Overview
Decentralisation policy in Oman aims to distribute governance responsibilities and development resources more evenly across the Sultanate’s eleven governorates. By empowering local authorities with greater decision-making power and dedicated budgets, the government seeks to ensure that development benefits reach communities beyond the capital area. Municipal councils, elected by citizens, provide a formal channel for local participation in governance and service delivery planning.
Key Points
Each governorate now has a development planning unit that coordinates with central ministries on infrastructure, education, health, and economic projects. Municipal councils have been granted expanded mandates covering local service delivery, environmental management, and community-development initiatives. Revenue-sharing mechanisms channel a portion of national income to governorate budgets based on population, area, and development needs. Capacity-building programmes train local officials in project management, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement.
Current Status
Several governorates have successfully launched local economic-development strategies that leverage regional comparative advantages, such as agriculture in Al Batinah and tourism in Musandam. Citizen engagement in municipal elections has increased, reflecting growing public interest in local governance. Coordination between central and local authorities continues to improve, though challenges remain in standardising service-delivery quality across regions with varying capacity levels.
Vision 2040 Context
Vision 2040 envisions balanced regional development that reduces disparities between urban and rural areas. Decentralisation is a key mechanism for achieving this goal, ensuring that every governorate contributes to and benefits from national prosperity. By bringing governance closer to the people, Oman strengthens social cohesion and builds resilient, self-sustaining communities across its diverse geographical landscape.