Oman is pressing ahead with its development plans and programmes in all fields, despite the challenges, with the prime objectives of realising sustainable growth and furnishing a prosperous present and future for all people, wherever they might be on this benign land –
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik

Muscat – Oman will mark its 52nd National Day on Friday with firm resolve by citizens who continue to take great strides under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.

On this day, Omanis express gratitude, pay tribute and pledge their loyalty and devotion to the Renewed Renaissance, which kicked off on a high note when His Majesty the Sultan called upon the people of Oman to do their best to enhance domestic development and expedite progress in all fields.

When His Majesty the Sultan came to power in January 2020, Oman’s foremost challenge was a looming fiscal crisis spurred by over-dependence on oil and natural gas revenues, compounded by the collapse in prices during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, things have improved significantly in these past two years.

Swift decisions were taken, which took into account the impact of the pandemic on establishments and companies. Exemptions were made for payment of fines for many overdue fees and special exemptions were sanctioned for small and medium enterprises and holders of Riyada Card for entrepreneurs. This is in addition to a package of incentives for borrowers, individuals, banking institutions, and financing and leasing firms.

On January 11 this year, His Majesty the Sultan said, “We are confident that you all perceive the number of challenges that we have been through, that we have tackled with tact and patience and then, with the Almighty’s divine support, proceeded with the implementation of our social and economic plans and programmes, guided by Oman Vision 2040. Our economic and fiscal performance has improved and we have started to accomplish for you and with you the march of growth and prosperity.”

For the next stage of the Renewed Renaissance, His Majesty said, “We will take action to transform government performance from the level of emergency solutions to a more sustainable level, having a set of lasting and comprehensive solutions that place economic growth, fiscal sustainability and social welfare at the forefront of our priorities.”

Under His Majesty’s watch, long-stalled laws regarding foreign capital investment, bankruptcy, and public-private partnership have been introduced, along with changes to employment and visa regulations intended to attract foreign direct investment.

This is a key aim of the latest Five-Year Development Plan (2021-25) and the Oman Vision 2040 strategic plan. The government’s increasingly active programme for fostering a friendly business environment has also included the creation and testing of quality standards and e-commerce platforms.

Oman is blessed with loyal citizens, which was made crystal clear by the public support to the efforts exerted by the government of His Majesty the Sultan in the aftermath of the adverse climatic condition this summer.

His Majesty the Sultan’s response was prompt. He ordered the formation of a ministerial committee for the assessment of the damage to citizens’ homes and properties in the governorates that took the brunt of the thunderstorm. The aim was to provide quick relief to the families and alleviate the impacts of the tropical condition.

In one of his speeches, His Majesty the Sultan affirmed that “restoration of normalcy to public life and the supply of basic life needs to citizens tops our priorities”, while reiterating that “the ministerial committee comes under our direct supervision”.

The attention that His Majesty the Sultan accords to the study of decision-making mechanisms is aimed at serving the country’s supreme interests. The outcome was a set of decisions, the most important of which is restructuring of the Council of Ministers on June 16, 2022.

The restructuring was the second one after His Majesty the Sultan took the reins of power. It affirmed His Majesty’s resolve to follow up on the efforts exerted to improve government performance towards realisation of Oman Vision 2040.

The establishment of the Supreme Judicial Council, under His Majesty’s own chairmanship, was yet another step forward in founding a system capable of achieving the loftiest standards of justice, impartiality and transparency in line with the pillars of Oman Vision 2040. The step also combines all parties of litigation into a single judicial system.

A Royal Decree on enhancing the role of the governorates constituted a major step in achieving the modern approach to decentralise local administration. It empowers Oman’s 11 governorates, defines their roles in development and their economic and social priorities to benefit from the comparative advantage among governorates. Decentralisation also streamlines service procedures for citizens, an objective underscored by His Majesty the Sultan in the Council of Ministers meeting on October 11, 2022.

In a recent development, reflecting the great importance Oman attributes to protecting the environment and preserving its natural resources, His Majesty the Sultan set the year 2050 to achieve zero carbon emissions. A national plan prepared for this objective includes the establishment of Oman Sustainability Centre, based on the outputs of the Carbon Management Laboratory.

Blessed with abundant renewable energy resources and appropriate structuring of the energy sector via the creation of Hydrogen Oman, as directed by His Majesty the Sultan, the sultanate has become one of the most attractive countries to produce green hydrogen competitively and on a large scale.