Tuesday 02 / December / 2025
MUSCAT: The Services and Public Utilities Committee of the Shura Council continued its study of the Draft Urban Planning Law referred by the government, and hosted on Tuesday Fouad Al Kindi, Chairman of the Oman Society of Engineers, with the aim of reviewing the Society’s technical observations and drawing on its professional input regarding provisions of the draft law. This comes in line with the Council’s established approach of engaging civil society institutions in the legislative process.
At the outset of the meeting, Ahmed Al Yahyaei, Chairman of the Committee, underscored the importance of the role that civil society institutions—particularly specialised professional associations—play in enriching the technical dimensions of legislative proposals. He emphasised that the Council believes that engaging specialised expertise in the discussion of draft laws constitutes a fundamental pillar of sound legislative practice.
He also noted that the Oman Society of Engineers represents a professional voice conveying the expectations and observations of stakeholders in the engineering sector, contributing to enhanced integration between legislative, institutional, and societal efforts.
During the meeting, the Committee reviewed a number of articles and provisions of the draft law, particularly those related to technical and regulatory aspects of urban planning. Discussions covered planning controls, mechanisms for regulating land-use planning, and frameworks for coordination among competent authorities.
The Committee also reviewed comparable legislation applied in a number of regional countries, with the aim of examining successful models and assessing their relevance to the Omani legislative context in a manner that serves the public interest and enhances the quality of urban planning.
Members of the Committee expressed their appreciation for the insights and observations presented by the Chairman of the Oman Society of Engineers.
They affirmed that the Draft Urban Planning Law represents a key piece of legislation supporting the National Spatial Strategy and aligned with the directions of Oman Vision 2040. Accordingly, the draft law requires comprehensive and careful study to ensure that its provisions are consistent with sustainable development requirements and sound planning for future urban communities.
Members reiterated that the Committee is working toward formulating a comprehensive vision for the draft, taking into account both technical and practical considerations in order to develop a robust legislative framework.
The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Ahmed Al Yahyaei, Chairman of the Committee, and in the presence of Committee Members, during the Committee’s third regular meeting of the Third Annual Sitting (2025–2026) of the Tenth Term (2023–2027).
This session forms part of a series of continuous meetings held by the Committee to review draft laws, as it seeks to develop a holistic approach that takes into account urban and economic developments while meeting the requirements of sustainable and integrated urban development in the Sultanate of Oman.
