
State Council concludes session, advances 14 draft laws
Khalid bin Ahmed al Saadi, Secretary-General of the State Council, confirmed that this session had seen intense legislative activities with the State Council discussing 14 draft laws and amending several existing laws spanning various sectors including economy, education, health and technology. The discussion of the draft laws comes within the framework of the State Council's efforts to enhance the investment environment and improve social services.
Al Saadi added: 'The State Council's standing committees have also seen remarkable activities holding several meetings, studying priority topics and making important recommendations that were submitted to the plenary sessions for discussion and decision-making. During the second regular session of the eighth term, the State Council held 8 plenary sessions, during which it discussed 18 topics, which constituted the official framework for exercising the council's legislative powers. During these sessions, the council discussed a number of draft laws including draft laws on Electronic Transactions, Public Health, Financial Law, Individual Income Tax and Regulating, Transferring and Transplanting Human Organs and Tissues'.
Khalid bin Ahmed al Saadi, Secretary-General of the State Council
Within the framework of constructive cooperation between the State Council and the Majlis Ash'shura, the two chambers held two joint sessions to discuss the articles of disagreements on a number of draft laws. The discussions resulted in full consensus on the disagreement clauses which resulted in the completion of the draft laws, he said.
The State Council's office held 6 meetings during which it discussed sixty topics and took 45 decisions, mostly relating to plenary session arrangements, committee coordination, member proposals and the management of the council's administrative affairs, Al Saadi said.
During the second regular session of the eighth term, the State Council's standing committees held 72 main meetings and 90 subcommittee meetings. The committees hosted 45 officials from the public and private sectors, he said.
The State Council participated in a number of international meetings, most notably the meetings of the Gulf Legislative Councils, the Arab Parliament, the Union of Parliaments of Member States of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the parliaments of neighbouring countries and regional organisations, Al Saadi concluded. — ONA
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Observer
28-07-2025
- Observer
Oman to participate in World Conference of Speakers of Parliament
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman will take part in the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament scheduled to be held in Geneva, Switzerland, from July 29 to 31. Oman's delegation to the conference is led by Khalid bin Hilal al Maawali, Chairman of Majlis Ash'shura. The conference is organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in cooperation with the United Nations under the theme 'A world in turmoil: Parliamentary cooperation and multilateralism for peace, justice and prosperity for all'. The event explores ways to consolidate parliamentary partnerships amid the rapid pace of global challenges. Oman's participation in the event affirms its commitment to pluralism and highlights its active role in promoting dialogue and understanding among peoples and its support for international initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable peace and comprehensive development. It undertakes this role from the point of view that global challenges require legislative and diplomatic efforts. It is worth noting that the World Conference of Speakers of Parliament has become the largest global parliamentary gathering of parliament speakers. The event brings together more than 300 parliament speakers from 170 countries, along with high-level participation from international organisations, civil society institutions, academics and media professionals. The conference gains significance from its status as an international parliamentary platform whose first round kicked off in 2000 at the Millennium Summit in New York. The conference aims to integrate the ranks of national parliaments within the context of a joint global governance system and to bridge the international democratic gap by activating legislative institutions' role in devising global decisions.


Muscat Daily
28-07-2025
- Muscat Daily
Construction of Al Ashkhara Waterfront Project begins
Jalan Bani Bu Ali – Construction of the Al Ashkhara Waterfront Project, a major coastal development aimed at boosting tourism and economic activity in the wilayat of Jalan Bani Bu Ali, South Sharqiyah started on Sunday. Laying the foundation stone, Dr Yahya bin Badr al Maawali, Governor of South Sharqiyah, said the project is part of broader efforts to develop the governorate's natural assets in line with Oman Vision 2040. He noted that it is designed to enhance tourism infrastructure while supporting sustainable urban growth and private sector investment. The development will upgrade the Al Ashkhara coastline using a modern urban design that preserves the area's environmental character. The site will feature a mix of public and commercial facilities, including sea-facing restaurants and cafés, green spaces, pedestrian and cycling paths, and dedicated leisure areas. Covering 74,172sqm, the project includes a built-up area of 4,140sqm with design inspired by local architecture. Additional amenities will include watchtowers, rest areas, children's play zones, multi-use shaded structures, security units and public toilets. The development is expected to offer investment opportunities for local entrepreneurs and small businesses. Officials said the project will boost Al Ashkhara's potential as a tourism destination and help integrate infrastructure upgrades with wider economic objectives in the governorate. The foundation laying was attended by several walis, members of Majlis A'Shura and State Council, municipal council representatives and government officials.


Observer
13-07-2025
- Observer
Shura report highlights outcomes of legislative, oversight work
MUSCAT: In accordance with its commitment to transparency and public engagement, the Majlis Ash'shura has released a comprehensive media report highlighting the outcomes of its legislative and oversight work. This report coincides with the conclusion of the second annual sitting (2024–2025) of the Tenth Term (2023–2027) and follows the Royal Orders of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to adjourn the session on July 13, 2025, as per Article 41 of the Law of the Council of Oman (7/2021). The report showcases the Council's dedication to enhancing public engagement by providing detailed statistics and key indicators on its activities, including legislative performance, oversight tools, council sessions, and the work of the Council's Bureau and standing committees. These efforts demonstrate the Council's effective implementation of the powers and responsibilities granted to it under the Law of the Council of Oman. During the sitting, the Council held 14 regular sessions, with four dedicated to ministerial statements by service ministers. These statements covered various topics such as education, heritage and tourism, housing and urban planning, commerce, industry, investment promotion, and the state budget for the fiscal year 2025. Additionally, a session focused on a discussion request submitted to the Minister of Labour regarding temporary employment initiatives. In terms of legislative output, the Council reviewed 16 draft laws and 7 international agreements referred by the government. Key legislations included the 2025 State Budget, Real Estate Regulation Law, Anti-Trafficking Law, Telecommunications and Information Technology Law, State Revenue Collection Law, Rights of Persons with Disabilities Law, amendments to the Arbitration Law, Civil Society Institutions Law, Land Registry Law and Cybercrime Law. The Council also proposed three legislative initiatives, including the Draft Law for the Sports, Culture and Youth Activities Support Fund. Regarding oversight tools and committee work, the Council activated 169 oversight tools, including parliamentary questions, requests for briefing and urgent statements. The Bureau of the Council held 12 meetings, and the standing committees held 92 meetings, addressing various national issues through legislative reviews, field visits, stakeholder hearings and studies. Key oversight outcomes included reports on the evaluation of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. The report also highlights the Council's cooperation with the Council of Ministers and the State Council, resolving differences on draft legislation through joint sessions. The Council actively engaged in parliamentary diplomacy by participating in international and regional parliamentary events, demonstrating its commitment to advancing legislative performance and responding to national priorities. The annual media report issued by the Council's Secretariat General reflects the Council's dedication to enhancing public engagement and aligning with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and national development plans. The Council continues to share information through social media platforms and various media outlets, guided by the directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik in fulfilling its national mandate and advancing the Shura process.