Sultanate of Oman Rolls Out New Legal Framework for Civil Society Institutions

Oman has introduced a new legal framework for civil society organisations after His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Ruler of Oman, issued Royal Decree No. 64/2026 promulgating the Civil Society Institutions Law, marking a significant overhaul of legislation that has governed the sector for more than two decades.

The decree, issued after being presented to the Council of Oman, brings into force the new law and repeals the Civil Associations Law issued under Royal Decree No. 14/2000. The move forms part of a broader programme of legislative modernisation undertaken in Oman in recent years.

Under the new law, all organisations and entities subject to its provisions must regularise their status and comply within one year from the date it comes into force. The transition period is intended to allow existing associations and non-profit entities sufficient time to align their governance structures, operations and registration requirements with the new framework.

The Minister of Social Development has been tasked with issuing the Executive Regulation within one year. The minister will also issue the necessary rules and decisions for implementing the law. Until the new regulations are issued, existing rules will remain in force to the extent that they do not conflict with the new law.

While the full text of the law has not yet been published, it is expected to establish a modern regulatory framework for civil society institutions, replacing provisions that have been in force since 2000. The earlier Civil Associations Law governed non-profit organisations engaged in charitable work, social services, cultural activities and community development.

Legal observers say the reform is aimed at strengthening governance, clarifying legal status, and updating the operational framework of civil society institutions in line with Oman’s evolving social and economic priorities. The shift in terminology from “civil associations” to “civil society institutions” is also seen as indicating a broader regulatory scope covering a wider range of non-profit and community-based organisations.

Article 4 of the decree formally repeals the Civil Associations Law of 2000 and nullifies any provisions that conflict with the new legislation. Article 5 states that the decree will be published in the Official Gazette and will take effect on the day following its publication.

The Civil Society Institutions Law is the latest in a series of legislative reforms in Oman this year, reflecting ongoing efforts to modernise the Sultanate’s legal and regulatory framework across multiple sectors.

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