Oman: Leadership
Chapter 3: Persian Gulf, Arabian Peninsula
Oman: Leadership
Executive
/ Judicial / Administrative
Overview
/ System Essentials / Infrastructure
/ Population / Fielded Forces
/ Table of Contents
Sultan Qabus ibn Said Al Said, ruler of Oman
Sultan Qabus ibn Sa'id Al Sa'id is a monarch who rules with aid of his ministers. His dynasty, the Al Sa'id, was founded about 250 years ago by Imam Ahmed in Sa'id. The present Sultan is a direct descendant of the great 19th century ruler, Sa'id bin Sultan. The Sultanate has no constitution, legislature, or legal political parties. However, Oman has had a Majlis (consultative council) since 1991.
Oman's judicial system traditionally has been based on the shari'a--the Quranic laws and the oral teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. The shari'a courts fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice, Awqaf, and Islamic Affairs. Oman's first criminal code was not enacted until 1974. The current structure of the criminal court was established in 1984 and consists of a magistrate court in the capital and four additional magistrate courts in Sohar, Sur, Salalah, and Nizwa. In the less populated areas and among the nomadic Bedouin, tribal custom often is the law.
Administratively, the populated regions are divided into numerous wilayats (districts) presided over by walis (governors) responsible for settling local disputes, collecting taxes, and maintaining peace. Most wilayats are small; an exception is the wilayat of Dhofar, which comprises the whole province. The wali of Dhofer is an important government figure, holding cabinet rank, while other walis operate under the guidance of the Ministry of Interior.