www.omanet.
om
2008
In the name of God, the Compassionate,
the Merciful
“ AS TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE
AND WORK RIGHTEOUSNESS,
VERILY WE SHALL NOT SUFFER
TO PERISH THE REWARD
OF ANY WHO DO A (SINGLE)
RIGHTEOUS DEED “
( Holy Qur’an )
Excerpts from the speech of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos
bin Said on the occasion of the Opening Annual Session
of the Council of Oman (Majlis Oman) on
6th November 2007
‘The development of the Omani individual, the formation of his character, his education
and his training are at the forefront of the noble goals that we constantly seek to achieve
in order to provide everybody in this fine country of ours with a decent, prosperous
life. All the achievements over the past years are steps on this long road which we
must tread together – shoulder to shoulder and in close co-operation – in order to reach
the main objective: that is, to work for the greater glory of the nation and to raise its
banner high.’
‘We have faith in the progress the Sultanate is witnessing in every sphere – may God be
praised – and in its ability to keep pace with the realities of the modern age and ensure
that its sights are constantly trained on the future. Hence we look forward to the day
when the Council of Oman - in particular its Majlis A’Shura (Consultation Council)
component - assumes more extensive functions and responsibilities in the fields of
economic and social development.’
‘We are justly pleased that the elections for the Majlis A’Shura (Consultation Council)’s
sixth term have been well organised and are running smoothly in an atmosphere of
tranquillity and security. This is clear evidence of the citizens’ good sense and their
commitment to the values and principles of this virtue-loving society. We greatly
appreciate the enthusiasm of the citizens – men and women – in exercising their right
to vote in the manner we have indicated and choose the people who will represent them
in the Majlis A’Shura. And we thank God for the success of this enterprise.’
‘Over the past years the Gulf Co-operation Council has succeeded in establishing firm
foundations for co-operation in several fields. However, we need to strengthen our
determination to achieve an even greater degree of the progress and prosperity that our
peoples are striving towards. The aims of our Council are clear and, with the help of
Almighty God, we are on our way to achieving them and ensuring security, peace and
stability for our region, as well as progress and prosperity for our people.’
‘The essential characteristics of our domestic and foreign policy are clear. We are on the
side of comprehensive, sustainable development and growth at home, and friendship,
peace, justice, harmony, coexistence, mutual understanding and positive, constructive
dialogue abroad. This has been our position from the start. This is our position now
and this – God willing - is how we shall remain. We hope that the whole of humanity
will enjoy well-being, prosperity, security, stability and co-operation in establishing
the scales of truth, rights and justice.’
CONTENTS
9 Preface
48 The Government
and State Institutions 66 Religion
and the Law
112 Social
Development 138 Heritage, Culture
and the Arts
10 Geography
and History 36 Qaboos
The Leader
76 Foreign Affairs
and Media 92 National
Security
166 Economic
Development 218 Environment
and Services
PREFACE
As Oman continues to make steady progress along
the path of sustainable development, its main priority
remains, as always, the creation of a modern state in
which its citizens can enjoy decent, prosperous lives.
The Sultanateʼs impressive achievements are the
outcome of the close co-operation that exists between the
government and people, and they reflect the importance
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said attaches to involving
the countryʼs citizens in every stage of the development
process.
The combined efforts of the public, the state and the
private sector have yielded tangible results that can be
seen across the whole country. Through this book the
Ministry of Information has tried to highlight some
of those achievements that have taken place in the
economic, social, political and cultural fields, and also
in every other sphere of the countryʼs life.
In doing so, it recognizes the talents and creative
contributions made by the Omanis themselves, as well
as the example set by His Majesty, the builder of Omanʼs
modern Renaissance, through his sacrifices and tireless
endeavours on behalf of the nation and its citizens.
Ministry of Information
