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Decentralisation drives economic development 

Sunday, 7 December 2025 20:45

Muscat – The Local Administration Forum opened on Sunday under the theme ‘Decentralisation and Empowering Governorates – Prospects for Comprehensive and Sustainable Development’, marking a major step in national efforts to strengthen local governance. The two-day forum, held under the patronage of H E Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal al Busaidi, Minister of Interior, is organised by […]

Muscat – The Local Administration Forum opened on Sunday under the theme ‘Decentralisation and Empowering Governorates – Prospects for Comprehensive and Sustainable Development’, marking a major step in national efforts to strengthen local governance.

The two-day forum, held under the patronage of H E Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal al Busaidi, Minister of Interior, is organised by the Royal Academy of Management (RAM) in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior.

The event supports Royal Directives to reinforce decentralisation and enable governorates to lead development priorities in line with Oman Vision 2040. It also aims to embed modern governance models and enhance institutional coordination at governorate level.

Sayyid Khalifa bin al Murdas al Busaidi, Secretary-General at the Ministry of Interior, said decentralisation remains central to improving government performance, service quality and sustainable development. “This forum serves as an important platform for exchanging expertise, anticipating the future of local governance, and developing an integrated model founded on participation, accountability and effective governance,” he said.

Dr Ali bin Qassim al Lawati, President of RAM, said the shift towards decentralisation reflects a strategic transformation inspired by His Majesty the Sultan’s vision. “The transition is not merely a redistribution of powers; it represents a move from centrally administered services to local leadership for development,” he said. He added that decentralisation “is not a measure for easing the central government, but a means of multiplying national capacity and economic growth”.

Lawati noted that the forum links governorates to international best practices through urban diplomacy, supported by the participation of global experts who, he said, reflect confidence in Oman’s governance reforms.

The forum aims to strengthen the developmental role of governorates, support job creation and leverage local competitive advantages. It also reviews the role of municipalities in the local governance system and focuses on developing national talent through workshops and discussion sessions.

Four themes structure the agenda: administrative and economic decentralisation; mechanisms for local economic development; entrepreneurship and job creation; and enhancing institutional capacities through foresight and knowledge-based tools.

More than 150 participants are attending, including governors, chairmen of Muscat and Dhofar municipalities, walis, municipal council members and senior officials involved in planning, investment and Oman Vision 2040 follow-up.

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