Latest news with #CouncilofOman
Observer
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Palestinian cause remains central issue for Arabs
CAIRO: The Council of Oman participated in the fifth general session of the first session of the fourth legislative term of the Arab Parliament, held at the League of Arab States headquarters in Cairo, under the chairmanship of Mohammed bin Ahmed al Yamahi, Speaker of the Arab Parliament. Opening the session, Al Yamahi in his speech appealed to the global conscience and international institutions, particularly the UN Security Council. 'Enough of the silence and double standards. The time has come for a global awakening of conscience to end this open massacre and restore to the Palestinian people their right to life, dignity and freedom,' he declared. Al Yamahi expressed hope that achieving a permanent ceasefire between Iran and the occupying entity would mark a return to regional calm and stability and refocus global attention, in an ethical and responsible manner, on the suffering of the Palestinian people. He reaffirmed that the Palestinian cause remains the central issue for the Arab Parliament, describing it as a cornerstone of security and stability in the region and beyond. During the session, MP Saad al Otaibi, nominated by the Saudi Shura Council, was elected as the First Deputy Speaker of the Arab Parliament to fill a vacant position. Members also reviewed reports from several standing committees, including those on Foreign Affairs, Political and National Security Affairs, Economic and Financial Affairs, Legislative and Human Rights Affairs, and Social, Educational, Cultural, Women and Youth Affairs, as well as the Palestine Committee. The plenary and committee meetings covered a wide range of pressing topics, such as the situation in the Palestinian territories, regional political and economic developments, legal and human rights issues and social and cultural matters. Discussions also included an Arab vision for strengthening parliamentary and preventive diplomacy, preparations for a conference to support the blue economy in the Arab world, a draft law to combat illegal immigration, a guiding document on empowering social entrepreneurship and productive families, and a vision for advancing e-learning in the region. The Council of Oman had previously taken part in meetings of the Arab Parliament's standing committees and attended a training seminar titled 'Parliaments and Artificial Intelligence: Applications and Practical Challenges,' held on the sidelines of the main sessions. The Omani delegation to the Arab Parliament included Shaikh Said bin Hamad al Saadi, Deputy Chairman of Majlis Ash'shura and Deputy of the Arab Parliament; Shaikh Dr Talib bin Hilal al Hosni, Member of the Majlis Ash'shura; and Hamid bin Ali al Nasseri, Member of the Majlis Ash'shura. — ONA
Observer
23-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Royal Decree promulgates Income Tax Law
Muscat: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on Sunday issued Royal Decree No (56/2025) promulgating the Personal Income Tax Law, after the same was presented before the Council of Oman. Article (1) states that the 'Personal Income Tax Law', attached to this decree, shall be enforced. Article (2) stipulates that the Chairman of the Tax Authority shall issue the Executive Regulation of the law attached to this decree within one year of the date of publication of the same in the Official Gazette. The Chairman of the Tax Authority shall also issue the decisions necessary for the implementation of the Law's provisions. Article (3) cancels the clause (1) of the article (18-bis) of the Income Tax Law issued by Royal Decree No (28/2009). It also cancels all that contradicts the attached law or contravenes its provisions. Article (4) says that this decree shall be published in the Official Gazette and enforced from January 1, 2028.
Times of Oman
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
State and Shura Councils discuss five draft laws in joint session
Muscat: The State Council and the Shura Council held their second joint session on Sunday during the second convening of the 8th term of the Council of Oman. The session was chaired by Sheikh Abdulmalik Abdullah Al Khalili, Chairman of the State Council, in the presence of Khalid Hilal Al Maawali, Chairman of the Shura Council. In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the State Council stated holding the joint session reflects the ongoing cooperation and coordination between the two councils to reach unified positions on disputed articles in draft laws referred by the government, in accordance with Article 49 of the Council of Oman Law. He noted that both councils had previously discussed five draft laws referred by the government: the draft laws are on combating human trafficking, regulating communications and information technology, real estate regulation, collecting state revenues, and the rights of persons with disabilities. For his part, Mohammed Said Al Hajri, Chairman of the Social and Cultural Committee of the State Council, stated that the draft law on the rights of persons with disabilities aims to provide enhanced protection, guarantees, rights and opportunities for this segment of society. In a statement, he noted that joint committees had reviewed points of disagreement between the two councils and proposed compromise solutions, adding that during their review process, the main and sub-committees had consulted all relevant stakeholders, including civil society organizations representing persons with disabilities. The proposed compromises seek to strengthen empowerment, protection and opportunities for persons with disabilities. Furthermore, Salim Sultan Al Ruzaiqi, Deputy Chairman of the Technology and Innovation Committee of the State Council, confirmed that the two councils had agreed on 46 articles of the draft communications and information technology law, with nine disputed articles to be resolved during the joint session. In a statement, he added that this draft law establishes a framework for two vital sectors and unifies regulations covering modern technologies, artificial intelligence and cloud computing, creating integrated oversight of both sectors. Meanwhile, Dr. Ahmed Ali Al Saadi, Chairman of the Shura Council's Legislative and Legal Committee, stated that the draft anti-human trafficking law updates and develops existing legislation, clearly defining the crime of human trafficking and specifying methods to combat it. He noted that the draft law under discussion keeps pace with regional and international developments, comprising six chapters with 30 articles – including definitions and provisions (Chapter 1), mandates of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking (Chapter 2), and international cooperation between Oman and relevant organizations (Chapter 3). Dr. Hamoud Ahmed Al Yahyai, Chairman of the Shura Council's Services and Public Utilities Committee, pointed out that the draft real estate regulation law comes amid Oman's strong momentum in real estate development, requiring such legislation to attract investors. It will replace current ministerial decisions and regulations implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning in this field.
Observer
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Council of Oman at OIC Parliamentary Union session
JAKARTA: The Council of Oman participated in the 19th session of the Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), held in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, on Wednesday. The Council of Oman's delegation was headed by Khalid bin Hilal al Maawali, Chairman of Majlis Ash'shura. He delivered at the opening session in which he emphasised that the Sultanate of Oman's experience in promoting good governance has always been a focus of attention in shaping the future and planning the country's national visions. He added: 'Through Oman Vision 2040, the government has attached great attention to the principle of governance due to its importance in promoting comprehensive national development. Governance has been adopted as one of the fundamental principles for achieving efficiency in institutional performance and ensuring transparency and integrity. Oman Vision 2040 seeks to establish an integrated system of good governance based on the foundations of accountability, justice and the rule of law while adopting the best administrative and technical practices to ensure the quality and sustainability of government services. The vision also emphasises the importance of involving the community in decision-making and achieving a balance between economic growth and social development within an effective and transparent regulatory environment.' 'In our discussion of good governance and strong institutions, we have to point to the alarming international failure to address the humanitarian tragedies, flagrant violations of international law, the absence of justice and the violation of human rights inflicted on the Palestinian people particularly in Gaza. The horrific events in Gaza have exposed the absence of fair global governance and the weakness of the international accountability system which led to the continuation of the occupation, the exacerbation of suffering and the loss of hope,' Al Maawali said. The Council of Oman's delegation participating in the 19th session of the Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC comprises SShaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed al Nadabi, Secretary-General of Majlis Ash'shura; Mohammed bin Salem al Harthy, Member of the State Council; Khalil bin Khalfan al Wahaibi, Said bin Mohammed al Saadi and Younis bin Mohammed al Siyabi, members of the Majlis Ash'shura. — ONA
Observer
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Council of Oman participates in OIC Parliamentary Union session
JAKARTA: The Council of Oman participated in the 19th session of the Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), held in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, on Wednesday. The Council of Oman's delegation was headed by Khalid bin Hilal al Maawali, Chairman of Majlis Ash'shura. He delivered at the opening session in which he emphasized that the Sultanate of Oman's experience in promoting good governance has always been a focus of attention in shaping the future and planning the country's national visions. He added: 'Through Oman Vision 2040, the government has attached great attention to the principle of governance due to its importance in promoting comprehensive national development. Governance has been adopted as one of the fundamental principles for achieving efficiency in institutional performance and ensuring transparency and integrity. Oman Vision 2040 seeks to establish an integrated system of good governance based on the foundations of accountability, justice, and the rule of law while adopting the best administrative and technical practices to ensure the quality and sustainability of government services. The vision also emphasizes the importance of involving the community in decision-making and achieving a balance between economic growth and social development within an effective and transparent regulatory environment.' Al Maawali went on to say: 'In our discussion of good governance and strong institutions, we have to point to the alarming international failure to address the humanitarian tragedies, flagrant violations of international law, the absence of justice and the violation of human rights inflicted on the Palestinian people particularly in Gaza. The horrific events in Gaza have exposed the absence of fair global governance and the weakness of the international accountability system which led to the continuation of the occupation, the exacerbation of suffering and the loss of hope.' The Council of Oman's delegation participating in the 19th session of the Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), comprises Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed al Nadabi, Secretary-General of Majlis Ash'shura; Mohammed bin Salem al Harthy, Member of the State Council; Khalil bin Khalfan al Wahaibi, Said bin Mohammed al Saadi and Younis bin Mohammed al Siyabi, members of the Majlis Ash'shura.
