Oman
The Sultanate of Oman is a Gulf state exhibiting mid-range performance in the Rights and Rule of Law categories of the Global State of Democracy framework, and low range performance in Representation and Participation. Compared to five years prior, it has experienced no significant changes in its performance. Oman is a high-income country with an oil-dependent economy, although it ranks lower than most of its Gulf neighbors in terms of GDP per capita. Over the past two decades, it has experienced economic difficulties due to reduced oil production, insufficient diversification and its status as a labor importing economy.
Oman is the oldest independent state in the Arab world and for two and a half centuries the Omani Sultanate ruled a maritime empire. Between 1891 and 1951, it was a British protectorate and in 1970, the British helped Sultan Qaboos bin Said overthrow his traditionalist father in a palace coup. Qaboos ruled Oman for fifty years and is credited with leading the country’s dramatic economic development and building the modern Omani state and nation.
Today, political power remains highly concentrated, with the Sultan controlling all aspects of government. The country’s bicameral parliament (including the Majlis al-Shura, the elected lower chamber) has an advisory status, and only limited legislative and oversight powers. Aside from voting in legislative and municipal elections, there are few opportunities for political participation, with political parties and associations prohibited, civil society tightly regulated, and civil liberties highly restricted. Protest is curtailed by punitive laws and repressive policing and authorities have blocked newspapers critical of the state and prohibited speech that is judged to insult the Sultan or harm public order.
Oman’s society is ethnically and linguistically diverse, and tribal affiliations remain important. It is a majority Muslim country, with most of its population practicing Ibadhi or Sunni Islam. These social groups have, however, been successfully integrated within a collective national identity that has enabled peaceful coexistence. Social tensions have stemmed rather from grievances over perceived failures of the state to deliver the socio-economic benefits underpinning the country’s social contract, particularly jobs, with rare protests over unemployment breaking out in 2011,2018-2019, and 2021. Oman’s government has sought to relieve its unemployment problems through the ‘Omanization’ of higher-skilled migrant jobs. These measures have impacted its large migrant worker population (43 per cent of the total population are foreign residents) who are denied the benefits of citizenship and operate under the kafala system, which gives employers nearly complete power over their rights.
While Oman’s constitution nominally prohibits gender-based discrimination, it is a low performer on the GSoD’s Gender Equality measure, and women are discriminated against in marriage and family law, and face gender-based violence. LGBTQIA+ rights are restricted and same-sex sexual activity and the expression of transgender identity is criminalized.
Looking ahead, it will be important to watch Rights, particularly following the recent enactment of a new citizenship law that has expanded the government’s powers to revoke citizenship. With 44 percent of the population underage, it will also be relevant to monitor how unemployment and economic challenges affect Participation and Rights as a new generation enters the job market. Finally, in June 2025 Oman became the first Gulf state to introduce an income tax, signaling a potential change in the social contract and the rentier model of governance on which it is based.
Last Updated: June 2025
https://www.idea.int/democracytracker/
February 2025
New citizenship law expands government powers to revoke nationality
On 2 February, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq ratified a new citizenship law that amends naturalization requirements and expands the government’s power to revoke citizenship. In order to qualify for citizenship, individual applicants must now have resided in Oman for 15 consecutive years, down from 20 years, while the relevant period for the foreign wives of Omani men is now eight years, up from five. The law also makes it more difficult for Omani mothers to pass on citizenship to their children, restricting it to widows or divorcees. Further, broadly drafted provisions allow the government to revoke citizenship for a variety of offences, including ‘verbally or physically offend[ing] the Sultanate of Oman’ and membership of an organisation whose principles or beliefs harm the interests of the Sultanate. Rights groups warned that these provisions could be used by the state to stifle dissent, particularly since the law lacks mechanisms for appeals.
Sources: Qanoon, Gulf Centre for Human Rights, The New Arab, Oman Observer
July 2024
Deadly attack near Shiite Mosque in Muscat claimed by Islamic State
On 15 July, multiple gunmen attacked worshipers near a Shiite Mosque in the Wadi Kabir neighbourhood of Muscat. The attack occurred on the eve of the Shiite Muslim holiday of Ashura. Six people were killed and approximately 28 others were injured, according to the Royal Oman Police. The Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the attack. International media outlets that analysed video footage of the incident reported that the assailants used derogatory terms to refer to Shiites. On 18 July, the Royal Oman Police issued a statement announcing that the three perpetrators were killed. While the authorities did not explicitly link the individuals to IS, they noted that the attackers were "influenced by misguided ideas." Shia Muslims are a minority in Oman, a country known for relatively low rates of registered crime and sectarian violence.
Sources: Royal Oman Police (1), Royal Oman Police (2), The New York Times, The National, Reuters
October 2023
Oman holds legislative elections
Oman conducted general elections on 29 October to elect 90 members to the Majlis Al-Shura Council for its tenth term, spanning 2023 to 2027. There were a total of 843 candidates, including 32 women. The elections saw a record turnout of 65.9 per cent, with more than 753,000 registered voters casting their ballots across the country. The early voting statistics showed a balanced gender participation, with 13.55 per cent male and 10.39 per cent female voters.
The voting process was monitored by Oman's Supreme Committee for Elections to ensure its fairness and transparency. As an absolute monarchy, the elected legislature serves primarily in an advisory capacity. Despite the democratic proceedings, the sultan retains primary power, with political rights and civil liberties remaining limited.
Sources: Government of Oman, Gulf News, Parliamentary Union of Islamic Cooperation, Times of Oman
Oman launches region’s first mobile –app for elections
Oman’s October general elections saw all seats of the Majlis al-Shura, or Omani Consultative Assembly, up for grabs. Voting rights are extended to every Omani citizen above the age of 21, applicable in government elections such as those for the Shura Council and Municipal Council. The elections included the launch of the region’s first mobile app for elections, which contributed to a record voter turnout of 65.9 per cent. It was a significant milestone and featured an audio reading feature and sign language support for the deaf and hard of hearing, along with high-level security measures, serving as an innovative model for other countries aiming to modernize their voting systems.
Sources: Times of Oman, Gulf News, Asharaq Al-Awsat
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