The Shura Council this morning (Wednesday) elected H.E. Mansour Zahir Al Hajri as Deputy Chairman of the Shura Council for the remainder of the Tenth Term (2023–2027), following two rounds of voting held to fill the vacant post. The election was conducted in accordance with the Council’s approved electronic voting procedures, as announced by H.E. the Secretary-General of the Council.

Nominations for the position were subsequently opened, with seven members standing for election: H.E. Ahmed Said Al Balushi, representative of Seeb,  H.E. Salem Ali Al Kaabi, representative of Mahdah,  H.E. Said Mohammed Al Saadi, representative of Jalan Bani Bu Ali; H.E. Dr. Talal Said Al Maharbi, representative of Bidbid; H.E. Mohammed bin Hassan Al Ansi, representative of Salalah ,  H.E. Mohammed Masoud Al Obthani, representative of Dhalkut,  and H.E. Mansour Zahir Al Hajri, representative of Bidiya.
Council members cast their votes electronically in line with established procedures. As none of the candidates secured an absolute majority in the first round, a second round was held between H.E. Said Mohammed Al Saadi and H.E. Mansour Zahir Al Hajri. In the final round, H.E. Mansour Zahir Al Hajri won the post with 54 votes.
The election took place during the Ninth Regular Sitting of the Third Annual Session of the Tenth Term (2023–2027), chaired by H.E. Khalid Hilal Al Maawali, Chairman of the Council, in the presence of Their Excellencies the Council members and H.E. Ahmed Mohammed Al Nadabi, Secretary-General of the Council.



Chairman’s Address
The sitting commenced with an address by H.E. Khalid Hilal Al Maawali, who noted that the agenda included the election of the Deputy Chairman, a briefing on a draft amendment to certain provisions of the Penal Code, and the discussion and approval of draft laws referred by the Government.
Shura Refers GCC Unified Land Transport Law to State Council
The Council discussed the draft Unified Law on International Land Transport among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States, referred by the Government. H.E. Mansour Khalifa Al Siyabi, Deputy Chairman and Rapporteur of the Services and Public Utilities Committee, presented the committee’s report on the draft law.
He explained that the draft aims to regulate international land transport among GCC member states under a unified framework, facilitating trade and passenger movement through land ports and highways, enhancing safety and security standards, and ensuring compliance with technical specifications and weight limits for trucks. The measure seeks to promote smoother transport flows and reduce operational risks.
The draft also seeks to standardize and regulate the movement of goods and passengers across GCC states in support of the Gulf Common Market, raise road safety standards, and develop the international land transport sector in accordance with unified criteria. It includes provisions on the “operating card,” obligations imposed on vehicles and drivers, and a unified system of penalties and fines to ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
Members engaged in extensive discussions on the draft law and its implementation mechanisms in the Sultanate of Oman, underscoring its importance in supporting the national economy and enhancing the efficiency of the transport sector. The Council approved the draft law and referred it to the State Council.





Council Concludes Discussion of Anti-Drugs Law
The Council also continued its discussion of the draft Law on Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, referred by the Government. H.E. Mansour Zahir Al Hajri, Deputy Chairman, presented the committee’s report, outlining the rationale behind the draft law, its objectives, the committee’s views on its provisions, and the outcomes of its meetings with relevant stakeholders.
He stated that the draft law seeks to strengthen Oman’s national legislative framework for combating narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in line with evolving challenges and emerging trends. It aims to update definitions and related concepts to ensure comprehensive legal coverage and address new patterns of smuggling, abuse, and trafficking.
The draft further seeks to support national efforts to curb the spread of drugs, tighten control over their circulation and trade, and criminalize related activities under clear and stringent provisions that achieve both general and specific deterrence. It also enhances awareness and prevention programs, protects vulnerable groups, and advances treatment and rehabilitation procedures—reflecting an integrated approach that balances preventive, deterrent, and therapeutic dimensions in addressing drug-related issues.
Council members provided remarks and observations on the draft and the amendments proposed by the committee, emphasizing the importance of ensuring robust and effective legal provisions to deter crime and protect society from the dangers of narcotics.
Discussion of Additional Draft Laws and Agreements
The session approved the discussion of draft amendments to certain provisions of the Personal Data Protection Law, as well as draft amendments to the Penal Code issued by Royal Decree No. 7/2018, based on studies prepared by the Council’s Legislative and Legal Committee.




The Council also reviewed the Economic Committee  perspective on a draft agreement between the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and the Government of the Republic of Kenya for the avoidance of double taxation with respect to taxes on income and the prevention of tax evasion and avoidance, aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and fostering an attractive investment environment between the two countries.
The Council discussed a proposed draft law regulating the prohibition of cutting essential services to insolvent families, laid-off individuals, and humanitarian cases. The proposal was referred to the competent committee for further study and recommendations.