His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has issued a comprehensive series of sixteen Royal Decrees today, signaling a significant period of governmental restructuring and strategic development for the Sultanate of Oman. These decrees, numbered 7/2026 through 22/2026, cover a wide range of areas, from establishing new economic authorities and redefining ministerial roles to streamlining existing governmental bodies. This sweeping set of changes aims to bolster Oman’s economic diversification, improve governance, and enhance the efficiency of public services. The focus on Oman’s economic development is a clear theme throughout these announcements.
Establishing the Foundation for Economic Growth
A cornerstone of these decrees is the creation of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs (Royal Decree 7/2026). This new office will play a crucial role in coordinating and overseeing the nation’s economic policies. The decree details its specific responsibilities and outlines its organizational structure, ensuring a focused approach to economic planning and implementation. Furthermore, the establishment of the Oman Global Financial Centre (Royal Decree 8/2026) demonstrates a commitment to positioning Oman as a key player in the global financial landscape. The Centre will operate with legal and financial autonomy, reporting directly to the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs.
Streamlining Government and Enhancing Efficiency
Several decrees focus on streamlining existing governmental structures. The Higher Committee for Conferences has been abolished (Royal Decree 9/2026), indicating a move towards more efficient event management within other governmental bodies. Significant changes have also been made to the Secretariat General of the Council of Ministers (Royal Decree 10/2026). This body now assumes the responsibilities of the Government Communication Center and the Directorate General of Quality and Government Excellence Management, consolidating communication and quality control efforts. This consolidation is expected to improve coordination and reduce redundancy.
Focus on Research and Innovation
Recognizing the importance of innovation, the decrees establish the Research and Innovation Authority (Royal Decree 11/2026). This authority, reporting to the Council of Ministers, will be responsible for fostering a thriving research and innovation ecosystem in Oman. All relevant assets and personnel from the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation will be transferred to the new authority, signifying a dedicated commitment to this sector. This move is vital for Oman’s future competitiveness.
Ministerial Restructuring and Mergers
Perhaps the most significant changes involve the restructuring of several ministries. The Oman Authority for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Education has been renamed the Oman Authority for Quality Assurance of Education (Royal Decree 12/2026), with a refined focus on quality assurance. A major merger takes place with the combination of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation into a single Ministry of Education (Royal Decree 14/2026). This consolidation aims to create a more unified and efficient education system, from primary school through higher education. The Ministry of Social Development also receives updated specializations (Royal Decree 15/2026).
Key Appointments and Authority Updates
The decrees also address key personnel placements and updates to existing authorities. Changes to the System of Oman Investment Authority (Royal Decree 16/2026) include the appointment of two deputies to the Chairman. The Council of Ministers has been restructured (Royal Decree 17/2026), with specific appointments announced for various ministerial positions. Further appointments were made across several governmental bodies (Royal Decree 21/2026), including advisors and undersecretaries. Finally, two deputies were appointed for the Chairman of Oman Investment Authority (Royal Decree 22/2026).
Implications for Oman’s Future
These Royal Decrees represent a bold and comprehensive plan for the future of Oman. The emphasis on economic diversification, streamlined governance, and investment in research and innovation signals a clear vision for sustainable growth and development. The changes are designed to create a more agile and responsive government, better equipped to address the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. The successful implementation of these decrees will be crucial for realizing Oman’s ambitious national transformation goals. Further details regarding the annexes referenced in the decrees will be released by the relevant authorities, providing a more granular understanding of the specific changes and their implications. These developments are expected to attract further foreign investment and strengthen Oman’s position on the global stage.
