The political system in Oman
A journey into the state structure of the Sultanate
A journey into the state structure of the Sultanate
Are you planning a trip to Oman? Then it is helpful to inform yourself about the political system of the country. Oman is a sultanate, an Arab and Islamic state, whose political structure differs significantly from Western democracy.
The Sultanate of Oman: An Overview
The Sultanate of Oman is a unique political system in which Islamic law forms the basis for the judiciary. This law is subject to the interpretation of the Sultan, who holds a very moderate viewpoint.
The Role of the Sultan
All power in Oman emanates from the Sultan. Sultan Qaboos ibn Said Al Said, the head of state, combines the executive, judiciary, and legislative branches in one person. All new laws are announced by the Sultan as 'Royal Decrees.'
The Form of Government in Oman
There is no democracy in the Western sense in Oman. The succession of the Sultan is regulated by hereditary succession, and the people have no say in the election of the ruler.
Modern Administration in Oman
Despite the traditional form of government, Oman is striving for a modern, effective administration. The long-serving Sultan Qaboos ibn Said Al Said established a well-functioning apparatus consisting of a cabinet of ministers, state secretaries, and councils.
Women in Oman's Politics
Oman's open-minded attitude is also reflected in the role of women in politics. In 2003, a woman was appointed as a minister for the first time.
Oman is a country that connects tradition and modernity. Its political structure is unique and offers travelers a fascinating insight into another culture.
Discover Oman with experts who have called it their home
Your dream holiday, tailor-made by experts.
We don't just know Oman from books, we visit the country several times a year to experience the culture, landscape and people first-hand.
From your first enquiry to your return home, we are there for you personally - by phone, email or WhatsApp, whenever you need us. Our trips are as unique as you are: individually planned and provided with exclusive privileges and high-quality arrangements that will make your trip unforgettable.
Experts for your Oman trip
You might also like this
Top Attractions in Oman
Oman, the land of endless deserts and picturesque coastlines, captivates travelers with a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity. Whether you're eager to immerse yourself in the Sultanate's rich culture, be enchanted by its natural beauty, or explore historic landmarks, Oman's attractions promise a variety of unforgettable experiences. In this article, we introduce you to five of the most impressive places you must experience during your trip to Oman....
Bedouins in Oman
Classically viewed, a Bedouin is a desert dweller who wanders as a nomad through the desert. Historically, nomads generally moved from grazing land to grazing land to ensure the survival of their herds and their respective tribe. The people in the coastal regions of Oman settled down long ago. In the fishing villages and smaller trading ports, people have lived as 'Hadr' for centuries—a term used to describe settled coastal dwellers. The Bedu (the term for desert tribes in Oman), on the other hand, have mostly settled down in recent decades. How many Bedouins are there in Oman? The country i...
Universities
Even at the time of his rise to power, Sultan Qaboos had a clear vision of how he wanted to make his country and its people future-proof. And indeed, in almost 50 years of governance, he succeeded in ushering in and advancing an era of development and modernization in Oman. Improving educational opportunities in the country is a key contributor to Oman's success. An important building block for this are the universities. The only state university in the country is Sultan Qaboos University, which was opened in 1986. Today, in addition to this, there are various private universities in the count...