Muscat – In a press statement, H.E. Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Al Harrasi, the Minister of Information, emphasised the significance of the newly issued Media Law, which he said aligns with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and the evolving landscape of media work in the country.

The Decree will enable media professionals to play a constructive and pivotal role in the Sultanate of Oman’s development.

The law is designed to enhance the message of Omani media, ensuring adherence to objectivity, honesty, and neutrality, while safeguarding freedom of opinion and expression in line with the Basic Law of the State. It also upholds the core values of citizenship and national belonging.
In his statement, His Excellency noted that the law guarantees the rights of media professionals, regulates the media profession, and sets clear guidelines for practicing media activities. It also establishes frameworks for managing artistic works and publications, ensuring that media operations in Oman are both effective and transparent.

Dr. Harrasi expressed confidence that the law would significantly contribute to advancing Omani media to broader horizons, facilitating its national and civilizational message. He stressed that the law marks the beginning of a new phase for the media sector, supporting Oman’s aspirations as it moves forward into the era of its renewed renaissance.

Royal Decree No. 58/2024, which was issued by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, also includes provisions for the implementation of the new law and the creation of executive regulations by the Minister of Information. The decree repeals previous laws that were found to be in conflict with the new media legislation, ensuring a modernized and cohesive regulatory framework for the sector.
The Minister expressed his confidence that the law would support Oman’s vision of becoming a leading regional and global media hub, strengthening the role of media professionals in advancing national development goals and reinforcing Oman’s civilizational message on the world stage.
“The law guarantees the rights of media professionals, regulates the media profession, and sets controls for practicing media activities as well as mechanisms for activities related to artistic works and publications. The law will contribute to advancing the journey of Omani media to broader and wider horizons and establish a new phase to facilitate its national and civilizational message, in line with the aspirations and directions of the Sultanate of Oman in the era of its renewed renaissance,” the Minister stated.

The Royal Decree No. 58/2024 marks the beginning of a new chapter for Omani media, with the provisions of the law to be implemented as outlined in the decree.

The new law includes provisions for the regulation of media practices, supervision of artistic works, and the handling of publications. It also repeals previous laws, such as the Press and Publications Law, the Artistic Works Censorship Law, and the Private Radio and Television Establishments Law, ensuring that the new legal framework better addresses the needs of modern media in Oman.

As per Article Two of the Decree, the Minister of Information is tasked with issuing the executive regulations necessary for the implementation of the law, with existing regulations remaining in effect until these new regulations are issued, as long as they do not contradict the new law.