HM The Sultan Enacts 10 New Royal Decrees Covering Legislation, Diplomacy, and Infrastructure

Muscat: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has issued a series of 10 Royal Decrees, addressing a range of significant national matters including narcotic drug regulation, personal data protection, mineral wealth management, diplomatic appointments, and infrastructure development. According to Oman News Agency, Royal Decree No. (67/2026) introduces a new Law on Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, superseding the previous regulation from Royal Decree No. 17/99. This law provides a comprehensive legal framework for combating drug-related issues and assigns the Minister of Health the responsibility to issue necessary regulations for its enforcement. Royal Decree No. (68/2026) implements amendments to the Law on Protecting Personal Data, ensuring that the legal framework remains robust against evolving data protection challenges. Meanwhile, Royal Decree No. (69/2026) updates the Law on Minerals Wealth, maintaining the validity of existing licenses until their expiration and sets new procedure s for license renewals and applications. Royal Decree No. (70/2026) enforces a unified law for the management of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture in GCC countries, demonstrating Oman's commitment to regional agricultural cooperation. Significant changes in the diplomatic corps were enacted through Royal Decree No. (71/2026), affecting several ambassadorial positions. Transfers and new appointments were made, including Sheikh Al Abbas bin Ibrahim bin Hamad Al Harthy and others moving to posts within the General Diwan of the Foreign Ministry. New ambassadorial appointments were confirmed for countries including Belarus, Syria, and Kuwait. Royal Decrees No. (72/2026), (73/2026), and (74/2026) focus on appointing non-resident ambassadors to multiple countries, enhancing Oman's diplomatic reach and bilateral relations with nations such as Mexico, Canada, Angola, Benin, and Sierra Leone. Royal Decree No. (75/2026) ratifies an agreement with the United Arab Emirates to develop railway linkages, a strategic move to bolster transportation infrastructure and economic ties between the two nations. Finally, Royal Decree No. (76/2026) designates the construction of stormwater drainage near Al Barakah Palace as a public utility project, allowing for the expropriation of necessary lands under the Public Utility Expropriation Law, thus addressing critical infrastructure needs. These decrees underscore the Sultanate's continuous efforts to adapt and enhance its legal, diplomatic, and infrastructural landscape.