National Defence College delegation explores the roles and mandates of Shura Council
The visit was part of the college's academic programme, which includes field trips to key institutions in Oman, aimed at understanding their roles and functions as outlined in the Basic Statute of the State.
At the outset of the meeting, Al Ma'awali welcomed the delegation, commending the vital role played by the National Defence College in enhancing the skills of Omani professionals and refining their capabilities.
He highlighted the college's contribution to nurturing national talent, in line with the leadership's vision for the development and empowerment of Omani human resources.
The visiting delegation expressed their interest in understanding the evolution of the Shura Council, its significant contributions to Oman's legislative process, and its oversight of governmental performance.
They emphasised their admiration for the Council's alignment with Oman Vision 2040 and its role in supporting the nation's renewed renaissance.
During a visual presentation led by Al Ma'awali, the delegation was introduced to the Council's legislative and oversight powers. Al Ma'awali detailed the Council's authority in discussing and approving draft laws referred by the government, proposing new legislation, and amending existing laws. He also touched on the Council's role in reviewing economic and social agreements.
The presentation included statistical insights into the Council's legislative achievements and its active use of oversight tools during the current and past terms.
He highlighted key laws reviewed by the Council, many of which were issued as Royal Decrees, and shed light on the collaborative efforts between the Shura Council and the Council of Ministers to address national priorities and achieve shared objectives for the public good.
As part of their visit, the delegation toured the Council's main chamber, where they were briefed on the electronic voting mechanisms and advanced digital systems utilised during deliberations.
They also visited the Oman Council Library to gain a deeper understanding of the resources available to support legislative and oversight functions.
The meeting was attended by Ahmed Mohammed Al Nadabi, Secretary- General of the Shura Council, along with several members of the Council.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Muscat Daily
5 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Oman, China explore deeper ties at Salalah forum
Salalah – The third Omani-Chinese Friendship Forum was held in Salalah last week focusing on strengthening strategic partnership and expanding avenues of cooperation and investment between Oman and China. Organised under the theme 'Chinese Modernisation and Oman Vision 2040: Our Work and Proposals', the forum was a joint initiative of Al Roya newspaper, the Chinese Embassy in Oman and the Oman-China Friendship Association. It brought together officials, experts and specialists from both countries. H H Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar, inaugurated the forum and felicitated participants and speakers. H E Dr Saleh Said Masan, Undersecretary for Commerce and Industry at Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, described the forum as a 'unique opportunity to exchange expertise and explore promising investment areas that serve the development priorities of both countries.' H E Lyu Jian, Ambassador of China to Oman, said relations between the two countries have remained strong for over 1,200 years, with diplomatic ties formally established in 1978. 'Our cooperation has been stable and fruitful, built on mutual respect and equality.' He added that China is Oman's top trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching US$36.7bn in 2024. China is also among the top five foreign investors in Oman. 'Our collaboration includes the launch of the first Omani satellite, joint energy investments and training programmes that have benefited over 1,200 Omanis.' The ambassador noted that trade between China and the GCC reached US$288bn in 2024, with Chinese investments increasing by more than 30% in the first half of 2025. He called for more cultural cooperation and the introduction of direct flights between Oman and China. Dr Khalid Salim al Saidi, Chairman of Oman-China Friendship Association, said it plays a 'vital role in strengthening ties beyond formal meetings'. He added that its work now includes building cultural bridges and informal cooperation initiatives based on mutual values. Naif Hamed Fadhil, Head of the Dhofar branch of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the forum is 'important for bringing business owners closer and enabling bilateral investment in energy, technology, industry, logistics and tourism'. He called for the development of sustainable and impactful cooperation models. The forum featured discussions on four core themes: Chinese Modernisation and Oman Vision 2040, Energy Sector Cooperation, Innovation and Technology Partnerships, and Cultural and Humanitarian Exchange. It also included a photo exhibition in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy and B2B meetings between companies from the two countries. More than 30 representatives from Omani and Chinese firms took part, with a dedicated exhibition showcasing Chinese businesses. The forum aimed to reinforce strategic ties and explore new collaboration areas aligned with Oman's development priorities, while drawing from China's experience in economic and social modernisation.
Observer
5 hours ago
- Observer
The quiet revolution as EVs charge ahead
I resisted purchasing an electric vehicle, or EV as they are known now, for years, for the most irrational of reasons: I couldn't stand the arrogance of Elon Musk and couldn't stand the thought that I may be contributing to his insane wealth and his wholly objectionable lifestyle. I don't think I've ever let someone, who I've never met and never will, get under my skin so much. And you must admit that his ubiquitous arrogance and supercilious entitlement, rank his face amongst the world's most 'punchable' But last week, I made the decision... and purchased my very first EV. It's not special, second-hand, of Chinese manufacture, it's an SUV with the higher driving position offering greater ease of entry and exit. Like all EVs, it's an automatic and has all the safer driving technology available in the marketplace today. I opted for an extended vehicle warranty and service contract with the dealership to minimise maintenance costs going forward and even though I'm still very much in the 'honeymoon' period, I'm enjoying being an EV driver. My purpose here is not to sell, or convince anyone to 'go electric', as such, but rather to ease you through some of the questions we all have as we consider 'yay' or 'nay', and in any case, I don't see the demand for petrol and diesel falling off a cliff overnight, as developing nations will be utilising both for many decades ahead, so don't worry Oman, the oil and gas industry will not disappear overnight and the Omani government has indicated that their forward planning towards an EV driven future is well in hand. Until recently, one of the greatest limiting factors facing EVs was vehicle cost. Of course, the earliest EVs were ridiculously expensive, two and three times the cost of conventional motors. However today, the difference is diminishing significantly, to around 30 per cent more and industry sources in the UK are expecting the growing market for EVs to result in a genuine levelling up between now and 2030. The latter date was to be the UK's final year in which petrol and diesel vehicles could be manufactured or sold new, though this date has been extended to 2035 to ensure sufficient charging infrastructure is provided. In fact, working towards the targeted 300,000 public charging points across the UK, by the July 1 this year only 82,002 all-access charge points had been commissioned. Balancing that, more than 1 million motorists have installed home fast-charger units which cost around RO 500 installed, or much slower trickle-charging three-pin chargers, affectionately termed 'granny-chargers', at around half that cost. Significantly, one major energy supplier is promoting discounts for electricity usage between 11:30 pm and 5:30 am, from 140 baisas per kWh, down to 35 baisas per kWh and with integrated app controls this is genuine economy. EV sales are rapidly accelerating across the major UK and European dealerships with more than one and a half million EVs now on the UK's roads, with half a million EVs sold during the 12 months to July this year alone. Change is afoot and I have graduated from an interested onlooker, to an enthusiastic advocate, a journey many more will take in the future. Motor industry CEO Carlos Ghosn says 'the time is not just right, but critical', and I guess he was speaking from marketing and environmental perspectives in the same breath, which could be seen as contradictive. However, what we should be thinking is that we were suspicious of and resisted, planes, trains and automobiles, computers, mobile phones, internet banking and the like, for decades... until we accepted their benefits outweighed the negatives. That's the thing about progress isn't it? Like time, it marches on, relentless, obstinate, unyielding in its determination and is rarely wrong, unlike we mortals. Will you join the revolution and get ahead of the EV curve? I did and it is so much fun!
Observer
7 hours ago
- Observer
Why Oman's new performance-based allowance system matters
Something important just changed in Oman's private sector — and it didn't make much noise. But it should have. In June 2025, the Ministry of Labour issued Ministerial Decision No. 317/2025, introducing a new framework for annual allowances granted to Omani employees in the private sector. At first glance, it may appear to be a technical administrative update. In truth, it signals a quiet yet meaningful shift — one that could reshape workplace culture, redefine employee motivation, and nudge the private sector toward greater fairness and efficiency. For years, private sector employees received a flat annual allowance of three per cent. It made no difference whether an individual went above and beyond or simply met the bare minimum. As long as they completed a full year of service, the increase was automatic. This approach, while administratively simple, sent the wrong message. It blurred the line between high performers and underperformers, discouraged ambition, and dulled the incentive to innovate or improve. For many Omanis, it reinforced the perception that the public sector — with its clearer paths to recognition — was a more appealing career choice. The new system changes the equation. Allowances are now linked directly to performance evaluations, with rates ranging from five per cent for an 'Excellent' rating to four per cent for 'Very Good,' three per cent for 'Good,' two per cent for 'Acceptable,' and none at all for those assessed as 'Poor.' Another notable improvement is the timeline. The allowance is now payable after six months of employment rather than twelve, creating a more responsive and motivating structure. This means employees no longer need to wait a full year to see their efforts recognised and rewarded. Importantly, the reform introduces mechanisms for fairness and accountability. Employees have the right to appeal their performance assessments, and companies that fail to comply with the regulations face penalties of RO 50 per violation. This is not a symbolic gesture; it is a strong indication that the Ministry of Labour is serious about implementation, compliance, and protecting the rights of workers. This reform is about more than financial reward. It is about restoring fairness, recognising individual contribution, and building a performance-driven culture. When rules are clear and consistently applied, trust grows. Motivation improves. Retention increases. The private sector becomes a place where ambition is not just tolerated, but rewarded. The new system sends a strong message to employers: performance matters. Those who invest in transparent evaluation systems, train their managers effectively, and build a culture of merit will be better equipped to retain talent and compete in the evolving economic landscape. This policy also aligns closely with the national goals of Oman Vision 2040, which places human capital at the centre of development. The Vision calls for a dynamic, competitive private sector led by skilled Omanis who are recognised and empowered. A performance-based allowance system supports that goal by rewarding excellence and encouraging continuous improvement. Of course, no reform can succeed by decree alone. Implementation will be the true test. Performance evaluations must be fair, consistent, and transparent. Employers need to ensure that the system uplifts rather than discourages — that it is used to support growth, not to punish. Managers must be trained to apply standards objectively. Employees, in turn, should be guided and motivated to achieve higher outcomes, not merely ranked in a system they do not trust. If implemented well, this reform could mark the beginning of a new chapter in Oman's private sector — one defined by recognition, accountability, and ambition. If poorly applied, however, it risks becoming another box-ticking exercise with little real effect. The responsibility now lies with all of us: policymakers, employers, and employees alike. Oman has taken a bold and necessary step toward building a smarter, more equitable labour market. Let us ensure this reform delivers not only on paper — but in practice, across workplaces, industries, and careers.
