H.M. Sultan Haitham Appoints 11 Additional Shura Council Seats for Women

His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has issued a landmark royal directive allocating an additional seat for women in each of Oman's 11 governorates on the Shura Council, effectively adding 11 new reserved seats to the lower house of parliament. The move aims to guarantee female representation across the country and marks a significant step forward in the Sultanate's political development.

The new seats will be added to the general seats contested during elections, separate from the existing competitive positions. According to Oman's state news agency, the decision is part of a broader effort to strengthen the principle of consultation (Shura) and enhance women's participation in public affairs, political engagement, and social development. This follows the October 2023 elections, where no female candidates won any of the 90 general seats available.

Specialists in the Shura system have hailed the directive as a wise vision by His Majesty to consolidate community engagement and accelerate nation-building. Dr. Aisha bint Said Al Ghabshi, a member of the State Council (the upper chamber), emphasized that the move reflects the high value the Sultanate places on women's status and their critical role in national progress.

"This is an indication of the attention that the Sultanate of Oman, led by His Majesty the Sultan, values the status of women," Dr. Al Ghabshi said. She noted that the Royal directive embodies an acknowledgment of women's knowledge, expertise, and wisdom, empowering female talents to contribute more robustly to decision-making processes across various spheres of development.

Abdullah bin Al Walid Al Hinai, a member of the Shura Council representing the Wilayat of Bahla, echoed these sentiments, describing the appointment as a continuation of the Royal approach that supports Omani women as key partners in shaping the future.

"The Royal orders... open up wider scopes for female talents to contribute to serving the nation and achieving its aspirations," Al Hinai stated. He highlighted that this initiative aligns with the government's goal of devising national policies that truly reflect the diverse capabilities of the Omani population.

The Shura Council, established in 1991 and based in Muscat, serves as the lower chamber of the bicameral Oman Council. It holds legislative and oversight powers and plays a pivotal role in supporting the country's development roadmap. By ensuring that every governorate has at least one female representative, this historic directive seeks to broaden the horizon of Omani governance and solidify women's place at the heart of the nation's strategic direction.