The Cabinet of Ministers is the highest executive authority, deriving its power from His Majesty the Sultan, to whom it is collectively responsible. Laws and decrees are authorised by His Majesty. International treaties, agreements and charters signed or approved by His Majesty become law from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

The Sultanate of Oman is divided into eight dministrative regions, which are further sub-divided into fifty-nine districts (Wilayats). Each Wiyayat is governed by a Wali who is responsible to the Ministry of Interior.

Basic Stature: "The white book"
This most important piece of legislation was enacted in 1996. The purpose of the Basic Statute of the State is to provide a force for political and social Stability, while at the same time guaranteeing the rights and freedoms of the individual. Besides laying down a procedure for the succession to the throne, the statute provided  for the formation of a State Council of Oman. It is a comprehensive document defining the role of Government and the judiciary, as well as laying down the policy if State towards the economy, security, education and social development of the nation.
The Council of Oman (Majlis Oman)

The Council of Oman   || The Consultation/Shura Council
The Council of Oman (Majlis Oman) is made up of member of the State Council (Majlis A'Dawla) and Consultation /Shura Council (Majlis A'Shura) as stipulated in Article 58 of the Basic Law of the State. It assists the government in drawing up the general policies of the state. The Council meets at the request of Sultan Qaboos, to study and discuss matters raised by him, taking all its decisions on the basis of a majority vote. Sultan Qaboos addresses all the members of this Council on an annual basis.

The State Council (Majlis A 'Dawla)
The State Council (Majlis A'Dawla) is a financially and administratively independent legal entity based in the Governorate of Muscat. It plays an important role in national development by acting as a link between the government and the people. Its Chairman and members are appointed by Royal Decree from Omani nationals of not less than 40 years of age with good social standing and reputation. Members have often included former ministers. ambassadors and under secretaries. The number of State Council members must not exceed the number of Consulation /Shura Council members and it is not permitted to combine membership of the State Council with membership of the Consultation Council or public office, except under special conditions where a member might be requested for his or her expertise in a particular field.

The State Council has an annual session with duration of not less than eight months. It reviews matters referred to it by the Sultan, drafts laws before promulgation and prepares studies on development-related issues including human resources. In 2006 the Majlis A'Dawla had 59 members of whom nine were women. Membership is for a four-year period and renewable.

Cabinet Ministers

The state institutions

The Basic Law of the State

The Basic Law of the State, promulgated on 6th November 1996 and comprising 81 articles lays down a legal framework of reference governing the functions of the different authorities and sep¬arating their powers. It also affords safeguards to guarantee the free¬dom, dignity and rights of the individual. This historic document sets out Oman's system of government and the guiding principles behind the state's policies and also details public rights and duties. It contains specific principles covering the Head of State, the Council of Ministers and the judiciary. It is simple yet succinct.

Article One of the Basic Law of the State notes that: "The Sultanate of Oman is an independent, fully sovereign, Arab, Islamic state. Its capital is Muscat". Article Two confirms: "The state's religion is Islam and the Islamic Sharia is the basis of legislation".

Governance in the Sultanate is based on justice, consultation and equality and, according to Article Nine, citizens have the right to take part in public affairs in accordance with the law.

With no obvious heir to the throne, the issue of succession is addressed in Article Five: "The system of government is an hereditary sultanate in which succession passes to a male descendant of Sayyid Turki bin Said bin Sultan. It is a condition that the male who is chosen to rule should be an adult Muslim of sound mind and a legitimate son of Omani Muslim parents".

The State's organisational framework
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said is Head of State, its highest and final authority and the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Royal Oman Police.

The Council of Ministers
The Council of Ministers assists Sultan Qaboos in drawing up and implementing the general state policy. Specifically, the Council submits recommendations to the Sultan on economic, political, social, executive and administrative matters; these include proposing draft laws and decrees, looking after the welfare and interests of the general public, in addition to establishing and implementing Policies and goals for economic, social and administrative development, while ensuring the best possible use is made of available financial, economic and human resource, The Council of Ministers has a secretariat-general to assist it in the performance of its functions.

To avoid any division of loyalties, Article 53 of the Basic Law of the State declares: "Members of the Council of Ministers may not combine their ministerial positions with the chairmanship or membership of the board of directors of any public joint-stock company."

The Defence Council
Sultan Qaboos issued Royal Decree No. 105/96 on 28th December 1996 establishing the Defence Council, of which he is the head. It comprises eight members chosen on the basis of rank or position and meets by royal command to consider matters related to the maintenance and defence of Oman's security.

The National Security Council
Royal Decree No. 63/2003 was issued on 23rd September 2003 amending the name of the National Security Committee to the National Security Council. The Council considers all questions related to national security and holds its sessions at the Sultan's direction and under his chairmanship or that of the Minister of the Royal Office. Its members include: the Inspector General of Police and Climate, the Head of the Internal Security Service, the Chief of Staff of the Sultan's Armed Forces and the Head of the Communications and Co-ordination Department. The Council may also request the atten¬dance of non-members with a particular expertise.
The Council has a secretary general appointed from the staff of the Royal Office.

The Financial Affairs and Energy Resources Council
The Council is responsible for drawing up the state's fiscal policy and all matters related to its financial monetary system and the preparation of the annual General State Budget. It studies the financial allocations for development projects, domestic and foreign investments, savings and other related matters. The Council's remit also includes the development of Oman's energy resources, with the aim of maximising their contribution to the national economy.
The Council meets under the chairmanship of Sultan Qaboos or his appointed deputy.

The Supreme Judicial Council
The Supreme Judicial Council draws up general judicial policies, ensures the independence of the judiciary and monitors its development; it oversees the work of the courts and the Public Prosecutor's Office and also facilitates and monitors legal procedures. The Council considers judicial appointments and
promotions, proposes draft laws on judicial issues and comments on draft judicial co-operation agree¬ments between the Sultanate and other states.

Higher Committees, Secondary Councils and Public Authorities
The administrative apparatus of state comprises a number of higher committees, specialist secondary councils and public authorities; each of which is responsible for managing or monitoring a specific sector, producing a comprehensive overview and liaising with other relevant bodies, including ministries, with the aim of serving the public interest and ensuring efficient coordination between different authorities operating within the same sector. The members of these committees, councils and authorities include ministers and leading figures in the relevant areas.

The Higher Committee for Conferences
The higher Committee for Conferences is responsible for preparing, monitoring and liaising on conferences attended by the Sultanate, particularly those related to the Arab Gulf Co-operation Council. It works closely with con-cerned ministries.
The Higher Committee for Conferences is chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers.

The Scientific Research Council
Royal Decree No.54/2005, issued on 22nd June 2005, established the Scientific Research Council and defined its prerogatives. The Council encourages and regulates matters related to scientific research. It is the prime authority in this field and liases between the different bodies and institutions involved in the sector.
The Council is responsible for drawing up a comprehensive national plan for scientific research, initiatives and research plans and supports the publication of scientific papers.

The Economic Co-ordination Council
The Economic Co-ordination Council was established by Royal Decree No 94/99 on 22nd November 1999 to consider a wide range of economic issues. It examines and considers all economic issues, including any problems adversely affecting economic development and prosperity; discussion on methods of stimulating the national economy are ongoing. The Council represents the government at joint meetings with the Businessmen's Council. It has a secretariat-general within the Ministry of National Economy, which, among other tasks, collates data and statistics.

The Civil Service Council
The Civil Service Council draws up general Civil Service policies and considers Civil Service related decisions, laws and procedures designed to boost the employment ratio of the nationals as opposed to expatriates in the workforce (Omanisation), and to improve the efficiency of the state's administrative apparatus.

The Supreme Committee for Town Planning
The Supreme Committee for Town Planning was originally established in 1985 and restructured under Royal Decree No.31/2005, issued on 21st March 2005. It is responsible for drawing up general town planning policies within the context of development plans. It also keeps a close eye on the implementation and development of the approved planning programmes and sets out principles for valuing land expropriated by the government for the construction of public utilities. The committee works to overcome any practical or financial obstacles to implementation of the approved plans and is chaired by the Minister of National Economy.
Royal Decree No.24/2006, issued on 28th March 2006, established a secretarial-general of the Supreme Committee and appointed a secretary-general.

The Higher Education Council
The I5-member Higher Education Council, set up on 27th September 1998 under Royal Decree No. 65/98, is responsible for drawing up the general policies for higher education and scientific research in the universities and higher institutes of learning, in line with the country's employment needs. It regulates student intake at the universities and higher learning institutes and prepares annual reports for the Council of Ministers about the state of higher education, making recommendations when appropriate. The Higher Education Council is headed by the Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court.

The Accreditation Council
The Accreditation Council was established in June 2001 to complement the functions of the Higher Education Council. It produces studies and research on criteria for approving higher education institutions and their programmes.
The Accreditation council was restructured under Royal Decree No.32/2002, issued on 27 March 2002. It has 10 members and meets once every four months.

Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) Council
The Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) Council seeks to maintain and improve the standards of university education and ensure there is the greatest possible degree of co-ordination between SQU's course disciplines and the national development plan's need for graduates. SQU Council, which was established in 1986, is headed by the Minister of Higher Education.

The Tender Board
The Tender Board is responsible for opening and studying bids for the award of all government tenders with a value in excess of RO250,000, with the exception of defence unit contracts and certain others. others specified under the Tender Law and Regulations. The Board seeks to guarantee the efficient implementation of government tenders and the supply of goods and equipment to the highest specifications while ensuring optimal use of public funds.

In seeking to manage government tenders in a transparent, credible, fair, objective and professional manner, the Board is empowered to monitor the implementation of projects until their completion and committed to supporting national industrial products and policies, including Omanisation. It is headed by the Minister of Transport and Communications.

In 2005, 349 tenders were awarded at an actual total cost of RO672,726,558. The sectors involved included public utilities and services, roads and bridges, education and training, electricity and water, health, and oil and gas. During the first three months of 2006, some 48 tenders were invited at an estimated cost of RO98,828,610.During the same period 64 tenders were awarded at a cost of RO184,404,175.

Despite the rise in the number and cost of tenders invited and awarded in 2005, 2006 has, so far, seen a significant increase, compared with the previous year's totals.

Oman Centre for Investment Promotion and Exports Development (OCIPED)
OCIPED it a quasi-public sector organisation whose objective is to promote investments inside Oman and to encourage and develop the potential of all non-oil exports of Omani origin. Since it was established in 1996, OCIPED has established a network of representatives in more than 25 countries around the world.

The Capital Market Authority
The Capital Market Authority(CMA) was set up as part of the process of restructuring the securities market under Capital Market Law, promulgated under Royal Decree No. 80/98 on 9th November 1998. Its' board of directors is chaired by the Minister of Commerce and Industry.

The CMA has a monitoring role to help ensure maximum transparency in the securities market's dealings and takes all the necessary measures to improve capital market performance, protect investors and maintain confidence in the market's operations.

Under Article 5 of the Capital Market Law, companies trading on Muscat Securities Market (MSM) are required to submit regular reports, on their activities and trading results to the CMA, including details of their financial positions. The CMA also has a critical role in overseeing MSM operations and regulating the monitoring, issue and trading of securities, including the adoption of measures or decisions aimed at safeguarding the interests of investors and the national economy.

Oman Charitable Organisation (OCO)
The Oman Charitable Organisation (OCO) performs a range of charitable works with the aim of helping those in need at home and abroad. In 1999 the OCO provided assistance for the Kosovo refugees and over recent years it has given regular donations to the Palestinian people. It also offers emergency funds to cope with disasters or accidents, such as the tsunami. The OCO also supports social welfare projects, programmes and related charitable activities for various categories including children, orphans, the disabled and the elderly. The chairman of the OCO is the Minister of Legal Affairs.

The State Audit Institution
The State Audit Institution – an independent institution with financial and administrative independence - was set up under Royal Decree No 95/99 on 22nd November 1999 to replace the State Audit Secretariat-General. It aims to raise the performance levels of its staff and ensure that theny carry out their designated duties with maximum efficiency.

Public Authority for Craft Industries (PACI)
The Public Authority for Craft Industries (PACT) was established in 2003 as an independent legal entity overseen by the Diwan of Royal Court. Its responsibilities encompass even aspect of the craft industry sector with the aim of promoting the survival and growth of Oman's traditional crafts and trades as well as ensuring that they can operate as productive industries capable of attracting a new generation of craftspeople.

The Supreme High Committee for the Five-year Development Plans
This Committee was formed under the Chairmanship of HH Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers, to set out the Plan's basic principles and Financial framework in the light of His Majesty the Sultan's directives, and to predict the range of oil prices expected over the yeas of the Plan so that it could identify the best available options for channeling estimated available oil resources and anticipated expenditure into every area of the country's development. Its members include HE Chairman of the Consultation/ Shura Council, in addition to a number of ministers and under – secretaries.

Information Technology Authority (ITA)
The Information Technology Authority (ITA), which was set up under Royal Decree No. 92/2006 on 31st May 2006, comes under the ministry of National Economy. It is a financially and administratively independent legal entity.

The Businessmen's Council
Sultan Qaboos regards the private sector as having a major role to play in developing the national economy and accordingly, the Businessmen's Council was set up by Diwan Decision No. 3/99, issued by the Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court on 22nd November 1999.

The Businessmen's Council, which has 16 members including one woman, elected Sheikh Yaqoub bin Hamad al Harthy as its Chairman. Membership is for an initial three year period and renewable.

The Council is responsible for liaising between the government and the private sector in all fields related to the country's economic development, including the expansion of trade, industry, tourism and investment. it proposes ways of encouraging investment and creating new opportunities, promoting manpower development and expanding public participation in economic activities in general. Its proposals and recommendations are forwarded to the Ministry of National Economy.

Omani Shura (Consultation)
Although Oman's approach to Shura(Consultation) is derived from the Sultanate's oldest traditions, over the years it has been honed and refined to meet the requirements of the present day. While retaining a distinctly Omani character, it has developed significantly to ensure that every Omani citizen of 21 years and above can, by using his or her vote, play a role in shaping the course of the country's development. Oman adopts a bicameral system which provides the populace with an opportunity for Shura/Consultation.

Foreign Affairs
Oman's foreign policy Oman's foreign policy is based on a clearly-defined set of principles that encourage the building of bridges with other nations and, wherever possible, the opening up of opportunities for increased co-operation.

The Sultanate has sought to play a constructive and influential role in the international arena, applying principles which form the basis of international law and legitimacy, such as respect for sovereignty, noninterference in the internal affairs of other states, a commitment to good neighbourly relations and the resolution of all differences and disputes by peaceful means.

By fostering peace, security, stability and confidence at home and with its neighbours, Oman's foreign policy has evolved to become an instrument for promoting economic and social development.

Gulf Relations
The Sultanate enjoys a special relationship with its fellow Arab Gulf Co-operation Council (AGCC) member states ( Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE), with which it shares strong traditional ties. The AGCC Supreme Council's advisory body is based in Muscat and the country enjoys the trust and respect of other member states.

The Sultanate is a staunch and active champion of Gulf identity and citizenship, it welcomes the increased co-operation between the AGCC member states and the Republic of Yemen, and enjoys excellent relations with its neighbour, the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Sultan Qaboos attended the 26th Arab Gulf Co-operation Council Summit in Abu Dhabi on 18 and 19 December 2005 - the "Fahd Summit"- and earlier in the year visited Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates followed by the State of Qatar in May, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait in June.

Visitors to the Sultanate included Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, President of the UAE, in January 2005, and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai on two occasions. HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, in March, and HH Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Bahrain's Crown Prince and General Commander of Bahrain's Defence Forces in November 2005.HM King Hamad bin Issa al Khalifa of Bahrain visited on 1/1/2006 and on 21/05/2006 HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed al Nahyan, the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister arrived to meet His Majesty.

Oman's Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers, Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, attended the 8th AGCC Consultative Summit in Riyadh on 6th May 2006, while Sayyid As'ad bin Tariq Al Said, attended the third extraordinary Islamic Summit in Makkah on 8 December 2005.

There were a number of exchange visits between the Sultanate and the AGCC states, the Republic of Yemen and the Islamic Republic of Iran, during which views were exchanged on a range of bilateral, Gulf, regional, and other issues. The Sultanate opened a Consulate in the Saudi city of Jeddah in 2006, to reinforce the close and growing relationship between Oman and the Kingdom.

Arab world relations
The Sultanate supports joint Arab action through the Arab League and initiatives to improve the League's performance and make it more effective. At the same time it attaches great importance to developing its own relations with other Arab states, whether bilaterally or collectively, and joint committees between the Sultanate and various other Arab countries play an important part in promoting this agenda.

In working for peace and stability in the Arab region, Oman strongly backs the Palestinian people's efforts to gain their legitimate rights and gives wholehearted support to their efforts in the regional and international arenas. It condemns Israel's repressive practices, which increase tension in the Occupied Territories, and calls for the implementation of international resolutions and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visited Muscat in December 2004 and Khalid Mashaal, head of the Hamas movement's political office, visited in April 2006.

With regard to developments in Iraq, the Sultanate supports the current political process there, which aims to achieve the stability necessary to enable the new Iraqi government to achieve national unity and territorial integrity. The Sultanate supports all efforts to rebuild the country and bring its' people relief from suffering.

King Abdullah 11 bin al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan visited the Sultanate in March 2005 and Sultan Qaboos visited the Arab Republic of Egypt in May the same year. The Sultanate received visits from Tunisian Prime Minister Mohammed al Ghannoushi in September 2005 and Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Seniora in December. There were also numerous additional exchange visits at ministerial and other levels.

HH The Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers and his delegation attended the 18th Arab Summit which was held in Khartoum, Sudan on 28/03/2006.

The Sultanate hosted a range of activities, including Arab economic, cultural, tourism, scientific and art forums, as part of its "Muscat - Arab Culture Capital 2006" programme, where Muscat was able to showcase some of the country's most dazzling cultural treasures.

World-wide relations
The Sultanate believes it is essential to maintain contacts and dialogue with other states and peoples for the sake of continued mutual understanding and co-operation. It supports all sincere efforts to develop closer relations or resolve differences through dialogue and within the context of international law and legitimacy, believing the establishment of peace and stability can best be achieved through tolerance and recognition of common interests.

This is the inspiration behind Oman's active role in the United Nations and international organisations such as UNESCO, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO), which Oman joined some years ago. It can also be seen in its extensive diplomatic relations with countries around the world.

Oman was unanimously elected by UNESCO's executive council to chair the 33rd session of the organisation's General Conference in Paris, attended by all 191 member states, in October 2005, when Sultan Qaboos gave a statement to the Conference.

The Sultanate was also represented at the United Nations World Summit in September 2005 where in a prepared speech, the government in Muscat reaffirmed its rejection of terrorism and confirmed its belief that the time had come to: "implement an international strategy for the prevention of terrorism, based on co-operation and exchanges of information between states." It was, the speech noted, essential to "differentiate between the legitimate right of self-defence and resistance to aggression, and outright acts of terror."

The Sultanate also emphasised the importance of upgrading the UN's organisations and institutions to all make them more effective in serving member states and in responding to the changing international situation. This process, it stressed, should be "continuous and all-embracing".

International visitors to Oman, either to renew old acquaintances and friendships or to learn more about the country and its leadership, included former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder (March 2005), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAFA) Director-General Dr.Mohammed EI Baradei, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan (September), Dutch Prime Minister Dr. Jan Peter Balkenende (14/11/05), US Vice-President Dick Cheney (20/12/05), Dr Frank Steinmeier, Foreign Minister of Germany and his delegation (21/05/06) and Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos in the same month.. Diplomatic relations were established with Uruguay in November 2005 and with the Central American Republic of Belize in March 2006.

The economic dimensions of foreign policy
The Sultanate enjoys cordial relations with numerous countries around the world, its long history of trade links with other peoples, from China in the east to the United States in the west, is as relevant today as it was centuries ago. For Oman, these links have long been a determining factor in forming internal policies as well as executing its role in the regional and international arenas.

The Sultanate enthusiastically supports the Greater Arab Free Trade Organisation, its growing relations and co-operation with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and its continuing efforts to promote greater co-operation between member states of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IORARCI), as well as with the United States; negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement between the Sultanate and the US have now been completed and the Agreement, due to be signed before the end of 2006, will open up further opportunities for the Omani economy.

Such developments have attracted an increasing flow of investment from the region and beyond, which, in turn, has funded several major industrial projects including schemes at Sohar Industrial Estate and the other similar industrial zones in Sur, Salalah and Nizwa. Some of these projects are already up and running, helping to generate greater prosperity for Omani citizens.

Asian, East and Central African relations
Oman's relations with the countries of Asia and East and Central Africa go back a long way. The Indian Ocean was Oman's gateway to these regions centuries ago, when business between the indigenous populations and visiting Omani traders was brisk and lucrative. Today, those friendly relations have been renewed and, responding to the demands of globalisation, continue to blossom, serving mutual economic interests.

The Sultanate played a major role in setting up the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Co-operation (IORARC) in 1997 and actively supports measures to promote economic co-operation between member states, particularly in trade, tourism, the sciences, marine transport and fisheries. The Association's Fisheries Support Unit was established in Muscat in 2005.

Oman joined the "Asian Co-operation Dialogue" in 2003 and signed a declaration on a new partnership strategy between Asian and African states on 22/4/2005.

Diplomatic relations were established between the Sultanate and the Laos People's Democratic Republic on 9 March 2005 and diplomatic representation with the Republic of' Afghanistan was raised to embassy level on 25 March of the same year. Several exchange visits took place between Oman and Asian states during 2005, including visits to the Sultanate by Pakistan's Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in March, Thailand's Prime Minister Dr.Thaksin Shinawatra in April, and the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, Elmar Mammadyarov in the same month. The South Korean Prime Minister, Lee Hac-chan, visited in November. In March 2006 Pranab Mukherjee, India's Defence Minister had the honour of an Audience with His Majesty.

The Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party Committee of Guangdong province, Mr. Zhang Dejiang, visited in June. In September 2005, Oman's Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers, and a highlevel delegation, made a tour of Asia, visiting Thailand, South Korea and China, with the aim of strengthening relations and expanding bilateral co-operation with those countries. The Gulf Indian Businessmen's Conference was subsequently held in Muscat, where the Muscat Declaration was issued on 26 March 2006, detailing plans to promote co-operation initiatives between businessmen in the AGGC states and their Indian counterparts.

Oman's relations with East and Central Africa, which date back hundreds of years, continue to flourish; the Sultanate enjoys extensive ties with numerous countries in that region, including Tanzania, South Africa, Mauritius, Senegal, Ethiopia, Kenya, Zambia and others. These ties enable Oman to play a positive role in African affairs and to help open new horizons for even closer future relationships.

Oman enjoys good relations with over 140 countries around the globe and is a member of over 105 regional and international organisations.

Basic law (Courtesy: Ministry of Information website, Sultanate of Oman )

The Basic law of the State promulgated on 6th November 1996 and comprising 81 articles lays down a legal framework of reference governing the functions of the different authorities and separating their powers. It also affords safeguards to guarantee the freedom, dignity and rights of the individual. This historic document sets out Oman's system of government and the guiding principles behind the state's policies and also details public rights and duties. It contains specific principles covering the Head of State, the Council of Ministers and the judiciary.

In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful

THE WHITE BOOK
THE BASIC LAW OF THE SULTANATE OF OMAN

Royal Decree No. 101/96

On the Issue of the Basic Law of the State

I’m Qaboos bin Said, Sultan of Oman, in confirmation of the principles which have guided State policy in various fields during the past period, and in asserting our determination to continue efforts to create a better future characterised by further achievements which will bring benefits to the Country and its Citizens.

And in our determination to strengthen Oman’s international position and its role in establishing the foundations of peace, security, justice and co-operation between different States and Peoples.

And in accordance with the exigencies of the public interest, have decreed the following:

Article (1) The issue of the Basic Law of the State in accordance with the attached form of words.

Article (2) This Decree shall be published in the Official Gazette and shall come into force with effect from its date of issue.

Issued on:
 24 Jumada al Akhira 1417
 6 November 1996

QABOOS BIN SAID
SULTAN OF OMAN

Omani Government Websites and other official websites in the Sultanate of Oman

Diwan and Ministries

Diwan of Royal Court
http://www.diwan.gov.om
Ministry of Commerce and Industry
http://www.mocioman.org
Ministry of Communications, Directorate of Civil Aviation and Meteorology, Seeb International Airport
http://www.dgcam.com
Ministry of Information
http://www.omanet.com
Ministry of National Economy (incorporating the former Ministry of Development)
http://www.modevelop.com
Ministry of Post, Telegraphs and Telephones
http://www.ptt.gov.om
Ministry of Water and Electricity
http://www.mew-oman.org

Other official institutions

General Telecommunications Organisation (GTO)
http://www.gto.net.om and http://om1.gto.net.om (originally http://www.gto-oman.net when it started in January 1997). GTO is also Oman's official Internet services provider.
Muscat Municipality
http://www.mctmnet.gov.om
http://www.mctmnet.org
http://www.muscatfestival.com
Muscat Securities Market
http://www.msm-oman.com
Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry (OCCI)
http://www.omanchamber.com
Oman News Agency (ONA)
http://www.omannews.com
Oman Radio
http://www.oman-radio.gov.om
Oman Television
http://www.oman-tv.gov.om
Omani Centre for Investment Promotion & Export Development (OCIPED)
http://www.ociped.com
Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE)
http://www.ind-oman.com
Royal Oman Police
http://www.rop.net
Sultan Qaboos University
http://www.squ.edu.om
The Band of the Royal Air Force of Oman
http://www.rafo.com/band.html
Middle East Desalination Research Center (MEDRC)
http://www.medrc.org.om - MEDRC is actually not an Omani government institution, but an international institution with its seat in Muscat, set up by several member states