Governance at Core of National Integrity: What This Means for Business Transparency and Investor Confidence in Oman
SALALAH — The State Financial and Administrative Audit Authority convened a symposium on August 31, 2025, at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah, Dhofar Governorate, under the theme “Governance and its Role in Protecting Public Funds and Promoting Transparency.” This event is part of the Authority’s ongoing commitment to instill governance values, enhance integrity, and safeguard public resources.
The symposium was held under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar, with the participation of Shaikh Ghosn bin Hilal al Alawi, Chairman of the Authority, alongside several senior government officials.
In his keynote address, Shaikh Ghosn bin Hilal al Alawi praised the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and the Omani government for embedding the principles of the rule of law and institutional governance. He emphasized the crucial role of transparency as a foundation for protecting public funds—a responsibility shared nationwide. He highlighted how these commitments are reflected in the restructuring of state administrative frameworks and the enactment of legislation designed to meet current and future challenges, thus firmly establishing governance principles.
Shaikh Ghosn also underscored the importance given to governance within Oman Vision 2040, particularly its central pillar, “Governance and Institutional Performance.” This pillar is interlinked with national priorities spanning various sectors, including the governance of state administrative bodies, resources, projects, and the legislative, judicial, and oversight systems.
He affirmed that governance is essential for protecting public funds and boosting transparency by organizing stakeholder relationships and ensuring effective utilization of national resources. Upholding integrity, justice, and transparency is a collective responsibility that supports Oman’s long-term development goals.
Further, Shaikh Ghosn stressed the Authority’s dedication to governance, describing the symposium as a valuable platform for exchanging expertise, sharing best practices, and formulating practical recommendations aimed at advancing institutional and financial reforms. These efforts align with the National Integrity Promotion Plan 2022–2030, which seeks to develop a comprehensive legal framework, improve institutional performance, foster a transparent private sector, enhance community participation, and build both local and international partnerships.
In addition to this event, the Authority participated in the National Symposium organized by the Office of the Chief of Staff of the Sultan’s Armed Forces. This forum, titled “Governance and its Role in Improving Performance, Enhancing Transparency and Improving Administrative and Financial Oversight,” concluded with key recommendations. These include issuing regulatory frameworks and legislation to support Oman Vision 2040 goals in integrity and oversight, and strengthening internal audit units within state institutions to enable more efficient and independent operations.
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The State Financial and Administrative Audit Authority’s focus on governance and transparency signals a strengthened regulatory environment that will enhance accountability and protect public resources. For businesses and investors in Oman, this creates both an opportunity to align with evolving compliance standards and a risk for those neglecting governance practices. Smart entrepreneurs should prioritize robust governance frameworks and transparency to capitalize on government-backed reforms and foster trust with stakeholders in Oman’s long-term Vision 2040 landscape.
