Oman’s 2026 legislative agenda has introduced a wave of statutes and regulations that touch finance, technology, real estate, tourism and cyber security, moving several long‑running reforms from draft to operational status. The cascade of new rules follows a government strategy aimed at modernising the economy while attracting foreign investment and improving administrative efficiency.
Personal data protection law enters full force
The Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), originally issued under Royal Decree No. 6/2022, completed its transition period on 5 February 2026. The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology released the executive rules (Ministerial Decision No. 34/2024) and a suite of standard forms for processing permits, breach notifications and data‑subject rights. Companies must now embed PDPL compliance into routine governance, contract reviews and risk management. Failure to follow the new procedures can result in administrative fines and reputational damage, prompting many firms to launch internal data‑privacy units.
New cybercrime framework and AI zone
Royal Decree No. 61/2026 replaced the 2011 cybercrime regime with a broad New Cybercrime Law. The legislation expands liability for corporate IT systems, employee use of digital platforms, online content and data‑related offences, aligning the criminal code with modern digital practices.
In parallel, Royal Decree No. 50/2026 created an Artificial Intelligence Special Zone in Muscat. Managed by the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, the zone offers tax breaks, customs exemptions and regulatory shortcuts under the existing special‑zone law. The initiative dovetails with Oman’s National AI Policy 2025, the PDPL and the new cybercrime rules, forming a coordinated digital ecosystem.
Financial market overhaul and International Financial Centre
The Financial Services Authority issued Decision No. E/11/2026, publishing the executive regulation for the Securities Law enacted by Royal Decree No. 46/2022. The regulation details licensing for market operators, governance standards for listed entities, rules on insider trading and mechanisms for investor protection. It also introduces a new reporting template for quarterly disclosures, which aims to increase market transparency.
Meanwhile, Royal Decree No. 8/2026 established the International Financial Centre of Oman (IFCO) as an autonomous body reporting to the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs. A board was appointed in June 2026. IFCO aims to attract foreign banks, fund managers and professional service firms, complementing the domestic securities framework.
Real estate and urban planning reforms
Royal Decree No. 56/2026 introduced a new Law of the Real Estate Registry, replacing the 1998 statute. Key provisions include electronic authentication of transactions, digital title deeds and mandatory registration of primary and subsidiary rights, even for non‑Omani owners.
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The Urban Planning Law (Royal Decree No. 58/2026) came into force on 21 May, setting out procedures for master‑plan approval, land‑use zoning and infrastructure coordination. Together with the 2025 Real Estate Regulation, the reforms aim to speed up development approvals and improve property‑rights security. Municipal authorities are now required to publish draft plans online for a 30‑day public comment period.
Tourism, bribery and mediation updates
Ministerial Decision No. 1152/2/1/141/2026 released the executive regulation for the Tourism Law, tightening licensing for hotels, travel agencies, adventure and business tourism operators. Existing licence holders must align their practices with the new compliance checklist, which includes health‑safety standards, data‑privacy safeguards and environmental impact assessments.
Royal Decree No. 66/2026 amended the Penal and Labour Laws to criminalise private‑sector bribery. The amendment covers offers or acceptance of rewards linked to work duties, with penalties that combine imprisonment and fines proportional to the bribe amount. Enforcement agencies received additional training to detect illicit payments in procurement processes.
Finally, Royal Decree No. 6/2026 ratified Oman’s accession to the Singapore Convention on Mediation. The move enhances the enforceability of mediated settlement agreements and aligns Oman’s dispute‑resolution framework with global standards. Courts will now be able to recognize foreign mediated settlements without a separate enforcement action.
Across the board, the 2026 reforms signal a shift toward digitisation, tighter compliance and greater alignment with international practices, setting the stage for the next phase of Oman’s economic diversification.
Implementation deadlines run through the end of 2026, with periodic reviews scheduled for early 2027.
