The Bureau of the Shura Council held today (Sunday) its ninth regular meeting of the third ordinary session of the tenth term (2023–2027), chaired by Khalid Hilal Al Maawali, Chairman of the Council, in the presence of Members of the Bureau and Ahmed Mohammed Al Nadabi, Secretary General of the Shura Council.
During the meeting, the Bureau reviewed a number of reports submitted by the Economic and Financial Committee, including the report on the proposed motion concerning support for national factories and the importance of the industrial sector as a key driver of national economic transformation. The report underscored the role of the industrial sector in ensuring sustainable growth, reducing reliance on imports, and enhancing the competitiveness of Omani products in local, regional, and international markets.
The Bureau also reviewed the Committee’s report on the proposed motion regarding banking fees. The report included a study and analysis of the situation of local banks and a comparison with banks in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States. It concluded with a set of recommendations aimed at achieving a balance between the sustainability of the banking sector and the protection of customers’ interests through appropriate banking measures and policies, including adjustments to fees currently applied by local banks.
The Bureau further reviewed the report of the Economic and Financial Committee concerning the proposed motion to establish a National Financing Guarantee Center for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The Committee submitted recommendations based on an in-depth technical study and analysis of the status of SMEs in the Sultanate of Oman.
In the economic domain, the Bureau also examined the report of the competent committee on the proposed motion regarding attracting global low-cost airlines to Sohar Airport. The report emphasized the importance of developing the air transport sector and strengthening its contribution to the national economy, in light of Sohar Airport’s strategic location and its pivotal role in stimulating economic, commercial, and tourism activity in the region. The report highlighted the importance of leveraging civil aviation and air transport agreements, integrating with education and training institutions, promoting domestic and international tourism, advancing economic development in northern Oman, and strengthening regional and international connectivity.
The Bureau further reviewed a number of ministerial replies to oversight tools submitted by Members of the Council. These included the reply of the Minister of Education to a request for clarification regarding the number of expatriate teachers and Omanization rates within the Ministry; the reply of the Minister of Energy and Minerals concerning the amounts collected 


monthly from job security deductions from salaries; and the reply of the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Sports and Youth regarding the mechanism for contracting national team coaches and the penalty clauses applicable upon termination of contracts.
Additionally, the Bureau reviewed a request for clarification submitted to the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion concerning the establishment of a National Food Support Card through a joint contribution between the Government and major retail centers. The request emphasized the importance of studying the feasibility of introducing a national support card dedicated to essential food items, similar to the fuel support card implemented in the Sultanate of Oman. The proposed mechanism is based on a partnership model between the Government and major retail centers operating across the governorates of the Sultanate of Oman.