Oman Observer, 16 February 2026: Oman’s Sultan has issued a new Royal Decree amending the legal framework of the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority, granting it full legal and financial autonomy.

Oman Sultani Decree No. 31/2026, replacing the text of Article 1 of Oman Sultani Decree No. 3/2013 to formally reaffirm the establishment of the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority as a body with its own legal personality and financial and administrative independence. Oman Sultani Decree No. 31/2026 also stipulates that amendments attached to it will apply to the Authority’s governing system issued under Oman Sultani Decree No. 68/2014.

Under Oman Sultani Decree No. 31/2026, the Chairman of the Authority is required to issue all implementing regulations and decisions within six months of the decree’s entry into force, following approval from the Authority’s board of directors. Until these regulations are issued, all existing regulations will remain effective so long as they do not contradict the new provisions. Oman Sultani Decree No. 31/2026 also cancels Article 2 of Oman Sultani Decree No. 68/2014 and nullifies any conflicting rules or decisions.

Oman Sultani Decree No. 31/2026 will be published in the Official Gazette and will take effect the day following its publication.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.