In an unprecedented move in the Sultanate of Oman, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion has launched a public voting initiative on government legislation, offering the general public a real opportunity to participate in the drafting of laws. The Ministry is currently working on updating the Law on the “Regulation and Promotion of Industry No. 1/79” and the “Commercial Register Law No. 3/74”, within a framework that upholds the principle of transparency and promotes a culture of partnership between the government and the wider community.
This initiative comes as a response to the rapid economic changes and aims to develop legal frameworks that align with the current phase of development. Its objective is to enhance investment in Oman, facilitate business initiatives, and foster effective collaboration among the government, the private sector, and society as a whole.
At the core of this initiative lies e-participation. The Ministry has made the draft laws under review accessible through a QR code, along with a simple online survey that individuals can complete within a few minutes to provide their opinions, comments, and suggestions in a transparent manner. Participants may also share their feedback via the Ministry’s official email address (info@tejarah.om), establishing a direct channel of communication between the public and decision-makers.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in involving citizens and residents in the development of policies and legislation, thereby enhancing the quality of legislative outcomes and increasing public acceptance. It also directly contributes to achieving the goals of the Industrial Strategy 2040 through four key programmes: attracting industrial investment, promoting entrepreneurship, modernising industry, and ensuring the governance of industrial development, with the community serving as an active partner at every stage of progress.
The initiative underscores the Sultanate of Oman’s commitment to enabling public participation in law-making through accessible and transparent digital tools, reflecting the country’s broader vision of advancing digital transformation in policymaking.
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