Muscat – His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s visionary and decisive leadership has driven sweeping national reforms through landmark Royal Decrees. Spanning judicial, economic, digital, health and fiscal sectors, these measures reflect his strategic foresight, inclusive governance and firm commitment to sustainable development, citizen wellbeing and globally aligned institutional excellence.
Safeguarding family health
The most recent of these landmark measures is Royal Decree No 111/2025 regulating premarital medical examinations, enforced from January 1, 2026. This decree places preventive healthcare at the forefront of social policy by mandating premarital medical screening for every Omani intending to marry, even if the other party is non-Omani and regardless of where the marriage contract is concluded.
Under the decree, accredited health institutions must conduct examinations according to approved scientific and technical standards, inform both parties of their individual results and provide medical counselling when required. Strict confidentiality is guaranteed, with disclosure to third parties prohibited. Upon completion, couples are issued an official certificate, without which marriage officiants are barred from concluding the marriage contract. Penalties for violations include fines and imprisonment, underscoring the seriousness of compliance. This measure highlights the state’s commitment to protecting family stability, reducing health risks and promoting informed marital decisions.
Broadening the revenue base
Royal Decree No 56/2025 introduced the framework for a personal income tax on high-income earners. Scheduled to take effect in January 2028, the tax imposes a modest 5% rate on individuals earning more than RO42,000 annually. Heralded as a pivotal step in fiscal reform, the measure aims to diversify revenue sources and reduce reliance on oil income.
Extensive economic and social studies informed the law’s design – approximately 99% of citizens will remain unaffected due to the high exemption threshold. The framework incorporates deductions and exemptions for education, healthcare, primary housing, inheritance, zakat and charitable donations, reinforcing social justice and fairness. An advanced electronic system developed by the Tax Authority will enable voluntary compliance and accurate income verification. The reform aligns closely with Oman Vision 2040, supporting fiscal sustainability while helping fund the social protection system.
A new era in healthcare
Earlier in 2025, healthcare reform took centre stage with the issuance of two major Royal Decrees. Royal Decree No 43/2025 promulgated the Public Health Law, establishing a comprehensive framework for regulating public health and strengthening coordination between the health sector and other areas of government. Fully aligned with Oman Vision 2040, the law supports inclusive, sustainable health services and provides a reference point for managing public health challenges.
Complementing this was Royal Decree No 44/2025, which established the Transfer and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissue Regulation Law. Addressing the rising demand for organ transplants, the law underpins the National Organ Transplant Programme and sets out clear, ethical procedures for organ donation during life or after death. It safeguards the rights and safety of donors and recipients, defines institutional responsibilities and ensures adherence to the highest professional standards. Together, these laws mark a transformative chapter in Oman’s healthcare journey, reinforced by growing expertise, public engagement and unwavering royal support.
Legal foundations for the digital age
As Oman advances its digital transformation, Royal Decree No 39/2025 promulgating the Electronic Transactions Law stands out as a cornerstone reform. The law grants full legal recognition to electronic signatures, contracts and documents, placing these on par with traditional paper-based instruments. This alignment with global digital practices modernises Oman’s legal and commercial frameworks and supports the expansion of e-commerce and digital services.
The law also establishes a trust services management committee to regulate service providers and ensure secure digital interactions, while incorporating safeguards to promote inclusivity, particularly for persons with disabilities. By enabling secure, reliable digital transactions, the legislation enhances investor confidence and strengthens Oman’s standing as a regional hub for digital innovation. Its timing and scope complement broader judicial and economic reforms aimed at building a modern, competitive economy.
A transformative judicial milestone
On March 23, 2025 His Majesty Sultan Haitham issued Royal Decree No 35/2025 establishing the Court of Investment and Commerce – a development widely described as transformative for Oman’s judicial and economic landscape. Designed as a specialised judicial authority with exclusive jurisdiction over commercial and investment disputes, the court consolidates expertise and ensures consistency in rulings.
Its jurisdiction spans a wide array of areas, including foreign investments, banking and financial instruments, maritime sales, insurance, bankruptcy, arbitration-related disputes, intellectual property, electronic commercial transactions and public-private contracts. Efficiency lies at the heart of the new court’s design, with strict timelines for rulings, electronic submission of expert reports and the use of secure video systems for remote hearings. These innovations reduce delays, protect assets and align Oman’s judiciary with leading international standards, significantly enhancing the country’s attractiveness as an investment destination.
Reinventing economic zones
Running parallel to judicial reform was Royal Decree No 38/2025 promulgating the Special Economic Zones and Free Zones Law. This legislation harmonises incentives, exemptions and guarantees across zones while offering special privileges for strategic projects. Central to the reform is a one-stop system that enables investors to obtain all approvals, licences and permits through a single streamlined process, significantly reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
The law goes beyond administrative efficiency by linking incentives to employment generation, local content and high-value-added activities, ensuring that investment directly supports economic diversification. A particularly innovative provision allows freehold residential property sales within economic and free zones, encouraging the development of integrated communities and enhancing the long-term appeal of these zones. The reform positions Oman’s economic zones as dynamic engines of sustainable growth.
These Royal Decrees issued over the past year form a cohesive reform narrative – one that begins with individual wellbeing and family health, extends to fiscal resilience and public health, and culminates in a modern judicial and investment ecosystem. Each decree addresses a critical pillar of national life, yet all are unified by a citizen-centred vision.
Together, these measures reaffirm His Majesty Sultan Haitham’s determination to build a future defined by stability, prosperity and opportunity. By aligning national priorities with global best practices, Oman is confidently charting a path towards a resilient, inclusive and competitive future under the wise leadership of His Majesty.
