The Bureau of the Shura Council, during its meeting today (Monday), commended the institutional and community-based national efforts undertaken by various state entities in responding to the recent weather conditions that affected the Sultanate of Oman. These efforts reflected a strong sense of national cohesion, in addition to the media and awareness initiatives that contributed to mitigating their impacts.
During the meeting, the Bureau discussed a request for briefing regarding the recurrence of damages resulting from heavy rainfall conditions. The request emphasized the need to develop a proactive and integrated national strategy, alongside reconsidering urban planning frameworks through the study of future expansion mechanisms in high-risk areas. It also addressed the need to rectify existing urban plans located within wadi channels, with the aim of reducing human and material risks associated with recurring weather events in the Sultanate of Oman. Additionally, the Bureau reviewed a request for briefing concerning the postponement of bank loan installments for those affected by climatic conditions.
This came within the agenda of the Bureau’s 11th regular meeting for the third annual sitting of the tenth term (2023–2027), chaired by H.E. Khalid bin Hilal Al Maawali, Chairman of the Council, in the presence of Their Excellencies members of the Bureau and H.E. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Nadabi, Secretary-General of the Shura Council.
On another note, the Bureau reviewed the agendas of the Council’s upcoming 13th and 14th regular sessions, scheduled to be held in April. It also reviewed the report on the activities of the Council’s permanent committees, which included key topics, draft laws under study, and efforts made in following up national issues and files within the framework of oversight tools.
The Bureau also reviewed the Council of Ministers’ response regarding the challenges facing artisanal fisheries practitioners. The response included the approval of initiatives aimed at establishing specialized companies to enhance citizens’ participation in the value chain of the fisheries sector, alongside continued efforts to prepare consultancy studies and engage local communities.
Furthermore, the Bureau reviewed several ministerial responses to oversight tools submitted by Their Excellencies members of the Council. These included a response from H.E. the Minister of Housing and Urban Planning regarding land grants under usufruct contracts for beneficiaries of bank loans, and a response from H.E. the Minister of Education regarding mechanisms for addressing infection outbreaks within school environments. The latter highlighted the level of 


coordination with the Ministry of Health in establishing health policies and awareness guidelines, in addition to the Ministry’s efforts in implementing preventive measures within schools and ensuring readiness to activate distance learning when necessary, in coordination with educational directorates across the governorates.
The Bureau also reviewed a number of reports from permanent committees on expressed desires and field visits, including a report by the Food and Water Security Committee on “Marketing of Agricultural Products,” which contained recommendations aimed at enhancing the agricultural marketing system and supporting food security in the Sultanate of Oman. Additional reports from the Health and Social Committee were also reviewed.
Within the framework of oversight tools, the Bureau examined a discussion request submitted to H.E. the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion concerning the regulation of licensing related to tobacco products and their derivatives, as well as goods with harmful health impacts. The request addressed several regulatory, health, economic, and commercial aspects, in addition to future directions for the sector. The Bureau also reviewed a number of parliamentary questions, including one addressed to H.E. the Minister of Labour regarding the identification of sectors covered by Omanisation in service contracts, particularly in sectors not explicitly specified.
The meeting further discussed a number of briefing requests, including one concerning the commitment of companies implementing government projects to employment standards, as well as requests related to road safety and the treatment of high-risk locations, including the identification of urgent and long-term solutions to reduce accidents. Additional requests addressed infrastructure projects and food support initiatives.
Under the item related to citizens’ correspondence, the Bureau reviewed a letter submitted by graduates specializing in Cycle One education, which included an appeal to open recruitment opportunities, clarify replacement plans and actual needs for the specialization, and address its human and social implications, as well as its impact on the stability of the educational process.