Shura Council Chairman Praises Achievements and Calls for Continued Efforts and National Responsibility
The Shura Council held this morning (Sunday) its opening session marking the start of the Third Regular Annual Sitting (2025–2026) of the Tenth Term (2023–2027), chaired by H.E. Khalid Hilal Al Maawali, Chairman of the Council, their Excellencies members and H.E. Ahmed Mohammed Al Nadabi, Secretary-General of the Council.

Chairman’s Opening Address
In his opening remarks, H.E. Khalid Hilal Al Maawali extended his warmest congratulations and sincere greetings to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on the occasion of the National Day of Oman, praying to Almighty God to bless His Majesty with continued health, longevity, and success in leading the Sultanate toward further progress and prosperity.
He expressed his deep gratitude for the Royal directives to commence the new annual sitting, affirming the Council’s commitment to upholding the wise leadership’s vision in supporting the nation’s comprehensive development and meeting citizens’ aspirations under Oman’s renewed renaissance.
H.E. Al Maawali emphasized that the Council recognizes the magnitude of its national responsibilities, calling for greater effort, enhanced legislative and oversight performance, and continued dedication in serving the public interest. He also commended the efforts of the Council members during previous sittings, acknowledged the cooperation of the General Secretariat and Council staff, and praised the media’s vital role in conveying the Council’s work to the public.



He concluded his speech by reaffirming the importance of maintaining a spirit of genuine national responsibility to realize the wise leadership’s aspirations and to advance the nation’s progress and citizens’ welfare.

Briefing on the 2026 State Budget and the 11th Five-Year Development Plan (2026–2030)
Members of the Council were briefed on several draft laws and agreements referred by the government, including the draft State Budget for fiscal year 2026 and the 11th Five-Year Development Plan (2026–2030), which together form the financial and executive framework for advancing the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
Members were also informed about the draft Urban Planning Law, aimed at modernizing urban planning in the Sultanate in a balanced and sustainable manner that integrates economic, social, and environmental dimensions, while promoting governance and sustainability in land and resource management.
The session reviewed the amended agreement between the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and the Government of the Republic of Austria on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Tax Evasion, which seeks to strengthen economic and investment relations and create a fair tax environment that supports trade and joint investments.
The Council was further briefed on the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation (Singapore Convention on Mediation) a key international framework promoting amicable settlement of cross-border commercial disputes, enhancing investor confidence and Oman’s position within the international commercial justice system.






Election of the Shura Council Office Members for the Second Half of the Tenth Term
During the session, members elected the Office of the Council for the second half of the Tenth Term (2023–2027). The Office consists of the Chairman, two Vice-Chairmen, and six elected members. The election was conducted via the Council’s electronic voting system, ensuring accuracy and transparency.
The following members were elected:
•    H.E. Hassan Ahmed Al Nabhani (Representative of Al Jabal Al Akhdar)
•    H.E. Nasser Jabir Al Jabri (Representative of Nakhal)
•    H.E. Saeed Mohammed Al Saeedi (Representative of Jalan Bani Bu Ali)
•    H.E. Dr. Talal Saeed Al Mahrouqi (Representative of Bidbid)
•    H.E. Abdullah Al-Waleed Al Hinai (Representative of Bahla)
•    H.E. Mohammed Hassan Al Ansi (Representative of Salalah)
The newly formed Bureau of the Council held its first regular meeting under the chairmanship of H.E. Al Maawali to discuss a number of the administrative matters, including the approval of permanent committee rosters. The Office is responsible for managing the Council’s internal affairs, overseeing committees, coordinating agendas, and ensuring the effective fulfillment of the Council’s legislative and oversight functions.

Discussion on the Draft Amendments to the Unified Customs Law of the GCC
The session also included deliberations on the draft amendments to the Unified Customs Law of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC).
H.E. Ahmed Saeed Al Sharqi, head of the Economic and Financial Committee, presented the Committee’s report, noting that the study involved consultations with relevant public and private entities to ensure the proposed amendments align with regional and international developments in the customs field.



He explained that the amendments aim to facilitate intra-GCC trade, enhance customs cooperation, and promote economic integration among GCC member states. Following a detailed discussion, the Council approved the amended draft and referred it to the State Council for further legislative action, in line with the Law of the Council of Oman.

Approval of the Amended Oman–Austria Double Taxation Agreement
The Council also reviewed and approved the Draft amended agreement between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Austria for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Tax Evasion, as presented by H.E. Dr. Ahmed Ali Al Saadi, Chairman of the Legislative and Legal Committee.
The Committee emphasized that the amendments will further enhance the investment climate and strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.

Approval of the UN “Singapore Convention on Mediation”
The Council discussed and approved the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation (Singapore Convention on Mediation).
The Legislative and Legal Committee highlighted that Oman’s accession to the Convention underscores the country’s commitment to fostering a fair, modern, and investor-friendly legal environment that supports international commerce and aligns with Oman’s strategic goal of building a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy.



The Shura Council will convene its second session of the Third Regular Annual Sitting (2025–2026) on Monday, to discuss a number of draft laws, including the Draft Law on National Geospatial Data and Information, and the Draft Unified Industrial Regulation Law for GCC States, among other legislative matters.