THE SULTANATE OF OMAN

According to the law of Oman, the Sultanate of Oman is an Arab, Islamic, Independent State with full sovereignty. Muscat is its capital and the official language of the State is Arabic with widespread use of English. The religion of the State is Islam and the Islamic Sharia is the basis for legislation in the State. The Sultan of the Sultanate of Oman is the monarchial head of the State and head of the Government. There is absolute monarchy in the State and the nationals of Oman are known as Omanis. The currency of the State is Omani Rial. The Sultanate of Oman is a Unitary State where the Upper House of Legislature is known as Majlis Al Dawla and the Lower House of Legislature is known as Majlis Al Shura. 

This country is a blend of modern and traditional architecture. The rainfall throughout the country is minimal. The International dialing code of Oman is +968. One of the famous recipes of Oman is the Omani Shuwa which is a slow cooked marinated lamb or goat with flavorful spices that has a unique place in the culinary realm.

The national flag of Oman has three horizontal bands of white, red and green where the color white symbolizes peace, red symbolizes the battles fought by Omanis to evict foreign invaders from the country and green symbolizes the fertility of the land. There is also the national emblem of Oman in white on the flag. The flag is very symbolic.

The national emblem is of a curved dagger (khanjar) and two crossed swords in the middle of the Omani dagger. 

The Basic Statute of the State represents the Constitution of Oman and it contains all the features of a constitution. The Basic Statute of the State provides the legal framework of governmental legislation and policies. It also provides the framework within which the legislative and other political institutions should function.

It contains the rights and duties of the Omani citizens along with the principles that guide the State policies. It mentions the form of government in the Sultanate of Oman along with the structural organization of the branches of governance in the State.

The Basic Statue of the State emanates from the Islamic and Omani traditions and the governance as per the Basic Statute of Oman is deeply rooted in the Omani tradition, culture, custom and practices. The Basic Statute of the State is also referred as Basic Law.

Preserving the State’s independence and sovereignty along with safeguarding its entity, security and stability is one of the political principles guiding the State’s policy. Also, defending the State against all aggression, reaffirming friendly relations with all countries and nations on the basis of mutual respect, common interest along with non-interference in their internal affairs and adherence to the international as well as regional charters and treaties are some other principles that guide the State policy.

Shura which means the principle of consultation shall be another political principle guiding the State policy.

The State shall take pride in its history and adopt the benefits of contemporary methods and instruments. Also, a sound administrative system that guarantees justice, tranquillity and equality for the citizens and ensures respect for public order and the preservation of higher interests of the country shall be established.  

These are some of the political principles that guide the State policy of the Sultanate of Oman.