Oman: Regulators Review Children’s Social Media Use Amid Digital‑Safety Concerns

Gulf News, 20 February 2026: Oman’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has begun reviewing children’s use of social media as part of plans to introduce a new regulatory framework addressing online‑safety risks.

Authorities said the review have been prompted by studies indicating risks such as exposure to harmful content and excessive screen time. The TRA confirmed that the initiative would reassess the legal responsibilities of platforms accessed by minors, including potential measures on parental controls, age‑verification requirements and oversight obligations for service providers.

The regulator announced it would conduct consultations with families, educators, technology companies and other relevant stakeholders before finalising the framework, expected by the end of the third quarter. Officials also noted that international regulatory models—particularly from Europe—would be examined to align Omani standards with global best practices on child‑online protection.

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/.

Oman: Sultani Decree Restructures Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority

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/.

Oman: Tourist VAT Refund Scheme Announced

Oman Observer, 5 February 2026: Oman’s Tax Authority has said the government will implement a VAT refund service for tourists once it has agreed costs and refund percentages with the companies that will operate the service.

The announcement was made during the Tax Authority’s first media briefing, which reviewed recent performance indicators and upcoming plans for the tax system. The Tax Authority said the tourist VAT refund service will be rolled out only after agreements with service providers have been finalised, and no launch date was provided in the reporting.

In the same briefing, the Director-General of Operations and Tax Services reported that the number of registrants rose in 2025 compared with 2021, including 88% for income tax, 120% for VAT, and 222% for excise tax. The authority also said it was working on advanced systems to strengthen efficiency and compliance, including electronic invoicing, the “Ta’akad” application, a tax risk management system, and the use of AI technologies. It further reported that Oman had signed about 39 effective double taxation agreements up to 2025.

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/.

Oman: Labour Ministry Mandates Professional Classification for Industry Roles

Oman Observer, 29 January 2026: Oman’s Ministry of Labour have announced the rollout of a mandatory professional classification and licensing system for industrial sector occupations, tying workforce accreditation to work‑permit issuance.

Under the new framework, workers in designated industrial occupations will be required to obtain professional classification certificates or professional practice licences through the official accreditation platform. The Ministry have stated that the phased implementation will begin on 9 February 2026, while full enforcement will take effect from 1 May 2026. From that date, the Ministry will not issue or renew work permits unless the required professional accreditation has been obtained for the listed occupations.

The classification track covers professional and technical roles such as factory managers, operations and maintenance managers, analytical chemists, risk analysts, technicians, and designers, while the licensing track applies to skilled operational roles including machine operators, food industry technicians, carpenters, and stone and marble workers. The system applies to both Omani and expatriate workers employed in the relevant positions.

The Ministry urged employers to complete registration and accreditation procedures within the prescribed timelines to avoid disruptions to employment or operational activities.

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/.

Oman: New Regulation For Work Injuries And Occupational Diseases

Oman Observer, 26 January 2026: Oman has introduced a new regulation governing work injuries and occupational diseases, expanding social insurance coverage and clarifying employer obligations under the country’s social protection framework.

The Social Protection Fund issued Oman Ministerial Decision No. 1/2026 approving updated rules for the Work Injuries and Occupational Diseases Insurance Branch as part of efforts to strengthen worker protection across the Sultanate. The regulation requires employers to pay a monthly contribution of 1% of an insured employee’s wage, with the full cost borne by the employer.

Coverage is mandatory for all Omani workers, regardless of the form of employment. This includes workers employed under permanent, temporary, training, and part‑time contracts, as well as retired employees who continue to work. Authorities said the expansion aims to close protection gaps and ensure consistent insurance coverage across the labour market.

The Social Protection Fund stated that the regulation is designed to enhance financial security for workers who suffer workplace injuries or occupational illnesses, while reinforcing national standards for social protection.

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/.

Oman: Sanad Service Centres Expand Support for Government Procedures

Oman Observer, 15 January 2026: Sanad Service Centres in Al Batinah South Governorate have strengthened their role as key facilitators of government procedures, improving service delivery and supporting economic activity across the region.

According to the Department of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, the centres act as an important link between government institutions and the public, streamlining administrative processes and helping citizens and entrepreneurs complete transactions efficiently. A total of 85 Sanad Service Centres operate across the governorate — including 39 in Barka, 20 in Al Rustaq, 17 in Al Musannah, 5 in Nakhal, and 2 each in Al Awabi and Wadi Al Maawil — ensuring broad geographic coverage and ease of access for beneficiaries.

Officials stated that these centres also contribute significantly to employment, providing direct job opportunities for 213 Omanis, reinforcing their importance not only as service hubs but also as engines of local workforce development. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion aims to expand the range of services offered through Sanad Centres, aligning with national digital‑transition efforts and improving the efficiency of government‑service delivery.

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/.

Oman: Ministry of Economy – Competencies Set and Structure Approved

Oman Observer, 12 January 2026: Oman defined the Ministry of Economy’s mandates, approved its organisational structure, and merged the Vision 2040 Implementation Follow‑up Unit into the ministry.

Oman Sultani Decree No. 13/2026 moves allocations, assets and staff from the Vision 2040 unit to the ministry, aiming for tighter strategy‑to‑execution alignment across the national plan.

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/.

Oman: Government Approves New Financial Hub to Attract Investment and Create Jobs

Gulf News, 6 January 2026: Oman approved the establishment of the Oman Global Financial Centre to boost foreign investment, expand financial services and support long‑term economic diversification.

The Council of Ministers approved the creation of the Financial Centre as part of a wider programme to enhance the investment climate and strengthen the country’s position in regional and global capital markets. The initiative aims to provide a competitive platform for global banks, investment firms and specialist financial institutions, operating within a modern financial, legal and judicial framework aligned with international standards.

The new hub has been developed after extensive reviews of successful international financial‑centre models. It is expected to provide an enabling environment for commercial and Islamic banking, insurance, asset management and related services. The project is also designed to transfer knowledge into the domestic market and create high‑value jobs within the financial sector.

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/.