MUSCAT – The Council addressed the annual plan of the Ministry of Social Development for the year 2026 and the regulatory framework for the governance of Muscat Municipality’s competencies regarding lease contracts and licenses for practicing commercial activities.

Her Excellency Dr. Laila bint Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, reviewed the plan’s priorities and strategic directions. This comes within the framework of national orientations aimed at enhancing the social development system and achieving the targets of Oman Vision 2040. The plan focused on developing the social work system and elevating the quality of services provided to various segments of society. This is achieved by adopting a developmental approach that places individuals, families, and society at the forefront of its priorities, grounded in the principles of welfare, empowerment, and sustainability.
The Minister of Social Development also touched upon the pillars of the plan, which aim to enhance institutional integration and expand the scope of partnership with various sectors. The plan seeks to align social programs and initiatives with national priorities and developmental plans, alongside developing social services and programs and raising their efficiency. This contributes to consolidating the values of social justice and community solidarity, as well as enhancing family stability and social cohesion.
Within the framework of following up on regulatory issues related to organizing the urban environment, the Council was briefed on a presentation by Muscat Municipality regarding the regulatory framework for the governance of the municipality’s competencies concerning lease contracts and commercial activity licenses in residential buildings. This aims to enhance the efficiency of urban regulation and preserve the residential character of neighbourhoods, thereby striking a balance between public interest requirements and the rights of commercial activity owners.
The presentation included a review of the legal and regulatory foundations of the proposed framework and the motives that necessitated establishing clear controls for exercising this competency. This takes into consideration the potential impacts that some commercial activities may have on public tranquillity, safety, health, and the environment, along with regulatory procedures that ensure fairness and transparency.
Furthermore, the presentation highlighted the importance of establishing a governance framework that ensures the unification of procedures and enhances the efficiency of administrative decision-making. This contributes to protecting the residential environment and achieving a balance between urban development requirements and the sustainability of commercial activities, in accordance with clear regulatory foundations that serve the public interest.

The Council ratified the minutes of its previous meeting and the recommendations it contained regarding national efforts related to the transition toward net-zero emissions. It affirmed the importance of enhancing these efforts and developing their paths in a manner that keeps pace with national directions and bolsters the future transition march toward a low-emission economy.

In addition, the Council reviewed a number of letters received from competent authorities, addressing topics with environmental and planning dimensions. These included proposals concerned with protecting sites of natural value and enhancing their presence within the developmental system. It also explored planning solutions that respond to the requirements of urban expansion and are based on sustainability principles, thereby achieving a balance between preserving natural resources and supporting the march of development in the governorate.