MUSCAT : Oman’s Shura Council took up the draft 2027 state budget on Sunday as it opened a new annual session, with its Economic and Financial Committee already consulting specialists on the government’s fiscal plans and spending priorities.

The council also concluded debate on proposed amendments to the Capital Market Law, a draft Civil Defence and Ambulance Law and a unified Gulf Cooperation Council law on volunteer work. It referred all three bills to the State Council for the next stage of the legislative process.

The council’s statement did not disclose projected revenue, expenditure or the fiscal balance for 2027. It said the Economic and Financial Committee had begun examining the draft budget and hearing from specialists at bodies involved in Oman’s economic and financial affairs.

Under Article 52 of the Council of Oman Law, the Council of Ministers refers draft budgets and development plans to the Shura Council, which has up to one month to debate them and make recommendations. The State Council then has up to one month from referral to do the same. Its chairman returns the drafts to the cabinet with recommendations from both chambers. The cabinet must tell the chambers which recommendations it declined and why. Budget and development plan debates in both chambers are held behind closed doors.

Capital market and emergency services

Ahmed Saeed Al Sharqi, head of the Economic and Financial Committee, said the proposed capital market amendments would update rules governing the securities sector, improve regulatory efficiency and strengthen Oman’s investment environment. Members discussed how the changes could improve market efficiency and protect the rights of market participants.

Hamid Awad Sawakhroon, head of the Health and Social Committee, said the draft Civil Defence and Ambulance Law would clarify responsibilities for prevention and emergency response and improve public safety. His committee heard from government agencies, other institutions and legal entities about how the law would work in practice and what challenges could arise. Ahmed Ali Al Saadi, head of the Legislative and Legal Committee, examined how the draft aligned with existing laws and regulations. Members also discussed coordination among agencies and readiness to respond to emergencies.

Sawakhroon also presented the draft unified GCC law on volunteer work, which would establish a common legal and institutional framework for volunteering across Gulf states. Members discussed how the proposed rules could support volunteering and strengthen its role in communities.

Under Article 49 of the Council of Oman Law, issued by Royal Decree 7/2021, the Shura Council has up to three months from referral to approve or amend a government bill. The State Council then has up to 45 days. If the two chambers disagree, they may form a joint committee and vote on the bill at a joint session convened and chaired by the State Council chairman. Decisions require an absolute majority of members present. The chairman submits the bill to the Sultan with the views of both chambers.

Aviation agreements

The council approved a draft air services agreement with Malawi and a draft air transport agreement with Eswatini, referring both to the Council of Ministers. The Public Services and Utilities Committee said the agreements would establish rules for bilateral air services and could expand trade and tourism links. It also identified investment opportunities under the Eswatini agreement.

Under Article 54 of the Council of Oman Law, the cabinet refers draft economic and social agreements it intends to sign or join to the Shura Council for its views before deciding how to proceed.

The Shura Council also reported approving the draft Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships. Sawakhroon said the convention sets standards for recycling ships at the end of their working lives, including oversight of recycling facilities and the safe handling of hazardous materials and waste to protect workers and the marine environment.

The Health and Social Committee consulted specialists from the Environment Authority, the Ministry of Transport and other relevant bodies on the technical and regulatory requirements for implementing the convention in Oman. Members discussed how those requirements could reduce pollution and improve ship recycling practices.

New council member

Chairman His Excellency Khalid bin Hilal Al Maawali presided over the first sitting of the fourth ordinary session of the council’s 2023–2027 term. Secretary-General Ahmed Mohammed Al Nadabi and council members attended.

Al Maawali said the session opened under directives from Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and in accordance with the Basic Law of the State and the Council of Oman Law. He extended National Day greetings to the Sultan and credited him with strengthening diplomatic and economic ties, attracting strategic partnerships and investment, and supporting development across Oman. He said Oman’s foreign policy had earned recognition in regional and international forums.

Al Maawali said the council would address national priorities through its recommendations on draft laws, the budget and economic and social agreements, as well as through discussions with ministers when they present statements to the council.

Ali Salim Al Makhmari took the oath of office after a seat fell vacant and will serve the remainder of his predecessor’s term. Article 18 requires a vacancy to be filled within 60 days of its announcement, with priority given to candidates from the same wilayat in order of votes received at the election for that term. Seats that become vacant in the final six months of a term remain open. Article 25 requires members of both chambers to take a public oath before assuming their duties, pledging loyalty to the Sultan and country, respect for the Basic Law and other laws, and honest performance of their duties.

The council approved annual plans for its eight standing committees covering legislative and legal affairs, economic and financial affairs, health and social affairs, education, scientific research and innovation, public services and utilities, youth and human resources, food and water security, and media, tourism and culture. The plans cover members’ proposals, sector priorities, legislative and agreement reviews, committee initiatives and follow-up on matters referred by the council’s bureau.

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