenue source, fostering the growth of non-oil sectors such as logistics, industry and tourism.”

Sariya also highlighted the importance of the new Media Law, which seeks to regulate media activities, promote transparency and encourage the development of a responsible media community. These laws are integral to building a sustainable and prosperous future for all Omani citizens, she added, reinforcing the His Majesty’s commitment to creating a fair and just society for all.

Dr Ahmed Ali al Sa’adi, Head of the Legislative and Legal Committee in Majlis A’Shura, also reflected on the far-reaching impact of Oman’s legal reforms. He noted that the updated laws have played a critical role in improving the country’s business climate by providing incentives for both local and foreign and investments. The legal framework for economic sustainability is further supported by laws that encourage innovation, education, and the optimal management of Oman’s resources.

On the social front, Sa’adi pointed to the reforms aimed at enhancing citizens’ rights and supporting vulnerable groups. These include new social security provisions, labour laws that guarantee workers’ rights, and measures that promote gender equality and child protection. “Such efforts are helping to create a more equitable and inclusive society, where national cohesion and social solidarity are prioritised.”

While underscoring the comprehensive nature of Oman’s modernisation, Khalifa Marhoun al Rahbi, Deputy Chairman of Omani Lawyers Association, pointed out that the legal reforms implemented under His Majesty’s leadership reflect a clear vision for the future – one that balances economic diversification, sustainable development and the improvement of citizens’ quality of life. “These reforms, including the Foreign Investment Law and the Public-Private Partnership Law, have significantly enhanced Oman’s appeal to investors, further boosting its status as an attractive destination for both regional and international capital.”