Modern Oman

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said is the country's Head of State. He succeeded his father in July 1970. His accession led to the drive to transform the Sultanate into a progressive modern state using the revenue from the oil first exported in 1967. Oman is now taking stock of the achievements of a period of far-reaching social and economic development. An early priority of this period of development was the establishment of a government capable of administering the development of the country on the economic base provided by oil exports. An ambitious development plan launched by the Government had, by 2001, increased the length of asphalt roads from 10 km to over 9673 km, the number of doctors from 13 to more than 3397 and the number of hospitals from 2 to more than 56.

The administrative system of the State consists of the Cabinet of Ministers headed by the Sultan. The cabinet is the highest executive authority deriving its power from His Majesty the Sultan, to whom it is collectively responsible. A State Consultative Council was formed to give the Omani people greater participation in the planning and development of the country's  economy and social services. The Council was composed of 56 representatives from the Government, regional and private sectors, and members were appointed for a term of two years. The Council is superseded in November 1991 by the Majlis Ash'shura consisting of candidates nominated by Sheikhs and notables in the "wilayats" (administrative districts), and elected by citizens. The formation of the Majlis (which includes women members) on the directive of HM the Sultan, was a major development aimed at making the Government more responsive and representative.

Development within Oman led also to wider international contacts. Many agreements, particularly with other Arab, Islamic and friendly states, have been ratified and the Government of Oman places particular emphasis on co-operation within the Gulf area. Oman joined the Arab League on 29th September 1971, and on 17th October of the same year became the 131st member of the United Nations Organisation. Oman is also a member of the Group of Non-Aligned Nations. Diplomatic relations have been established with many brotherly and friendly countries. Over fifty countries have resident diplomatic representation in the Sultanate.

In recognition of the special ties which bind the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait to one another arising from common ideology on heritage and the similarity between their social, political and demographic structures, the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) was formed in May 1981. Regional security and economic co-operation are among the Council's priorities.

The emphasis in Oman's development during the rule of Sultan Qaboos has been on the creation of the basic infrastructure and social services of a modern state. Beginning from virtually nothing, a university, colleges, schools, hospitals and clinics have been built throughout the Sultanate. Tarmac roads now link all the main centres of population, whilst the creation of harbours and airports has permitted efficient communications with the outside world.

Advancement has been achieved through a series of Five Year Plans. The result of this has been that, by the time the oil price crisis struck early in 1986, the Sultanates infrastructure programme was virtually complete. The basic long-term goals of Oman's development strategy have for some time remained unchanged. These goals include diversification of development of human resources and expansion of an increased self-reliance in the private sector.

The revenue derived from oil remains the major source of finance for Oman's economic activity. The government gives every encouragement to the development of the private sector in industry. Foreign investment is also welcome. Emphasis has so far been on industries producing consumer goods. The next fifteen years will see the development of light to medium industries with full utilisation of local raw materials. Oman's Stock Exchange was opened in 1989. Whatever other natural resources can be developed in Oman, the role of oil as the mainstay of the economy can be expected to continue into the future. The development of Tourism is being pursued as part of the diversification programme.
 

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