How Oman is governed: the Sultan, the Council of Oman and the Basic Law

Oman is a hereditary sultanate. The Sultan is head of state and government, and laws are issued by royal decree. The current ruler, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, acceded in January 2020.

The Basic Law

The Basic Law of the State, reissued by Royal Decree 6/2021, is Oman's constitution. It sets out the system of government, the rights and duties of citizens and, for the first time, a mechanism for appointing a Crown Prince. Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham was named Crown Prince in 2021.

The executive

The Sultan chairs the Council of Ministers, which runs the ministries and implements policy, including Oman Vision 2040, the national plan to diversify the economy.

The Council of Oman

Oman has a two-chamber advisory and legislative body:

• Majlis Ash'Shura (Shura Council): elected by citizens for four-year terms; it reviews draft laws and questions ministers.
• Majlis A'Dawla (State Council): appointed members such as former officials, academics and business leaders.

Local government

The country is divided into 11 governorates, each with a governor, and elected municipal councils advise on local services.

Foreign policy

Oman is known for neutrality, good relations with its neighbours and a long record of quiet mediation in regional disputes.

What it means for residents

Stable government, predictable law and a policy of openness to foreign investment underpin Oman's property and residency rules for foreigners.

Thinking of living in Oman?

R2LUX helps foreigners buy homes, with residency, in the communities where they can own. Three current listings are below.