* The facts and figures mentioned in these excerpts are by courtesy of the Ministry of Information, the Sultanate of Oman.
" I** promise you to proceed forthwith in the process of creating a modern government. My first act will be immediate abolition of all the unnecessary restrictions on your lives and activities. My people, I will proceed as quickly as possible to transform our life into a prosperous one with a bright future. Everyone of you must play his part towards this goal. Our country in the past was famous and strong. If we work in unity and cooperation, we will regenerate that glorious past and we will take a respectable place in world.
My people, my brothers,
Yesterday it was complete darkness and with the help of God, tomorrow will be a new dawn on Muscat , Oman and its people.
God bless us all and may He grant our efforts success".
**Extract from the Speech by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said to his people on the day of his Accession 23rd July, 1970
Assalamu Alaikum,
It is my pleasure to avail myself of this opportunity to welcome all those "NetSurfers" to "Oman 95" - an official publication that modestly attempts to give a general view of the progress achieved by the Sultanate of Oman during the past 25 years under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said. I hope that the facts and figures mentioned in this book will be of some use and interest to you.
Thanks.
H.E. Ahmed Bin Mohamed Al-Riyami
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said
This year, which celebrates the 25th Anniversary of His Majesty's accession, is a particularly momentous one in the long history of Oman and its people, commemorating as it does the achievements of the country's Renaissance under His Majesty's leadership.
It is hardly possible for a first-time visitor to the Sultanate of Oman arriving at Seeb International Airport in 1995, and driving to Muscat along the 35 kms of lighted dual-carriageway road, over fly-overs, past modern ministry buildings, schools, hospitals, and commercial establishments, to visualise that only 25 years ago, none of this existed. Any Omani will tell him that this transformation is due to the inspiration and guidance of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.
His Majesty was born in Salalah in Dhofar, the southern region of Oman, on 18th November 1940. He is eighth in the direct line of the Al Busaidi dynasty, which was founded in 1744 by Imam Ahmad bin Said, whose memory is still revered in Oman as a warrior and enlightened administrator who united the country after years of civil wars Majesty's father, Sultan Said bin Taimur, died in 1972.
His Majesty spent his childhood and received the early part of his education in Salalah. At the age of 16, he was sent by his father to England, where he attended a private educational establishment before entering the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, as a cadet in 1960. His Majesty then served a tour of a year's operational duty with a British Infantry battalion, and then on the staff in West Germany. Subsequently, he studied municipal government in England. Returning home on completion of a world tour, he spent the next six years in Salalah in accordance with his father's wishes. During those years, his time was occupied in studying Islam and the cultural and historica past of his country and people. On the abdication of his father, Sultan Said bin Taimur, and his accession in July 1970, His Majesty flew from Salalah to Muscat to be greeted by his people. Among his first acts were the abolition of anachronistic restrictions on the lives and activities of the people, and announced his intention of proceeding forthwith with the development of the country and providing his people with the health care, education aud other social development they so sorely needed. He also called upon them to play their part in the work that lay ahead, and appealed to all Omanis abroad, wherever they might be to return and do so. His words met with a spontaneous aud overwhelmiug response, and Omanis came flocking back from many parts of the world.
The task that faced His Majesty was formidable. Little had been achieved in the three years since the oil revenues had started coming in. There was a legacy of more than a century of stagnation, with its accompanying lack of development, illiteracy, high mortality rate, and isolation. It is not too much to say that Oman, at this time, was one of the most backward countries in the Arab World. Added to this, there was a bitter local war in the south, where, at the time of his accession the military situation was grave.
Meanwhile, His Majesty gave high priority to the expansion of the Sultanate's international relations, which had been almost non~existent before 1970. This has been successfully achieved, and diplomatic relations have been established with many countries throughout the world, regardless of their political complexions, His Majesty's policy being to extend the hand of friendship to all countries on the basis of non-interference in each other's internal affairs, mutual respect, peaceful co-existence and good neighbourliness. Intemational contacts, through diplomatic relations and personal visits, are seen by His Majesty to be of great importance in the quest for world peace and understanding between peoples. These relations have currently been establislled with a total of 125 countries. His Majesty has paid State visits to brotherly and friendly countries of the GCC, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, the United Kingdom, United States, France and Spain.
His Majesty also pressed on with development planning. A list priorities was carefully formulated: wasteful prestige projects were not considered. Advancement has been achieved through a series of Five-Year-Plans, of which the Fourth, current plan, commenced in 1991. The result has been that the major elements of the Sultanate's infrastrucural programme have been virtually completed, and the emphasis has now shifted to the consolidation of the achievements htat have been secured.
His Majesty has carefully combined traditional government wiht the inception of a modern state. The age-old system of Sultanic rule, whereby individual Omanis had the right of access to their Sultan who was regarded as the father of the nation - has been scrupulously preserved, alongside the evolvement of government by a Cabinet of Ministers with their supporting staffs and responsibilities. Thus, His Majesty attaches great importance to personal contact with his people and this he achieves in three principal ways: one was the establishment of the State Consultative Council, with a wide popular representation of 55 members, including Government officials, at the first meeting of which, in 1981, he said: "the Council shall also be a vital field for interaction and integration between the opinions of its members and full co-operation and integration between the Government and the citizens in carrying out the duties and obligations of the current stage development".
This democratic process was carried a stage further in 1991, with the implementation of His Majesty's stated intention of establishing Majlis Ash'Shura, a State Advisory Council wholly composed of elected representatives of the people, and with no Government membship. The men and women members are nominated by the people the 59 wilayats (Governorates) throughout the country. In his opening address to the Majlis, His Majesty called upon its members to scrupulously appreciate the great responsibilities they had undertaken. This year, democratic development has taken a further significant leap forward with the election to the Majlis Ash'Shura of the first two women members. Speaking to the Assembly at the opening of the Majlis Ash'Shura's Second term, His Majesty said that the new session was characterised by three elements: first, the broader representation of the people that has resulted from the increase in membership to eighty; second, the benefits that will accrue from the combination experienced Members and those newly elected; and third, the participation of women Members. In the latter connection, and in wishing them all success, His Majesty said it was their right to contribute their thoughts and views in their country's affairs. He added their candidacy would be gradually extended to include women from all regions of the Sultanate. His Majesty called on women throughout Oman to come forward to play their full part in the life and development of the country.
Also, every year on the National Anniversary on 15th November, His Majesty delivers a major address to the nation when he reviews the achievements of the previous year and outlines future policies. His Majesty made a notably important speech to his people on the occasion of the last National Day Celebrations. In it, His Majesty called upon Omanis to reject "extremism under whatever guise, fanaticism of whatever kind and factionalism of whatever persuasion" and to follow the true tolerant principles of Islam. He said that "the backwardness of Muslims in recent times (had) rendered them incapable of making use of their inheritance .... by reference to the original principles and bases in order to solve the problems that arose in their lives". This stagnation had resulted in the weakness of the Muslim nation and brought about fanaticism based on a lack of knowledge about the correct facts of the religion. It had been exploited by some to perpetrate violence and propagate cases of difference that led to discord and hatred.
His Majesty also carries on the democratic process through his annual tours of the Interior, when he is accompanied by many of his Ministers, which provide him with the opportunity to meet individual Omanis face to face, listen to their suggestions and discuss their problems, thus giving him a valuable means of assessing their needs. On these occasions, the appropriate Minister is called in and the matter dealt with immediately.
In the past year, His Majesty has made three major tours during which he has covered hundreds of miles and talked with many thousands of his people. One of the main themes of his conversations was the need for a sensible approach to family planning; Omanis should remember that it was important and religiously acceptable to limit the number of children per family so as not to affect the country's social structure.
In his speeches and public statements to his people, His Majesty has continued to place great emphasis and importance on diversifying Oman's economy away from total dependence on oil revenues, and giving encouragement to the private sector. These oil revenues, which are now increasingly augmented by natural gas resources, are forcast to continue for many years to come, but His Majesty has long recognised the need to broaden the country's economic base, not only precaution against possible future uncertainties of the oil market, also as a means of providing more career opportunities for all graduates and school leavers. His Majesty has also strongly emphasised the need for Omanisation. Thus a programme to qualify Omanis for jobs now performed by foreigners, is being energetically pursued and is making significant progress. The advent of the Gulf crisis in August 1990, brought unprecedented problems to every state in the region. Consistent with his policy of seeking to promote peaceful solutions to international disputes, His Majesty supported all constructive efforts to bring about a just settlement of the crisis, essentially based upon the withdrawal of Iraq from its occupation of Kuwait, and support for the United Nations' resolutions. At the same time, His Majesty provided a safe sanctuary for many Kuwaitis who fled to Oman. When the full outbreak of hostilities nevertheless ensued, His Majesty acted in complete solidarity with his brother leaders of the AGCC and the United Nations. In the aftermath of the war, he has sought to further the consolidation of peace in the region, and prevent any future threat to its stability, both through his chairmanship of the AGCC Higher Committee for Security.
Both in his speeches, and in the active formulation and pursuit of his political policies, His Majesty has continually advocated the necessity for all countries of the world to work for better understanding and peaceful co-operation, both through support for the United Nations and other world bodies, and through their individual efforts.
An example of His Majesty's internationalist policies has been his conviction that the Sultanate, and the Arab World in general, should seek positive ways in which to develop mutually fruitful relation with Europe, particularly in the light of those events which have taken place there which offer the prospect of a new era of peaceful existence between the countries of that community. To this end, His Majesty took the lead in hosting an historic meeting in Muscat of foreign ministers from the AGCC states and the European Community - the first occasion when such a meeting had been held between two communities. In furtherance of this policy, the Sultanate became the first non-member country to hold a national exhibition at the European Parliament in Stra. Within the Gulf region, His Majesty has successfully reached agreement with neighbouring Yemen on the border between the two countries. This followed an earlier similar accord with the Kingdon of Saudi Arabia. On the international scene, His Majesty welcomed, in his National Day speech, the evidence that countries had become convinced, more than at any time in the past, that armed conflicts are no longer justfiable, but obstruct development and endanger international peace and security. But, His Majesty said, it was a matter of regret that the propensity of man to violence towards man himself had increased, embodied in the aggression of one group against others within communities. He called upon all countries to co-operate to put an end to this internal violence.
His Majesty has also welcomed the Middle Eastern peace process and the achievements that have been made towards a settlement. In a message to the Arab League on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, praising its efforts for the security and stability of its peoples, His Majesty called upon God's blessing to protect them from all forms of terrorism and fanaticism.
During the year, His Majesty has received a number of foreign dignitaries, including His Majesty King Hussain of Jordan; the Crown Prince and Princess of Japan; the Crown Prince of Belgium, President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt, during which visit it was agreed to establish a joint Omani-Egyptian Committee at foreign minister level to strengthen bilateral co-operation; President Ali Abdulla Saleh of Yemen; the Russian Prime Minister, Victor Chernomyrdin; Vice President Al Gore of the United States; Dr Ram K. Chopra, World Bank Director for Middle Eastern Affairs whose Bank recently expressed "full confidence in the Sultanate's economic reform measures" which it "fully supported and endorsed"; Dr Boutros Ghali, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on a visit to the Sultanate, praised His Majesty's success in promoting social integration and the development of human resources, in enhancing international and regional co-operation and solving international issues.
In April, His Majesty received Finance and Economy Ministers and Governors of Central Banks who were attending the annual meeting of Arab Financial Institutions, hosted by Oman.
Also during the year, His Majesty personally donated US$300,000 for the establishment of an International Disability Centre at the Hague which will assist disabled of all countries.
With the revival of the spirit and life of the Sultanate came a great interest in the country's origins. Encouraged by His Majesty, scholars started to investigate the remote past of this historic land where man first appeared after the last Ice Age, about 12,000 B.C. Though very little is known about the pre-Islamic past, many fascinating discoveries have been made. Archaeological sites dating back to the third millenium B.C. are believed to be contemporary with the region's Berber culture and the great river cultures of Mesopotamia and Mohenjodaro. Evidence has been found of trade between Sumer, a land which existed before Babylon, and Oman. Copper mining and smelting by the year 2,000 B.C. had become sizeable industry, as revealed by excavations at locations in the Sohar area. The largest of these so far identified is at Lasail where, incidentally, copper mining has recently been resumed. It seems certain that the legendary country of "Magan" referred to in Sumerian tablets as a source of copper, was Oman. Frankincense, the aromatic gum used in ancient Egyptian and European rites, and traditionally offered by the Queen of Sheba to Solomon, was produced in Dhofar, in southern Oman. One of the most precious of the ancient world' s commodities, it is another Omani product that is now being exploited as an essential base ingredient in highly fashionable scent.
Although trading, farming and fishing settlements existed in off as far back as the fourth millennium B.C., there is no evidence of a developed urban civilisation during this early period. One of the reasons may be that there was no great river where a city society would normally be centred. Also, Oman's terrain divided the country in three very distinct sorts of culture.
Within the vastness of Oman's towering mountain spine existed self-sufficient, fiercely independent farming and pastoral communities that were already flourishing when the first Arab people came to Oman from southern Arabia some 2,000 years ago. In the foothills to the west and in the great deserts beyond, nomadic people led their own, very distinct life. Along the highly cultivated Batinah coast line farmers, fishermen, merchants and sailors who were the people most exposed to the rest of the world by nature of their trades and geographical location. These ancient distinctions to some extent still exist within the modern united Sultanate. Cyrus the Great, founder of Persian Empire, dominated the area in the fourth century B.C. With the consequent introduction of the famous falaj system of underground irrigation, the prosperity of the Batinah greatly increased. Still in pre-Islamic times, tribes from the Yemen - legend has it that they came from the region of the famous Marib Dam - trickled into Oman. Later, the Azd tribal group, from which the present ruling family is descended, entered Oman. Much of Oman was then under the rule of the Persians, but the Azd were able to regain Oman from the Persian rule and spread Arab influence to all parts of the country. Islam came to Oman, and Abd and Jaifar, the sons of Julanda bin Mustakbar, embraced Islam.
From the seventh to the fifteenth centuries, Oman's maritime trade flourished. Omani ships regularly called at ports in Persia, India and South East Asia. As early as the eighth century, the fame of the great Omani seaman Abu Ubaida bin Abdulla bin al Qassim, who laid the foundations for scientific maritime navigation and made a 7 000 kilometre voyage from Oman to Canton (Guangzhou) in China, was wideknown. As they travelled and traded, the Omanis spread the message of Islam as well as the Arabic language and culture.
In 1507 nine years after Vasco da Gama rounded the Cape of Good Hope finding a sea route to India - allegedly being guided by the famous Omani navigator Ahmad bin Majid - a Portuguese fleet brutally saked Muscat and within a year the Portuguese flag flew at several places along the coast.
Nearly a century and a half later, in 1650, Sultan bin Saif al Yarubi reconquered Muscat. Then, having built up a powerful fleet for the war of liberation, he carried the war into the Indian Ocean, establishing a wealthy state with colonial possessions in East Africa.
Sayyid Said bin Sultan is an historically prominent Omani ruler who exercised power during the period 1804 -1856. During this time Oman's influence reached Zanzibar and other parts of East Africa in addition to provinces in Persia and Baluchistan. Muscat became an important commercial centre and meeting point for the entire Gulf area. Sayyid Said concentrated his efforts on developing and improving his country's commerce and economy. It was Sayyid Said, incidentally, who introduced the clove to Zanzibar, which he brought originally from Indonesia. These plantations provided a third of the Sultanate's budget. During his reign, Oman developed her relations with many parts of the world; a special envoy was sent to the United States in 1840 - the first Arab emissary to that country. Oman was thus the first country to establish diplomatic relations with the United States. It had already concluded agreements and conventions with Great Britain, France, Holland and other countries.
Thereafter, however, there followed a period of decline and, at time of the First World War, Oman's share of intemational commercial activities was very limited. Indeed, Oman remained largely isolated from the rest of the world until, in 1970, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos came to power. His Majesty's reign was the beginning of a bright new era that renewed Oman's historic glories and opened a new chapter of development, prosperity and social and economic progress.
Last year saw 250th anniversary of the rule of the Al Busaid family, and this year, 1995, sees the year of the Silver Jubilee of the accession of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, the 8th Sultan directly descended from this ancient line, which is recognised as the oldest ruling family in the Arab world in modern history.
A map of the Arabian Peninsula rather resembles a boot with the toe pointing in a north-easterly direction. Oman, with 300,000 square kilometres of very varied, striking terrain, occupies the south-eastern part of the Peninsula, with a coastline which extends for 1,700 kilometres.
Dominated by an interior of jagged mountains simply called Hajar, 'the Rock', the country is a magic tapestry of different terrains. The mountains, whose king at a soaring 3,075 metres is the terraced Jabal al-Akhdar ("The Green Mountain"), rise straight out of the coastal plains or the seam or soar out of the gravel plateaux and shifting dunes in the Interior.
The country ranges from the ftord-like barren majesty of the Musandam Peninsula that plunges into the Strait of Hormuz in the north of the fertile Batinah plain that inclines south-east towards Muscat, from the vast, sandy edge of the Rub al-Khali (The Empty Quarter) through the mountains to the lush, monsoon-based near-tropical Salalah plain in the south.
To the west Oman borders Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates; to the south, Republic of Yemen; to the north the Strait of Hormuz; and to the east the Arabian Sea.
The Regions
Geographically, Oman falls into a number of distinct areas.
Muscat Area
The most important of this densely populated area are the lovely old capital of Muscat sheltered in its picturesque bay; the larger modern port of Muttrah which is surrounded by the old residential and trading town; and the modern, busy Ruwi which is both a commercial centre and residential extension of the capital. Beyond this again, residential satellite townships and industrial estates have been spreading at a fast pace, changing the area beyond recognition for someone who has not visited Oman for a few years. Quriyat, which is situated on the coast midway between Muscat and Sur, is one of the major towns in this area.
Dhahira Area
This is a semi-desert plain, sloping from the southern flanks of the Western Hajar into the Rub al-Khali (Empty Quarter). It is bordered the north by Yanqul, Jau and Buraimi and to the south it is divided from Oman proper by Jabal al Koor (Deyar al Durooa) and from the east by Deyar Bani Hinah. The major settlements are on two print wadis, Wadi Dank and Wadi al-Ain, the towns being Dank, Ibri and Yanqul. The northern extension of the plain of Dhahira is known as Jau. In this small area between the border of the United Arab Emirates and the Western Hajar, the population is concentrated around the irrigated date cultivation of the Buraimi oasis.
Sharqiya Area
The Sharqiya is an area of sandy plains and valleys lying on the inland side of the Eastern Hajar. It is bordered to the south-east by the district of Jaalan and to the south by the Wahiba Sands. The Jaalal sandy plain forming the southern extension of the Sharqiya and extending to the Arabian Sea. It is bordered on the northern side by the Eastern Hajar and in the south by the Wahiba Sands. The main towns are Sur, Al Qabil, Ibra, Mudairib, Samad, Mudaibi, Sinaw, Wadi Khalid, Al Kamil, Al Wafi, Bilad Bani bu Hassan, Bilad Bani bu Ali, Al Ashkara and Ras Al Hadd.
Barr al Hikman
This is an area of approximately 650 square kilometres. Masira land is situated to the east, separated by a channel of 14 kilometres. The area of the Barr consists of salt flats and, on occasion, the sea covers as much as five kilometres of the land area. Most of the population live on the island of Mahawt and are fishermen.
Southern Region (Dhofar)
The Southern Region of Oman accounts for a third of the country's total area. The coastal plain, extending from Raysut in the west past Salalah, is nowhere wider than about eight kilometres but the fertile alluvial soil is well watered between June and September by the Monsoon. The rains also irrigate the tree dotted hills that rise 1,500 m above the coastal plain. To the north-west, the region's border with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia runs through the Empty Quarter. The main towns and villages here are: Salalah, Taqa, Mirbat, Sudh, Thumrait, Rakhyout, Dalqut, Shaleem and Muqshin.
The Musandam
Separated from the rest of Oman by part of the United Arab Emirates, this is the northern most part of the Sultanate. Its rugged mountains rise up to 1,800 metres above sea level and the coast, which juts into the Strait of Hormuz, has a spectacular, flord-like look. The :owns are: Khasab, Bayah, Madha, Bukha, Kumzar and Lima.
Regions
The Sultanate is divided into 59 Wilayats (regions), in each of which the Government represented by a Wali (Governor). Muscat has its own Governor with assistants in Muttrah, Seeb and Baushar, as does the Musandam assistants in Khasab, Bayah and Bukha. Dhofar also has its own Governor with assistants.
Climate
The climate varies from region to region. In the coastal areas it is hot and humid in summer. In the Interior it is hot and dry, with the exception of some higher locations, where it is temperate all year around. In the southern region, the climate is more benign. The Country's rainfall is generally low and irregular, although heavy local rains are sometimes experienced, with the exception of the southern region where heavy monsoon rains regularly occur between June and September.
Population
The cross-currents of history, with its migrations and invasions have swept Oman since time immemorial, but its people have have remained of basically are origin. Omani society consists of four Arab categories: the people of the sea who live by fishing, seafaring and trading; the agriculturalists of the Batinah coast and the south, and those of the Interior who employ the aflaj system of irrigation; the mountain people of Dhofar and the Musandam; and the Bedouin of the desert areas. The population is esitmated at 2 million.
The administrative system of the State under His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said consists of the Diwan of Royal Court, the Ministry of Palace Office Affairs, the Cabinet of Ministers and Secretariat of the Cabinet, the Specialised Councils, Governorate of Muscat in the Majlis Ash'Shura.
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 Majesty become law from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
The Cabinet of Ministers consists of:
His Highness Saiyid Thuwainy bin Shihab al Said Personal Representative of His Majesty the Sultan
His Highness Sayyid Faher bin Taimour al Said Deputy Prime Minister for Security and Defence
His Highness Sayyid Fahad bin Mahmood al Said Deputy Prime Minister for Cabinet Affairs
His Excellency Qais bin Abdul Munim al Zawawi Deputy Prime Minister for Financial and Economic Affairs
His Highness Sayyid Faisal bin Ali al Said Minister of National Heritage and Culture
His Excellency Sayyid Saif bin Hamad bin Saoud Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court
His Excellency Fareeq Awal Ali bin Majid al Ma'amari
Minister of Palace Office Affairs and Head of the Office of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces
His Excellency Said bin Ahmed al Shanfari
Minister of Petroleum and Minerals
His Excellency Hamoud bin Abdullah al Harthi Minister of Justice, Awqaf and Islamic Affairs
His Excellency Yahya bin Mahfudh al Manthri Minister of Higher Education and Vice Chancellor of Sultan Qaboos University
His Excellency Sayyid Bader bin Saoud bin Hareb Minister of Interior
His Excellency Abdul Aziz bin Mohammed al Rowas Minister of Information
His Excellency Sayyid AlMutasim bin Hamoud al Busaidi
Minister of State and Governor of Muscat
His Excellency Youset bin Alawi Bin Abdullah Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
His Excellency Salim bin Abal Ghazali Minister of Communications
His Excellency Ahmed bin Suwaidan al Balushi Minister of Posts, Telegraphs and Telephones
His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Ali al Qatabi Minister of Electricity and Water
His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah al Hinai
Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries
His Excellency Sayyid Mussallam bin Ali al Busaidi Minister of State and Governor of Dhofar
His Excellency Ahmed bin Abdul Nabi Macki Minister of Civil Service
His Excellency Malik bin Suleiman al Ma' amari Minister of Housing
His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Mohammed bin Moosa Minister of Health
His Excellency Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal bin Said Secretary General to the Cabinet
His Excellency Sheikh Amer bin Shuwain al Hosni Minister of Regional Municipalities and Environment
His Excellency Hamid bin Said al Aufi
Minister of Water Resources
His Excellency Maqboolbin Alibin Sultan
Minister of Commerce and Industry
His Excellency Ahmed bin Mohammed al Esai Minister of Social Affairs and Labour
His Excellency Mohammed bin Ali al Alawi
Minister of State for Legal Affairs
His Excellency Sayyid Saoud bin Ibrahim al Busaidi Minister of Education
His Excellency Mohammed bin Moosa al Yousef Minister of State for Development Affairs
The Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers is responsible for the smooth functioning of the Government machinery. One of its functions is to ensure that the Cabinet decisions are implemented with the given time-frame and budget. The Governorate of Muscat is reponsible for the administration of the city.
For easier administration of Oman's large land area and scattered population centres, the country has been divided into 59 Wilayats (regions) under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Interior. At the head of each Wilayat is a Wali (governor).
The primary responsibilities of the Ministry of Legal Affairs are: developing Oman's legal system; preparing and issuing Royal Decrees and Ministerial Decisions; publishing the Official Gazette; scrutiny of drafts of international conventions and agreements; review of Government contracts and financial obligations that exceed RO500,00O; legal advice to Government organs; representation abroad in legal matters; and matters referred to it by His Majesty.
Majlis Ash'Shura
In the course of his Natio)nal Day address to the nation in November 1990, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos announced that a Majlis Ash'Shura was to replace the State Consultative Council, originally consisting of 35 nominated members, and subsequently increased to 55 members. The main difference was to be that whereas the State Consultative Council was a nominated body, the Majlis Ash'Shura was to be wholly elected with no Government members. Each Wilayat, of which there are 59 throughout the country, then sent one elected member to the Majlis. The term of membership is for three calendar years, and may be renewable for another term or more, according to the respective procedures. The President of the Majlis is appointed by Royal Decree.
Each Wilayat nominated three citizens as candidates for election to the Majlis. The nominations are administered by a committee consisting of respected citizens of experience and ability in the Wilayat. One of the three nominees was then selected for membership of the Majlis.
During 1994, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos approved the expansion the Majlis Ash'Shura from a representation of 59 members to 80 members based on the results of the first National Census held in December 1993. Those Wilayats with a population of more than 30,000 would nominate four nominees, from whom two would be selected by His Majesty to represent their Wilayat in the Majlis. In the case of Wilayats with a population of less than 30,000 there would be two nominees, from whom one would be selected by His Majesty to sit as representative of his or her Wilayat.
His Majesty also decreed the participation of women in the vote for the first time and their right to be nominated for representation to the Majlis. For the time being, this is to be limited to the six provinces in or near the capital, Muscat, but it is to be extended to the whole of Oman. As a result, two women now sit as representatives in the Majlis Ash'Shura.
Among the principal duties of the Majlis is the reviewing of all social and economic draft laws, prepared by Ministries, before their enactment. The Majlis also participates in setting up development plans, and in the following up of their execution within the general strategy framework of the State, and in accordance with the availability of funds. It also participates in the work to conserve the environment.
The Council of Ministers arranges two annual meetings attended by the President and Bureau Members of the Majlis to follow up the coordination procedures between the Government and the Majlis. The Ministers of public service Ministries submit annual data reports in respect of their Ministries' performance to the Majlis, whose President submits a report of its activities to His Majesty the Sultan.
Article I
It shall have an independent administrative and financial status and shall be located in Muscat.
Article II
The Council shall have 80 members representing the Wilayats the Sultanate. The selection of the members is to be carried out according to the following procedures:-
a) Every Wilayat with a population of less than 30,000 to nominate two citizens, resident in the Wilayat, and every Wilayat with a population of more than 30,000 to nominate four citizens. The nomination is carried out by a Committee consisting of dignitaries of the Wilayat and people of valued opinion and experience.
b) One of the two nominees and two of the four nominees of each Wilayat is to be selected as a member of the Council.
c) A Royal Decree will be issued naming the selected members.
Article III .
The period of membership to the Council is three years which can renewed for another term or more.
Aticle IV
A Royal Decree will be issued naming the President of the Council.
Article V
The Council members shall select two deputies for the President from among the members of the Council. This will be done during the first session.
Article VI
The office of the Council will include the President, his two deputies and five members of the Council to be selected by the Council during the first session.
Article VII
The Council shall have a Secretariat-General consisting of the Secretary- General and a number of assistant secretaries and employees. The Secretary-General is to be appointed by a decision from the Council's office on a recommendation by the President. The Secretary General is to be granted the financial grade of an Under-Secretary.
Article VIII
Ash'Shura Council shall assist the Government in all matters concerning the Omani society and it shall suggest the means of reinforcing the basic structures and the original values of Omani society.
Article IX
In order to achieve its goals, the Council shall have the following powers:
1- Review of draft legislation on economic and social matters which is prepared by the Ministries before being issued.
2- Present its proposals on what it regards as necessary as to the development of economic and social laws that are executed in the Sultanate.
3- Providing opinion and proposals on general policies presented by the Government.
4- Participation in the preparation of the country's development plans, the following up of their implementation in the context of the State' s general strategy and according to its available potentialities.
5- Participation in reinforcing the citizens' awareness of the development objectives, priorities and the efforts that are exerted to carry them out. This will reinforce the link between the citizens and the Government.
6- Participation in the efforts for the conservation of the environment and its protection from pollution.
7- The study of matters related to public services and utilities and presentation of suggestions on how to develop them.
8- Studying obstacles that face the economic sector and the presentation of appropriate suggestions aimed at overcoming those o.
9- Giving opinions on other subjects which His Majesty thinks should be presented to the Council.
Article X
The Council of Ministers shall devote two meetings a year to be attended by the President and the members of the Council's office. The objective is to follow up means of coordination between the Government and the Council in the public interest.
Article XI
The Public Service Ministers shall submit annual statements on the achievements and plans of their Ministries and shall answer questions by the Council members on these plans.
The Council has the right to call any of the Public Service Ministers to discuss matters related to the duties of their Ministries whenever this is required.
Article XII
The Government Ministries and organisations and Public Authorities shall cooperate with the Ash'Shura Council so as to facilitate its mission. They shall submit to the Council any statements or information regarding matters within the concern of the Council.
Article Xlll
The Council shall refer to its concerned committees whatever applications or proposals are received from citizens on general issues and then seek the Government's opinion. The citizen shall be entitled to receive an answer to his/her request.
Article XIV
The President of the Council shall submit to His Majesty the Sultan the results of the Council's activities once a year. Issued on 12 November 1991.
Specialised Councils
The Specialised Councils were set up by Royal Decree. They are under the chairmanship of His Majesty the Sultan and comprise some members of the Cabinet of Ministers and other officials. In addition, some of the Specialised Councils include prominent members of the community.
Some of these Councils are :
The Financial Affairs Council, which applies the financial policy the State and draws up the national budget. Among other matters, it studies the financial allocations for economic development projects.
The Sultan Qaboos University Council, which is responsible for maintaining the standard of the University and the establishment Law colleges, sections or centres. The Council is chaired by H.E. Yahya bin Mahfudh Al Mantheri, Minister for Higher Education. The Civil Service Council draws up general policies relating to the Civil Service. Among its other responsibilities is the examination of Civil Service problems and finding solutions to them, taking into consideration public interests.The Council is chaired by H.E. Sayyid Saif bin Hamed bin Saud, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court.
Tender Board
In accordance with directions by His Majesty the Sultan, a Tender Board was established by Royal Decree in 1973, with subsequent promulgation of the Law and Regulations for Tenders, and amendments. The purpose of the Board is to ensure the fair and equitable allocation of contracts.
The Tender Board comprises:
His Excellency the Adviser to His Majesty the Sultan for Development Planning Affairs
- Chairman
His Excellency the Minister of Housing
- Deputy Chairman
His Excellency the Minister of Electricity and Water
- Deputy
In addition to whom there are the following members:
His Excellency the Minister of Regional Municipalities and Environment
His Excellency the Minister of Civil Service
His Excellency the Under Secretary for Financial Affairs
His Excellency the Under Secretary for Communications
His Excellency the Under Secretary for Commerce and Industry
An official representative from the Ministry on whose behalf the tender is being carried out.
The Board is assisted in discharging its responsibilities by an Executive Secretariat that carries out studies and prepares reports on all matters related to the Board's operations. The Secretariat forms an active link between the Board and the various Government authorities that issue their tenders via the Board.
The Board's Powers and Prerogatives
The Board is responsible for all Government tenders, whether they involve assignments, purchases of items or project implementation, with the exception of contracts and projects related to Defence installations or those covered by a special stipulation in the Law or Regulations for Tenders. In addition, the Board follows up developments in the implementation of projects from their inception until their completion. This is made possible by the fact that Ministries and Govenment organisations regularly keep the Board informed of all problems associated with the projects' implementation. Consequently, the Board takes effective action to solve these problems by studying them and finding appropriate solutions to them in coordination with the authorities on whose behalf the projects are being carried out. When necessary, the Board also issues all circulars and directives required for regulating the progress of the work in hand.
In exercising its duties, the Board complies with established and well-studied procedures.These enable it to fulfill its role in the best possible manner.
These procedures may be summarised as follows
Before putting any project out to general tender, the Board thouroughly checks the relevant documents and contracts - in coordination with the Government body concerned - to ensure that they are acceptable. In doing so it has the right to ask for assistance from experts, who may be employees of the State or other Omani or non-Omani technical personnel, either within the Sultanate or abroad. This stage of operation is of particular importance; a thorough check of the documents prior to putting the project out to tender assists in the elimination of any problems that might otherwise occur after the issue of the invitation to tender, or while the project is being implemented. This procedure saves considerable time and effort and ensures a high standard of work. As a result, great savings are made on costs and the project implemented in the required manner.
The Board also forms negotiating committees in cases where the nature of the work involved is such that the necessary procedures have to be completed through negotiation. The Tender Law stipulates that these committees should be chaired by one of the Deputy Chairmen and should also include the Under Secretary for Financial Affairs and a representative from the Ministry on whose behalf the project is being carried out. The committees put their recommendations before the Board so that the appropriate decision may be made.
Foreign Affairs Ministry, Muscat
The Sultanate of Oman has played an important role in world and regional affairs in the past years. It was elected as a member of United Nations Security Council in January 1994. In June 1994 the Sultanate held the Presidency of the Council, and will do so again in November 1995. As the threat of war again loomed over Kuwait in October 1994, Oman came out strongly in support of its fellow member the AGCC, and strongly condemned Iraq for its aggressive troop movements. Early last year, King Hussein of Jordan visited Oman for discussions with His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, when the strong ties linking the two countries were confirmed. This visit was closely followed by a visit by then Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mrs. Benazir Bhutto, who held discussions with His Majesty. In March this year President Mubarak of Egypt also came to Oman for two days of talks with His Majesty as a result of which a bilateral consultation committee has been set up between the two countnes at Ministerial level. Following the signing of the border agreement on 1st October 1992 between the Sultanate and the Republic of Yemen, relations between the two countries have continued to develop cordially and constructively.
Oman lies at the gateway of the Gulf, directly overlooking the Strait of Hormuz from the south side. The Strait has far-reaching strategic importance for international trade, especially since the finding of oil which passes through it to the industrialised countries in the east and west, and has become one of the most important factors in world industrial progress. This position also links it to the countries which are on the gulf, the Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean, Red Sea and the countries of the Arabian Penin.
The Sultanate of Oman has a long history of contacts and relations with countries both within, and outside the Arab world, going back many centuries. Between the seventh and fifteenth centuries it had flourishing trade with China and the Indian sub-continent, as well in later years with East Africa. The Sultanate was the first Arab country to establish diplomatic contact with the United States of America in the first half of the nineteenth century, by which time it already had a treaty relationship with the United Kingdom and relations with France.
However, with the death of Sayyid Said bin Sultan (Said the Great) in 1856, and the separation of the East African possessions from Oman, the country fell into a state of isolation for 100 yyears until 1970, when it re-emerged on to the international scene following the accession of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.
On his accession in July 1970, His Majesty was confronted with a most daunting and formidable task in making the Sultanate's presence known and felt in international circles, in addition to meeting many the of the urgent needs of his people. From the start, His Majesty defined certain principles which have been consistently followed during the past 25 years. These principles include good neighbourliness, a non-intervention in the internal affairs of others, respect for international laws and traditions, strengthening of cooperation between the Gulf States, fortifying relations with other Arab countries, as well supporting issues of importance in the Arab world, enhancing Islamic cooperation, supporting just causes, exploring all avenues for increased cooperation with the European Union and other intemational bodies, following a policy of non-alignment, and the establishment of cordial relations with all friendly countries.
The Sultanate's relations with Western nations stretch back over 200 years, and Oman today attaches great importance to them, as exemplified by its hosting of the Gulf-European dialogue in 1990. This represented the first collective meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Arab Gulf States and the European Community. Oman strongly supported this historic event in a spirit of cooperation which reflected the established friendship linking the two communities, whose continuous relationship goes back over such a long period of time.
Under the direction of His Majesty, energetic efforts have succefully been made to secure Oman's appropriate place among the nations of the world, and the Sultanate has made effective contributions towards world issues, helping to solve international problems, and working for world peace and security.
Oman joined the Arab League in 1971, and the United Nations later the same year. In 1972 the Sultanate joined the Organisation of Islamic Conference, and in 1973 became a member of the Non-Aligned Group. The Sultanate has also joined many specialised intemational organisations (see list at the end of this chapter). The Sultanate is a founder member of the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council, comprising the six Arab Gulf States, and is to host its Summit in Muscat in December this year.
The Sultanate has always maintained good relations with Iran accordance with its policy of good neighbourliness, and has made great efforts to bring about a rapprochement between Iran and certain of the Gulf States. In 1990 Muscat was the venue for the meeting between the Foreign Ministers of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the lslamic Republic of Iran. As a result, the two countries agreed to resume diplomatic relations following a three-year break.
The Palestinian question is still the main problem in the Middle East. Oman has given, and continues to give, total support to the Palestinian people's right to decide their own future in their own land and establish their own independent State, and naturally supports the current negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis. Oman also supports the call for the withdrawal of the Israelis from the southern territories of Lebanon.
The Sultanate hosted the fifth meeting of the UN Peace Conference from 17 - 20 April, 1994 in Muscat, which was attended by more than 45 countries and organisations. It was decided at the Conference to establish a research centre for salt water in the Sultanate. The aim of Conference was to develop technology for easier desalination of salt water to help economic and social development in Arab countries in the Middle East in genera.
The Sultanate believes that cooperation between countries is the best way forward. It also confirms the principle of human rights and the right of countries to decide their own future. On 18th December 1991 the Sultanate of Oman recognised the Union of Independent States (the Commonwealth) which is formed from 11 republics: Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Moldovia and Turkmenistan (the states of the former USSR).
Likewise, it recognised the independence of Bosnia, Herzegovin and Slovakia. It established diplomatic relations and exchanged diplomatic representatives at ambassadorial level with all the states of the Union of Russia, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Iceland, Nicaragua, Democratic Korea, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Turkmenistan, Cuba and Ethiopia.
The Sultanate participated in a number of important regional and International conferences and meetings such as:
The Seventh Conference for Foreign Ministers of Islamic States in Islamabad in 1994
The International Population Conference in Cairo from 5-12 September, 1994.
The Seventh Special Islamic Summit Meeting in Casablanca, Morocco from 12-15 December, 1994.
The International Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen, Denmark from 6-12 March, 1995.
The meeting of the Organising Bureau for the Non-Aligned Movement in Bandung, Indonesia from 15-27 April, 1995, which celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Bandung Conference on 24 April, 1955.
The International Conference for Women to be held in Peking, China from 4-15 September, 1995.
The 11th Summit Conference of Non-Aligned States, which will be held in Catargena, Columbia from 15-20 October 1995.
The Sultanate also participated in conferences in Washington, Lisbon and Tokyo for organising aid to the Commonwealth of Indepedent States (the former republics of the Soviet Union). Oman offered financial facilities and loans to some republics.
The Sultanate participates equally in meetings at the regional level to limit weapons and achieve security in the Middle East.
The Sultanate carries out an active role in 119 regional, Arab and International conferences, and is a member of 45 organisations and special agencies. Most recently, the Sultanate joined the World Trade Organisation as an observer at the beginning of January, 1995. The Sultanate has also joined the International Bank of Reconstruction and Development and the International Monetary Fund.
In December, 1994 the Sultanate signed a number of agreements such as The Basle Agreement on the transport of dangerous waste material, banning it from crossing borders.
COUNTRIES WITH WHICH THE SULTANATE OF OMAN HAS DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS
Albania, Republic of
Algeria, Democratic and Popular Republic of Argentina, Republic of
Armenia, Republic of
Australia, Commonwealth of
Austria, Republic of
Azerbaijan, Republic of
Bahrain, State of
Bangladesh, People's Republic of
Belarus, Republic of
Belgium, Kingdom of
Bolivvia, Republic of
Brazil, Federal Republic of
Brunei Darussalam, State of
Burkina Faso, republic of
Burundi, Republic of
Canada
Chad, Republic of
Chile, Republic of
China, People' s Republic of
Columbia, Republic of
Comoros, Federal Islamic Republic of
The Cote d 'Ivoire
Cuba, Republic of
Cyprus, Republic of
Czech Republic
Denmark, Kingdom of
Djibouti, Republic of
Ecuador, Republic of
Egypt, Arab Republic of
Eritrea, State of
Estonia, Republic of
Ethiopia
Finland, Republic of
France, Republic of
Gabon, Republic of
The Gambia, Republic of
Germany, Federal Republic of
Ghana, Republic of
Greece, Hellenic Republic of
Guatemala, Republic of
Guinea, Republic of
Guinea-Bissau, Republic of
Hun, Republic of
Iceland, Republic of
India, Republic of
Indonesia, Republic of
Iran, Islamic Republic of
Iraq, Republic of
Ireland
Italian Republic
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of
Kazakhastan, Republic of
Kenya, Republic of
Korea North, Democratic People's Republic of
Korea South, Republic of
Kuwait, State of
Kyrgyzstan, Republic of
Latvia, Republic of
Lebanon, Republic of
Lithuania, Republic of
Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of
Malaysia
Maldives, Republic of
Mali, Republic of
Malta, Republic of
Mauritania, Islamic Republic of
Mauritius
Mexico, United States of
Moldova, Republic of
Mongolia
Morocco, Kingdom of
Mozambique, Republic of
Nepal, Kingdom of
Netherlands, Kingdom of
the New Zealand
Nicaragua, Republic of
Niger, Republic of
Nigeria, Federal Republic of
Norway, Kingdom of
Pakistan, Islamic Republic of
Panama, Republic of
Peru, Republic of
Philippines, Republic of
the Poland, Republic of
Portugal, Republic of
Qatar, State of
Romania
Russian Federation
Rwanda, Republic of
Saint Lucia
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of
Senegal, Republic of
Seychelles, Republic of
Sierra Leone, Republic of
Singapore, Republic of
Slovakia
Somalia, Democratic Republic of
Spain
Sri Lanka, Democratic Social Republic of
Sudan, Republic of
the Sweden, Kingdom of
Switzerland, Confederation of
Syria, Arab Republic of
Tanzania, United Republic of
Thailand, Kingdom of
Tunisia, Republic of
Turkey, Republic of
Turkmenistan, Republic of
Uganda, Republic of Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
United States of America
Uruguay, Republic of
Uzbekistan, Republic of
Venezuela, Republic of
Vietnam, Socialist Republic Yemen, Republic of Zaire, Republic of
Zambia, Republic of
Zimbabwe, Republic of
MEMBERSHIP OF THE SULTANATE IN GULE ARAB, LAMIC AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS
IF ORGANISATIONS
Arab Centre for Educational Research
Arab Education Office for the Gulf States
Arab Gulf Co-operation Council
Arab Gulf States' Joint Programme Production Organisations
Arab Gulf University
Co-operation Council States Specifications & Standards Board
Gulf International Bank
Gulf Ornganisation for IndusLnal Consultancies
Gulf States' Health Ministers' Council
Gulf States' Labour & Social Affairs Ministers' Council Continuity Office
ARAB ORGANISATIONS
Arab Centre for Educational Research
Arab Education Office for the Gulf States
Arab Gulf Co-operation Council
Arab Gulf States' Joint Programme Production Organisations
Arab Gulf University Co-operation Council States Specifications & Standards Board
Gulf International Bank
Gulf States' Health Ministers' Council
Gulf States' Labour & Social Affairs Ministers' Council Continuity Office
Gulf Television Board
Technical Office for Communications
(Gulf States Co-operation Council)
ARAB ORGANISATIONS
Arab Academy for Maritime Transport
Arab Administrative Development Organisation
Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa Arab Centre for the Study of Arid Zones and Dry Lands
Arab Civil Aviation Council
Arab Fund for Economic & Social Development Arab Girl Guides' Office
Arab Health Ministers' Council
Arab Housing Ministers' Council
Arab Industrial Development Organisation
Arab Interior Ministers' Council
Arab Justice Ministers' Council
Arab Labour Organization
Arab League Educational Cultural & Scientific Organisation
Arab Monetary Fund
Arab Organisation for Agricultural Development Arab Organisation for Specifications & Standards Arab Planning Institute
Arab Postal Union
Arab Scouts' Office
Arab Social Affairs Ministers' Council
Arab Social Defence Organisation Against Crime Arab States' Broadcasting Union
Arab Telecommunications Union
Arab Tourism Union
Arab Transport Ministers' Council
Arab World Institute in Paris
Arab Youth & Sports Ministers' Council
Arabsat
Inter-Arab Investment Guarantee Corporation
League of Arab States
Organisation of Arab Cities
ISLAMIC ORGANISATIONS
Al Quds Fund
International Committee for the Preservation of Islamic Cultural Heritage
Islamic Capitals Organisation
Islamic Centre for Commercial Development
Islamic Centre for Technical and Vocational
Training and Research.
Islamic Conference Organisation
Islamic Development Bank
Islamic Education, Scientific & Cultural Organisation (ISESCO)
Islamic Fiqh Council
Islamic History & Culture Research Centre
Islamic International News Agency
Islamic States Broadcasting Organisation
Islamic States Centre for Statistical, Economic & Social Research Training
Islamic Solidarity Fund
PRINCIPAL REGIONAL ORGANISATIONS
Arab Gulf Co-operation Council (AGCC)
League of Arab States
INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS
International Bank for Reconstruction &
Development
International Civil Aviation Organisation International Fund for Agricultural Development International Labour Organisation
International Maritime Organisation (IMO) International Monetary Fund
International Telecommunications Union
United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)
United Nations Food & Agricultural Organisation United Nations Industrial Development Organisation United Nations Organisation
Universal Postal Union
World Health Organisation
World Meteorological Organisation
World Trade Organisation (observer status)
Inter-governmental Bureau for Informatics International (Criminal) Police Organisation (Interpol)
International Association of Lighthouse Authorities International Association of Schools and Institutes of Administration
International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO) International Hydrographic Organisation
International Institute of Administrative Science International Organisation for Legal Meteorology International Organisation for Training & Welfare of the Disabled
International Satellite Organisation (INTELSAT) International Standardisation Organisation International Union Against Tuberculosis (IUAT) International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
International Union of Child Welfare
International Whaling Commission (IWC)
Non-Aligned Movement
World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS)
World Council for Welfare of the Blind
World Scout Bureau (WSB)
OTHER REGIONAL ORGANISATIONS
Afro-Asian Insurance
Union Afro-Asian Legal Committee for Consultation Afro-Asian Organisation for Rural Development Arab Gulf Organisation for Support of Developmental Activities for the United Nations (AGFUND)
Regional Organisation for Protection of the Maritime Environment