Muscat: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has issued three Royal Decrees aimed at reforming various sectors in Oman.
According to Oman News Agency, the first of these, Royal Decree No. (58/2026), promulgates the Urban Planning Law. This decree mandates the application of the Urban Planning Law provisions, with the Minister of Housing and Urban Planning tasked with issuing necessary executive regulations and decisions. It also annuls any regulations that contradict the new law and will be published and enforced the day after its release in the Official Gazette.
The second decree, Royal Decree No. (59/2026), introduces the Sports Bodies Law. The decree requires sports bodies to align with its provisions within a year, with a possible extension. Existing court cases related to club electoral appeals will continue under the previous law until resolved. The Minister of Culture, Sports, and Youth will issue regulations for the new law, which will repeal previous sports-related laws and come into force six months post-publication.
The third decree, Royal Decree No. (60/2026), abolishes the Higher Institute of Health Specialities. All associated assets and staff will be transferred to the Oman Medical Specialty Board, which will assume the institute's academic responsibilities. The decree ensures that current students can complete their programs, with degrees recognized by the Oman Medical Specialty Board. Regulations for this transition will be issued by the Board's Chairman, and the decree takes immediate effect upon its publication.