MUSCAT: Citizens in the country has welcomed the decision by the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) to restructure the boards of directors of 15 state-owned firms.

On Sunday OIA appointed 79 people of specialty and expertise in different government and private positions to represent the OIA as heads and members of boards in the firms under its supervision. For the first time, no ministers and undersecretaries have been included in list to head the companies.

On social media, many citizens praised the government’s decision. “This is a bold decision by the government to remove its officials from the companies in order to achieve governance. This will increase the efficiency,” said Hashar Al Mundhari, CEO of Al Amah.

“This is a long awaited move. For the first time in the history, our government has decided to have specialists instead of its own officials,” wrote Zakriya Al Muharami.

“The boards of directors will operate in line with proper governance procedures and a national agenda to be supervised by the OIA,” said OIA in a statement.

Following are the heads of board of directors of various state-owned companies owned by OIA.

1. Qais bin Zahir Al Hosani – Chairman, Oman Tourism College.
2. Dr Mohammed bin Ali Al Barwani – Chairman, Oman Air.
3. Eng Khamis bin Mohammed Al Saadi – Chairman, Oman Aviation Group.
4. Mohammed Al Busaidi – Chairman, Oman Tourism Development Company.(Omran).
5. Nasser bin Sulaiman Al Harthy, Chairman, Asyad Group.
6. Eng Ahmed bin Saleh Al Jahdhami, Chairman, Port of Duqm.
7. Bader Saud Al Kharusi  – Chairman, Oman Mineral Development Company.
8. Saif Ali Al Hinai – Chairman, Al Mouj Muscat.
9. Said Salim Said Al Shanfari – Chairman, Oman Sail Company.
10. Salam Said Al Shaqsi – Chairman, Oman Housing Bank.
11. Dr. Saleh bin Saeed Masan – Chairman, Oman Development Bank.