August 11, 2006

THE CELEBRATION OF THE OMANI RENAISSANCE DAY ON THE 23RD OF JULY 1970. "WE ALWAYS WANTED FOR OMAN TO REALIZE ITS OWN EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD OF DEMOCRACY AND FOR ITS PEOPLE TO TAKE PART IN NATIONAL DECISIONS MAKING. MODERN OMAN IS BASED ON ITS COMPREHENSIVE CULTURAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL ACHIEVEMENTS. This year Oman commemorated the 36th anniversary of Oman's Blessed Renaissance. The Renaissance Day, celebrated each year on July 23 is, first and foremost, a day on which we declare our respect, admiration and gratitude to Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who acceded to power on July 23, 1970. The development of modern Oman is linked to the Renaissance Day, as it kicked off creation of a new and exciting era in the country's rich history. This day is the day to reaffirm the commitment of the Omani people to the development of the Sultanate of Oman and proclaim their respect for the Sultan's wise leadership who said. More than three-and-a-half decades have passed and today Oman one of the strongest economies in the region. The government's endeavours to adopt international standards of best practice in political, fiscal and monetary policies have been commendable. It's welcome that the Sultan's government is investing heavily to enhance social development and is striving to diversify the economy. Undoubtedly, Oman enjoys the thriving existence of a large number of public and private sector institutions that uphold the principles of transparency, accountability and productivity. It's heartening to see that they are constantly contributing to the process of nation- building. Oman is rapidly integrating with the global economy and institutions are growing more and more competent. The process of globalization is here to stay. And indeed, the pace of development in Oman will only accelerate as the government has been sensibly responding to the challenges of globalization. The government's timely measures not only boost the country's human capital but also enhance the efficiency of its institutions. It's now more than 35 years since Oman started the challenging transformation from an underdeveloped country into a normally functioning free market economy thanks to the enormous efforts and pro-development policies of the Sultan's government. Omanis, have the sense of equity and social justice. They feel very proud, and welcome the government's concerted efforts that led to the creation of a growing economy in the Middle East. The economic growth has been realistic since the early 1970s, and corporate profits have soared. The evolving economic and business environment exhibits a number of encouraging signs that suggest further strengthening of the growth demonstrated in recent years. The people of Oman have been fortunate to witness a rapid and sustainable development strategy of Sultan Qaboos' government, and we must feel the sense of partnership and actively participate in the nation-building process. In 1971, Sultan Qaboos bin Said set out to establish strong diplomatic relationships with Arab and other leading countries. Due to his influence, Oman was quickly welcomed into the League of Arab States. Over the years, Sultan Qaboos encouraged the development of a government and by the mid-70's he had created various Ministries, whilst personally overseeing the structure and function of internal security, finance, defense and oil affairs. By 1979, the Omani cabinet had grown from 8 members to 23 and the Sultan ordered the establishment of the National Defense Council, the Interim Planning Council and the Central Bank. In 1981, the Sultan ordered the establishment of the Majlis al Dawla, a State Consultative Council designed to provide Oman's citizens with a greater opportunity to participate in the efforts of the country's government. The private sector was represented by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the remainder by the Government. His Majesty specified the tasks entrusted to the Majlis al Dawla, stating that it was to be, "a forum for the combined efforts of the government and people's constituencies wherein they may undertake to study the aims and goals of our development plan" The Council of Oman (Majlis Oman) Oman's government is a bicameral system. The Basic Statute of the State provided for the establishment of The Council of Oman which was created by Royal Decree in 1997. It comprises the Majlis a'Shura (Consultative Council), whose members are elected by Omani citizens every three years, and the Majlis Al Dawla (State Council), whose members are appointed by the Sultan. The State Council (Majlis al Dawla) According to Sultan Qaboos, the State Council is "another powerful building block in the Omani social edifice, which reinforces its achievements and reaffirms the principles we have laid out." These principles established a Shura (consultation) process, inspired by Oman's national heritage and values and the Islamic Sharia, that incorporates features of the modern age. Acting as an upper chamber, the State Council is central to Oman's development goals. Appointed for their expertise at senior levels in various fields, State Council members represent a wide range of views and experiences. The Council examines the issues presented to it, preparing studies on development and solving problems, and promotes cohesion and unity. The State Council's president and members are prominent members of the Omani community chosen for their expertise and seniority and appointed by Royal Decree. State Council members must be Omani nationals, aged 40 years and above, of high status and reputation and with appropriate practical experience. Membership is for three years and is renewable. The size of Council membership does not exceed that of the Majlis a'Shura. State Council members are drawn from: former ministers, under-secretaries and those of equivalent rank, former ambassadors, former senior judges, retired senior officers, those of proven expertise in science, literature and culture, academic staff of universities, colleges and higher institutes, dignitaries and businessmen, people who have given distinguished service to the nation. Members of the State Council cannot be elected to the Consultative Council (Majlis a'Shura). Membership of the State Council is barred to those who remain in public office, apart from members working in science, literature and culture, or as academic staff. However, the Sultan can make exceptions to this rule. The State Council holds four ordinary sessions a year, although the president can convene extraordinary sessions if necessary. Royal Decree 86/97 defines the State Council's powers. These include preparing studies to help to implement development plans and programmes, finding solutions to economic and social problems and proposing ways to encouraging investment, reforming the administration and improving performance. The Council has the power to review and revise draft laws prepared by ministries and government departments, and to propose draft amendments. The Council submits proposals and recommendations to His Majesty the Sultan or the Council of Ministers. The council president submits an annual report to the Sultan on its activities and deliberations. The current State Council's members include nine women, reflecting Sultan Qaboos' commitment to promoting Omani women to senior institutions, and his belief that women can and will contribute to the welfare of the nation. Beside that women have been appointed as Ministers, undersecretaries of state, members of chambers of commerce and businessmen council, as well as members of local councils and education services. As the Sultan said: "From the beginning we wanted for Oman to realize its own experience in the field of democracy and the participation of its people in national decisions making. We have built up this step by step on the strong bases of Omani life and the era we live in." The Consultative Council (Majlis al-Shura) In December 1991, Sultan Qaboos inaugurated the Majlis al-Shura, the Consultative Council which complemented the Majlis al Dawla. There were two main factors behind establishing the Majlis al-Shura. First, Sultan Qaboos had recognised the success of the A'Shura 'prototype' in the Majlis al Dawla. Second, the Sultan had promised that he would present opportunities for the population to take greater responsibility for the reconstruction of their country and the safe-guarding of its development process. 59 members represented each of the wilayats in Oman and each one, with the exception of the President, is an elected member. The two vice-presidents are elected by the membership of the Council in a secret ballot. Due to increases in population, the original 59 members of the Council have now increased to 82 in order to serve those wilayats with a population of more than 30,000. The role of the Majlis al-Shura is to: Review all draft economic and social legislation, as prepared by the various Ministries and as laid down in the Five Year Plans. Put forward proposals as the Majlis sees fit in the domain of upgrading economic and social laws in the Sultanate. Voice opinions on issues of public policy which the government may bring before the Majlis and then make suitable proposals in this regard. Take part in the preparation of the country's development plans and monitor their execution within the framework of the State's general strategy and available resources. Participate in raising public awareness of the aims, tasks and priorities of development and the efforts being expended to achieve it so that the nature of the needs and aspirations of a region be known and the bonds between the people and government are strengthened. Participate in campaigns to preserve the environment and to protect it against pollutants. Review issues relating to public utilities and amenities and to suggest ways of upgrading and increasing the efficiency of these services. Examine obstacles which might stand in the way of trade and enterprise and to suggest suitable ways of overcoming such obstacles. Voice opinions on various other matters which Sultan Qaboos sees fit to bring before the assembly. All meetings of the Majlis al-Shura are held in private, but Oman Television now invites appearances from Ministers who having submitted their reports, are subjected to uninhibited and detailed questioning by Majlis members on the plans and policies of their respective offices. The public have welcomed this opportunity to witness frank debating which, in turn, helps to politically educate the population and to encourage them to participate in the growth of their country. Women are welcomed into the Majlis al-Shura and are invited to put forward their own names as nominees for membership of the assembly. The Sultan has recognised the fact that women play a valuable role in the development of the Sultanate and as 49% of the population are female, it is important that this half of the Omani people are included in its achievements and growth. In theory, the amount of female votes should equal the amount of male voters. Foreign Affairs: Oman's foreign policy since 1970 is based on four tenets: The development and maintenance of good relations with Oman's neighbours. An outward looking and internationalist outlook, as befits long-standing maritime traditions. A pragmatic approach to bilateral relations, emphasising underlying geostratic realities, rather than temporary ideological positions. The search for security through cooperation and peace, rather than conflict. Middle East Peace Process: Oman is fully committed to the Middle East Peace Process, since its inception in 1991. The Sultanate calls for the achievement of a lasting, just and comprehensive peace which will bring stability and prosperity to the whole region as well as security and peace for all its nations. Gulf Crisis Oman is committed to supporting the United Nations and has advised Iraq through diplomatic channels that UN inspection teams must be allowed to return. Oman has always urged a peaceful solution reached through diplomacy to such crises in order to avoid a repetition of the conflict in 1991. Foreign Policy and Economic Development: Oman's foreign policy is guided by the need for the Sultanate to take an active role in the global economy. The Basic Statute of the State establishes free market principles as the basis for the development of the Omani economy. The Sultanate is committed to the World Trade Organisation's principles and its accession to membership of this body was initiated in 1996. In the GCC, Oman supports moves towards the harmonisation of the member economies as well as the enhancement of the GCC's trade and economic cooperation relations with the EU and other international industrial bodies. Indian Ocean Rim Association Oman was one of the 14 founder members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association in 1997, which aims to improve trade links and inward investment through the Indian Ocean region, from Australia, through South East Asia, India, Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. Internal Stability Within Oman itself, The Sultan has consolidated national unity and has healed ancient rifts in the community. He has always had a clear vision of the direction in which to guide Omani society and maintains close contact with his people. Meeting the People Sultan Qaboos places great importance to meeting his people and every year makes a point of traveling to different parts of the country to see for himself what must be done and what the needs of his people are. During his tours, the Sultan stays for about a month in camp, as he travels from region to region accompanied by most of his ministers, whom he brings face to face with the problems encountered by the general public and from whom he demands prompt solutions, unencumbered by red tape and bureaucracy. These tours are an example of a uniquely Omani style of participating in the nation's affairs. The citizens are free to raise whatever matters they wish to direct to the Sultan and he speaks to all his people with his customary candour about all issues of national importance. Muscat Arab Culture Capital: Oman has influenced the Islamic and Arab movements because of its unique position and distinguished scientists throughout history. The first scientists of Hadeeth , Qur`an interpretation , language and history besides the greatest poets came out of Oman. Also the Omani communications paved the way for the appearance of the first press in the history of eastern Africa. Likewise Oman played a great role in management, leadership and social life in Africa. Today Muscat becomes more alluring, glamorous and a shining city because of the support and care it has received . The designation of Muscat as the Arab Cultural Capital is a crowning achievement because of its role in enriching many fields of the Arab Culture. This assures its significance as a meeting place for civilizations since the beginning of history. Furthermore the designation of Muscat as the Arab Cultural Capital comes to crown the efforts of concerned cultural Associations and the success made by both cultured individuals and Omani scientists throughout the ages . This makes the event a link point between the shining past and promising present and future. The aims of choosing Muscat to be the Arab Cultural Capital: To show the historical and civilizational significance of the Sultanate of Oman To stimulate the private sector and national Associations to play a greater role in the culture and to activate the cooperation among all the cultural sectors in the Sultanate To activate the cultural communication between the Sultanate and the world To show the uniqueness of the Omani culture To assure the importance of communication among generations and benefit from the civilizational heritage sources To develop cultural abilities and establish cultural bases Education Primary Education Official figures record 576,472 students in government schools - 297,292 boys and 279,180 girls. There are a further 24,031 students in the Sultanate's private schools in addition of 639 students in schools for those with special needs and a number of schools for the children of foreigners working in the Sultanate. They all come under the auspices of the government. Introduction of ICDL The International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) was adopted in the Sultanate for upgrading the computer skills of, initially, the llth grade students in all government schools from the 2004/05 school year. Higher Education In 1994 the Ministry of Higher Education was established by Royal Decree 2/94 in order to implement educational and research plans and programmes offered by institutes of higher education under its supervision. In 1996 the private sector was invited to contribute to the higher education programme in Royal Decree 41/96. In accordance with this Decree 14 private colleges and four private universities are now operating in the Sultanate. Omanisation in Educational Colleges As of 1 January 2003, the total number of staff working in the Educational Colleges was 1,051 of whom the number of faculty staff was 633, including 94 Omanis (approximately 14.8% of the total). Academic support staff numbered 213 of whom 205 were Omanis (96.2% of the total) and eight (3.8%) were expatriates. Meanwhile, administrative staff were 100% Omani. The number of Ministry of Higher Education staff on scholarships for higher degrees (Masters and Ph.Ds) is around 37 with a further 12 expected to go abroad for the same purpose in 2004 and 2005. College of Law: An important factor in establishing the Law College was the need to diversify the provision of Higher Education so as to absorb the increasing number of secondary school graduates. A further consideration was the Sultanate's demand for specialists in the field of Law necessitated by the re-organisation of the judiciary and the extension of its competencies, as well as ancillary posts in the Public Prosecutor's Office, clerks of the courts, lawyers and the like. Agreement made additional demands for legal and judicial specialists in all fields and to this end the Law College was created in accordance with Royal Decree 26/1997. In the academic year 2003/2004 the College's intake was increased to 175 students (from a previous total of 120) in line with the provisions of the sixth Five-Year Plan. Sultan Qaboos University: Sultan Qaboos University, located in Muscat, Oman, is the only public university in the Sultanate of Oman. Named after Sultan Qaboos bin Sa'id the Sultan of Oman, the university opened its doors in 1986. At the time, it comprised five colleges: Engineering, Medicine, Agriculture, Education, Art and Islamic Studies and Science. It has reasonably expanded in the past 20 years. Nowadays, it has eight colleges: Engineering, Medicine, Art, Commerce and Economics, Education and Islamic studies, Science, Agriculture and law. The number of students enrolled has grown from about 500 in 1986 to more than 10,000 in 2005. Female students form about half of the total population. Health Services Development of Health Services and Health Care Since 1970 and after the Omani Renaissance, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said has always emphasized the importance of health in social and economic development. This has stimulated the Government to realize the potential returns from investments in health. Improved health would contribute to economic growth by reducing production losses because of workers' illness, increasing enrollment and achievements of school children who form the basis for the developing population, and freeing, for alternative uses, resources that would otherwise have to be spent on treating patients. From the beginning, the Government made a commitment to develop a modern welfare state, including promotion of health of the Omani people. A Royal Decree was issued to establish the Ministry of Health (MOH) in August 1970. Since then, the MOH was able to build from scratch a modern national system that offers all Omani citizens universally accessible health services free of charge. Such developments were only possible through proper health planning and therefore the MOH developed Five-Year plans, the first of which started in 1976. The first five-year plan (1976-1980) of the MOH aimed mainly to reconstruct and develop already available health resources as well as those established after 1970. The second (1981-1985) and third (1986-1990) five-year plans were concerned mainly to increase the coverage of health services and at the same time improve the quality of care. That period of development showed an increase in the numbers of health centers and hospitals as well as the start of a number of preventive health programs e.g. Expanded Program of Immunization (EPI) and Control of Diarrhoeal Diseases (CDD). The third five-year plan ended in 1990 with the establishment of the most highly specialized and equipped hospital in Oman, the Royal Hospital with 635 beds at that time. The fourth five-year plan (1991-1995) was developed after extensive and scientific efforts to identify the priority health problems and needs, and a plan for health programs directed to such needs was established. As a result a number of health care programs were strengthened and others have been developed e.g. Birth Spacing Program. In addition, the fourth five-year plan had a number of planned health projects to improve quality of services as well as the geographical coverage. In an attempt to adopt the policy of decentralization (regionalization) of health services each health region had to be provided with a regional referral hospital. Therefore, a number of referral hospitals were established, Ibri Hospital, and Buraimi Hospital in AdhDhahira region and AlRustaq Hospital in South AlBatinah region. In addition, two hospitals were under plan at that time, Sohar Hospital in North AlBatinah and Nizwa Hospital in AdDakhiliyah). Other hospital were expanded and renovated, Khoula Hospital in Muscat Governorate, Sultan Qaboos Hospital in Dhofar Governorate, Khasab Hospital in Musandam Governorate, Ibra Hospital in North AshSharqiya region. Establishing five extended health centers that provide specialized care to patients at outpatient clinics added to strength to health care. Besides the expansions in health services, the five-year plan was concerned to develop the national manpower by establishing a number of educational and training institutes. These include nursing institutes, institute for assistant pharmacists and institute for public health. Besides this expansion of health services during the third and fourth five-year plans the integration of the curative, preventive and promotive services was emphasized. The public health units in the peripheries were amalgamated with the nearby hospitals and health centers where they are located. The aim was to provide full comprehensive health care to the people of The Sultanate of Oman. This integration was taken to the National level, where two Directorates-General, Curative and Preventive Medicine were integrated into one Directorate-General of Health Affairs. The Directorate-General of Health Affairs now covers all aspects of health care: curative, preventive and promotive. By the end of 1995, MOH developed its "Fifth Five-Year" plan (1996 - 2000). The most recent approaches in health planning were used to identify health needs as well as solutions to overcome future challenges at that time. There were a total of 12 health programs directed towards a number of health problems. Each health program had its own quantitative objectives that allowed its follow-up. A plan for monitoring and evaluation of health programs was established and implemented. This later had assured the achievement of most objectives of the 5th five-year plan. In addition, expansion of health services had continued. The new Sohar Hospital in North AlBatinah, the new Nizwa Hospital and the new Sur Hospital were established. A highly specialized clinic for Obstetrics and Gynecology was established in Muscat in addition to three extended health centers to provide specialized outpatient care. The 5th five-year plan had also witnessed further strengthening of primary health care (PHC). A special health program for strengthening PHC was developed to identify and manage the challenges for implementing its strategies Wilayat health teams were established, the wilayat being the smallest administrative unit and is the closest to the community. This was also accompanied with the establishment of a number of health centers. The expansion in health services has resulted in improvements in the health status of the community that was reflected in a decline in preventable diseases and in infant and child morbidity and mortality. Directing expansions in health services to the more cost-effective interventions, namely the primary health care (PHC) brought about these achievements. Social Care Social Insurance The Social Security Law promulgated by Royal Decree No. 72/91, came into force with effect from 1st July 1992. One of its articles stipulated that a government body should be formed under the name of the Public Authority for Social Insurance (www.taminat.com), to provide protection for Omanis employed in the private sector who are facing financial difficulties as a result of disease, disability or old age. Al Wafa Voluntary Social Centres. The Al Wafa Voluntary Social Centres are part of an integrated government project inspired by a philosophy of community-based rehabilitation. They are designed to provide handicapped children with welfare services close to home. At the end of 2003, 19 such centres staffed by 305 female volunteers were providing services for some 1,604 children with various types of disabilities, including 810 boys and 794 girls. Centre for the Care and Rehabilitation of the Disabled The Centre for the Care and Rehabilitation of the Disabled, founded in 1987 is one of the leading centres specialised in providing the disabled with rehabilitation services, education and vocational training. Its main function is to provide the disabled with the vocational knowledge and skills that will enable them to earn a livelihood and serve their community. Vocational, Technical and Management Training Omanisation and the creation of employment opportunities for Omanis in the private sector is a fundamental political, social and economic policy of the Sultanate. Vocational training and human resource development are accorded a high priority in order to enable Omanis to obtain the relevant skills to replace expatriates in the workforce as well as to bolster efforts to attract investment and develop competitive industries. Vocational training centers have been established and NVQs/GNVQs introduced, based on the UK model. The Government is encouraging the establishment of private organizations and institutes to train Omani nationals in areas such as information technology, management, sales and marketing, as well as specific professions and vocations. The development of on the job training programs in the private sector is also being encouraged. Foreign assistance and collaboration is sought in the area of vocational training.