The Services and Public Utilities Committee of the Shura Council continues its review of the draft Telecommunications and Information Technology Law referred by the government. On Wednesday, the committee met with representatives of the Oman Information Technology Society to gather their insights and feedback on the law's provisions.

Dr. Salem Al Ruzaiqi, Speaker of the Society, accompanied by experts in telecommunications and information technology, presented several observations on specific articles of the law based on Oman’s telecommunications landscape. Discussions covered topics such as universal service contributions to digital transformation, licensing, operator-imposed levies, and clarifying the regulatory roles within Oman’s telecommunications sector. Additionally, the committee examined the law's penalties, ensuring they align with existing related legislation.
The meeting also addressed key aspects of information technology governance within the law, including open data, cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and their operational frameworks. These discussions emphasized fostering innovation and development in the sector without imposing unnecessary restrictions.
In a separate meeting, the committee met with representatives from Asaas Company to discuss the draft Real Estate Regulation Law. The meeting reviewed provisions relating to real estate development, challenges facing the sector, and how the proposed law aims to address these issues and streamline real estate development procedures.
Discussions explored mechanisms for addressing stalled real estate projects and the legal measures included in the law to resolve these issues. The committee also deliberated on the proposal for a specialized court to handle real estate-related disputes, along with the importance of guarantees in real estate development and the management of usufruct lands.
The draft Real Estate Regulation Law seeks to establish a transparent environment for real estate transactions, ensuring adequate protection for investors, sellers, and buyers. It aims to enhance local real estate market capabilities, create a structured framework for tax and fee payments, boost real estate investment, promote construction activities, and curb fraudulent practices and debt defaults.
These meetings were chaired by Mansour Khalifa Al Siyabi, Deputy Chairman of the Services and Public Utilities Committee, with the participation of committee members.