Latest news with #KhalidHilalAlMaawali
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.
Times of Oman
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Shura Council completes review of draft Civil Society Institutions Law
Muscat: The Shura Council on Wednesday concluded its review of the draft Civil Society Institutions Law following extensive discussions on several provisions, referring it to the State Council to complete the legislative process. This came during the 11th regular session of the second annual convening (2024-2025) of the tenth term (2023-2027), chaired by Khalid Hilal Al Maawali, Chairman of the Shura Council. During today's session, the Council finalised discussions on the draft law referred by the government, with the project report presented by Mansour Zahir Al Hajri, Chairman of the Health and Social Committee. Al Hajri explained that the draft law responds to developments in civil society work in Oman, noting that the new legislation aims to address social and regulatory challenges facing civil society institutions. It establishes a flexible and progressive legal framework that accommodates ongoing transformations while enhancing these institutions' role in national development. The draft also introduces specialised provisions for volunteer teams, comprising 83 articles organised into six chapters covering general definitions, civil associations, civil institutions, social associations, volunteer work, and final provisions. He indicated that the committee held multiple meetings with various civil society institutions and relevant entities to consider their perspectives and observations on the draft law's articles. He affirmed that the committee carefully examined all legislative and social dimensions during its review. During the session, Council members provided observations on several provisions and proposed enhancements to strengthen the legal texts and ensure alignment with the practical realities of civil society institutions.
Times of Oman
18-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Shura Council Office reviews several ministerial responses
Muscat: The Office of the Shura Council held its 12th periodic meeting of the second ordinary session of the 10th term (2023–2027) on Sunday, under the chair of Khalid Hilal Al Maawali, Chairman of the Shura Council. During the meeting, the Council's Office reviewed a report by the Food and Water Security Committee regarding a submitted proposal on regulating the fisheries sector in Al Wusta Governorate. The report referenced the Council's previous study during its ninth term on artisanal fishing and its challenges. The committee affirmed its alignment with the ideas and developmental proposals outlined in the proposal and recommended their implementation in a manner tailored to the specific needs of each governorate involved in artisanal fishing. The Office also discussed the response from the Minister of Finance regarding an inquiry on the ministry's procedures for auditing service fees in the Sultanate of Oman. The response confirmed the existence of an updated database maintained in accordance with laws, regulations, and new decisions. Additionally, the Office examined the response from the Minister of Energy and Minerals and Chairman of the Board of the Social Protection Fund, concerning the reduction or purchase of service years for employees working outside Oman. The response clarified that the Social Protection Fund issued new rules in 2024 regarding the purchase of notional service periods, noting that pensions are determined by service duration, retirement age, and contribution values. The Office further reviewed a submitted proposal on establishing mechanisms to enhance the economic impact of scientific research and innovation in Oman, emphasising its importance in supporting the national economy and knowledge development. During the meeting, the Office also approved several follow-up instruments submitted by members of the Council, which were referred to the relevant authorities. These included a question addressed to the Minister of Education regarding the results of General Education Diploma students for the current academic year.
Times of Oman
14-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Council of Oman participates in OIC Parliamentary Union's 19th session in Jakarta
Jakarta - The Council of Oman took part in the 19th session of the Conference of the Parliamentary Union of OIC Member States (PUIC), held in Jakarta, Indonesia, today. Oman's delegation was headed by Khalid Hilal Al Ma'awali, Chairman of the Shura Council. In his speech at the opening of the session, Al Ma'awali lauded the theme of the conference titled 'PUIC Silver Jubilee – Good Governance and Strong Institutions as Pillars of Resilience.' This theme, Al Ma'awali said, "matches our aspirations and affirms that the progress of nations can only be built on the principles of justice, integrity and transparency. He also laid emphasis on the concept of good governance which, he observed, has become a cornerstone for progress, noting that societies are not measured by their natural resources alone, but also by their wise management of those resources through efficient and independent institutions that enjoy the confidence of society." He stressed that parliaments play a significant role in consolidating the values of justice, integrity and transparency, since parliaments are the bodies that enact laws and legislation and regulate concepts of transparency and reform. Al Ma'awali pointed out that the Sultanate of Oman's experience in promoting good governance has always been the center of attention when devising future plans. Through Oman Vision 2040, the government paid great attention to the principle of governance, recognizing its significance in promoting comprehensive national development. Governance has been adopted as a fundamental principle for achieving efficiency in institutional performance and ensuring transparency and integrity in procedures, he said. He added that Oman Vision 2040 seeks to establish an integrated system of good governance based on clear principles of accountability, justice and the rule of law, besides adopting the best administrative and technical practices that ensure the quality and sustainability of government services. The vision also underscores the importance of involving society in decision-making and achieving a balance between economic growth and social development. Al Ma'awali argued that, 'In the midst of our discussion of good governance and strong institutions as pillars of resilience, we must not ignore the alarming international failure to address the humanitarian tragedies, flagrant violations of international law, the absence of justice and the violation of human rights of Palestinian people, most notably in the Gaza Strip. He added that the horrific events in the Gaza Strip revealed the absence of fair global governance and the weakness of system of international accountability. This failure, he said, leads to the continuation of the occupation, the exacerbation of suffering of the Palestinian people and the absence of hope. 'Hence, our meeting today is required to raise the voice of conscience and activate the tools of politics and law to support the rights of the brotherly Palestinian people,' he said. The Council of Oman delegation participated in the coordination meeting of the Arab Group. The meeting discussed the hosting of the 20th session of the Union, the nomination of members of the Executive Committee and the appointment of 4 members to represent Arab councils and parliaments in the Union's standing committees. During the meeting, it was agreed that the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would continue to represent the Arab Group within the Executive Committee. The meeting also approved the convening of the next meeting of the Executive Committee in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.
Times of Oman
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Council of Oman participates in Jakarta conference
Jakarta — The Council of Oman is taking part in the 19th session of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC) Conference in Jakarta, Indonesia, under the theme 'PUIC's Silver Jubilee: Good Governance and Strong Institutions as Pillars of Resilience.". The conference runs until 15 May. The delegation is headed by Khalid Hilal Al Maawali, Chairman of the Shura Council. The conference agenda includes electing members of the Bureau for the positions of Vice-Presidents representing the Arab and African groups, adopting the report of the Union's Secretary-General, speeches by heads of councils, delegations, and observers, reviewing the report of the 26th session of the Union's General Committee, and discussing and approving reports and draft resolutions submitted by standing committees, along with committee membership nominations and the final report of the current session. On the sidelines, the delegation will participate in the Union's Executive Committee meetings and standing committees, including the Political Affairs and Foreign Relations Committee, the Human Rights, Women, and Family Committee, the Cultural, Legal, Civilizational, and Interfaith Dialogue Committee, the Economic and Environmental Affairs Committee, the Executive Committee, the Secretaries-General Assembly, the Palestine Committee, and the Muslim Communities and Minorities Committee. The delegation of the Council of Oman to the 19th PUIC Conference comprises Sheikh Ahmed Mohammed Al Nadabi, Secretary-General of the Shura Council and Mohammed Salim Al Harthy, member of the State Council, as well as Khalil Khalfan Al Wahibi, Said Mohammed Al Saadi, and Younis Mohammed Al Siyabi, members of the Shura Council. Oman's participation in the conference aims to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy in support of joint legislative efforts. Meanwhile, the Council of Oman participated in a coordination meeting of Gulf legislative councils on the sidelines of the 19th PUIC Conference. Discussions covered agenda items of the Union's Executive Committee, the 26th session of the General Committee, and the 19th PUIC Conference, as well as nominations for the Executive Committee and specialized standing committees.
