MUSCAT : The joint session, chaired by His Excellency Sheikh Abdulmalik bin Abdullah Al Khalili, Chairman of the State Council, focused on reports submitted by joint committees formed to resolve differences between the two councils on several draft laws, most notably the “Unified System for International Land Transport between the Gulf Cooperation Council States.”

The session also reviewed the “Draft Law Amending Some Provisions of the Personal Data Protection Law,” the “Draft Law on Combating Drugs and Psychotropic Substances,” the “Draft Law Amending Some Provisions of the Penal Code,” and the “Draft Law Amending Some Provisions of the Mineral Resources Law,” all referred by the Council of Ministers.

In his opening speech, H.E. Sheikh Abdulmalik Al Khalili said the joint sessions are held in accordance with Articles 49 and 50 of the Oman Council Law whenever differences arise between the two councils regarding government-referred draft laws. He stressed that the sessions reflect institutional harmony and cooperation between the State Council, Shura Council and the Council of Ministers in serving the nation’s interests and supporting Oman’s development goals.

He noted that discussions between the two councils had already resulted in agreement on the majority of disputed articles, with joint committees successfully resolving nearly all remaining differences except for one article related to the draft law on combating drugs and psychotropic substances.

The session highlighted the importance of the GCC Unified International Land Transport Law in developing public policies for the land transport sector, improving logistics services, enhancing road safety, and supporting the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics.

Members also discussed amendments to the Personal Data Protection Law, aimed at strengthening the legal framework governing electronically processed personal data and enhancing protections amid Oman’s transition toward e-government services.

The draft law on combating drugs and psychotropic substances seeks to reinforce Oman’s legislative framework in tackling narcotics-related crimes by updating legal definitions and addressing emerging methods of smuggling, promotion and usage.

Meanwhile, amendments to the Penal Code were reviewed as part of ongoing legislative updates designed to keep pace with social, economic and technological developments.

The proposed amendments to the Mineral Resources Law aim to stimulate sector growth, facilitate investment opportunities, strengthen private sector participation and attract foreign investment while promoting transparency, equal opportunities and fair competition in mining projects.

The session was attended by His Excellency Khalid bin Hilal Al Maawali, Chairman of the Shura Council, alongside members and secretaries-general of both councils.

For all the latest news from Oman and GCC, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube page, which is updated daily.