Muscat – The Muscat Municipal Council convened today under the chairmanship of H H Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of State and Governor of Muscat. A primary focus of the meeting was the presentation of a new regulatory framework concerning the governance of Muscat Municipality’s powers over lease agreements and commercial activity licences within residential buildings. This initiative aims to maintain the residential character of urban neighbourhoods while ensuring administrative transparency and efficiency. The council highlighted that establishing clear standards for these activities is essential to protecting public peace, safety, and the environment, thereby achieving a necessary balance between urban development requirements and commercial sustainability.

In addition to regulatory matters, the council reviewed the Ministry of Social Development’s 2026 annual plan, presented by H E Dr Laila bint Ahmed bin Awad Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development. The plan aligns with Oman Vision 2040, focusing on social welfare, family stability, and empowering community members through sustainable development. The council also ratified its previous meeting minutes, which included recommendations regarding national efforts toward carbon neutrality. Furthermore, members examined several proposals related to environmental protection and long-term planning, emphasising the need to preserve natural resources while accommodating the ongoing urban expansion of the Muscat Governorate.