His Majesty opens Council of Oman
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik spoke at the first meeting of the 8th term of the Council of Oman, making the following key points:
Role of the Council
His Majesty thanked members of the Council in previous sessions, commending their initiatives and evolving maturity.
His Majesty said the Council will significantly contribute to development as “an indispensable partner within the structural framework of our State.”
“This partnership confers upon you a weighty responsibility. We urge you to uphold this duty with the utmost integrity, championing the interests of our country,” His Majesty added.
Economy
His Majesty noted that despite global economic challenges, the Fiscal Sustainability Plan has reduced Oman’s public debt.
A portion of fiscal surplus has been allocated to invigorate social sectors and stimulate economic growth, he added.
His Majesty said Oman would continue to diversify the economy, especially into the non-oil sector.
He said the Social Protection System will benefit all segments of society, guaranteeing a dignified life for all.
Administrative reform
His Majesty said restructuring the State's administrative apparatus has raised the efficiency of operations.
He said Oman would continue to streamline procedures through optimising decision-making and rigorously evaluating institutional performance.
His Majesty added that his Government is committed to strengthening the judicial system with skilled professionals, enabling it to administer justice with unparalleled competence.
Health and Services
His Majesty said that the health, education and service sectors have expanded to match population growth in every governorate and wilayat.
Governorates and decentralisation
His Majesty noted that the System of Governorates and the Law of Municipal Councils have developed the Governorates and the principle of decentralisation.
His Majesty said his Government’s goal remained to “empower local communities in managing their affairs and actively participating in the nation-building process.”
He urged municipal councils to utilise their authority and resources to the full, adding that decentralisation will be expanded to various sectors.
Challenges to society
His Majesty spoke of challenges to society and their “intolerable impacts on its ethical and cultural fabric.”
He said his Government would strengthen Oman’s national identity and uphold its core values.
His Majesty pledged to support families as the cornerstone of society, safeguarding children from harmful ideologies opposed to Oman’s values.
Education Reform
His Majesty reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to education, pledging to adapt syllabuses to economic development and to broaden opportunities for youth to engage with science and knowledge.
He said his Government would encourage young people to be leaders in economic growth and “to use their intellectual abilities for creative and innovative endeavours.”
The digital economy
His Majesty said his Government remains committed to making the digital economy a pillar of the national economy.
Noting directives issued for a national programme to adopt Artificial Intelligence, he pledged action to enable AI to serve Oman’s development.
Climate change
His Majesty said that the development of renewable energy will be a priority, with development of the sector’s legal and policy framework and incentives for foreign investment and local industries.
He said his Government remained committed to address climate change and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Palestine
His Majesty said he was profoundly concerned by the grave predicament of people in the occupied Palestinian territories, enduring relentless Israeli aggression and an unjust siege.
He reiterated Oman’s commitment to establishing a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
His Majesty said the international community must urgently establish a sovereign Palestinian state as “a cornerstone for lasting peace in our region and the security of the global community.”
Foreign Policy
His Majesty reasserted Oman’s principles of good neighbourliness and non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations.
Peace and Security
His Majesty paid tribute to the dedication of Oman’s military and security forces in ensuring peace and safety in the Sultanate.
To view his Majesty's speech in full click here.