The Shura Council in Oman recently approved the Electronic Transactions Law and the Organ and Tissue Transplantation Law, following a thorough review process by the permanent committees within the Council. The Organ and Tissue Transplantation Law aims to regulate organ and tissue transplantation, prevent trafficking, and protect the rights of donors and recipients. The committee responsible for evaluating this law engaged with various governmental and non-governmental bodies, resulting in proposed amendments and additions to the legislation. The Shura Council engaged in detailed discussions to refine the proposed laws before approving them.
The Electronic Transactions Law was also a topic of discussion during the Council’s recent sitting, with a focus on the need to update the legislation to address rapid technological advancements. The original law from 2008 required revisions to encompass new developments and aspects previously not covered. The new law, comprising 38 articles across seven chapters, seeks to enhance trust in electronic transactions and services while protecting the rights of all parties involved. The sitting involved in-depth discussions on the recommended amendments to ensure the law’s robustness and relevance in the current technological landscape.
In addition to the approval of the Electronic Transactions Law and the Organ and Tissue Transplantation Law, the Council addressed the views of the economic and Financial Committee on two draft agreements: one with the Republic of Cyprus to avoid double taxation and prevent tax evasion, and another with the Islamic Republic of Iran on joint administrative assistance in customs matters. Furthermore, the Council approved several committee reports on various topics, including services for children in social welfare homes, the Omani Export Credit Guarantee Agency, and government companies in the fisheries sector.
The sitting was chaired by Sheikh Khalid bin Hilal Al-Maawali and attended by the Majlis members and the Secretary General, Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Nadabi. The Shura Council is also scheduled to host Dr. Rahma bint Ibrahim Al-Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, in a public sitting. She will present her ministry’s statement covering key areas such as policies on higher education, research, innovation, and relevant legislation aligned with Oman Vision 2040. The Council’s discussions and approvals reflect its commitment to ensuring effective governance in Oman and addressing key legislative and policy issues for the benefit of the country and its citizens.
