Muscat: In its fifth session of the third regular session of the eighth term, the State Council discussed the ‘Draft Law on Sports Entities’ and a study by the Social and Cultural Committee regarding ‘Enhancing Financial Sustainability for Civil Society Institutions.’

According to Oman News Agency, the session, chaired by Sheikh Abdulmalik Abdullah Al Khalili, Chairman of the State Council, reviewed the agenda, which included discussing the “Draft Law on Sports Entities” referred by the Council of Ministers and the opinion of the Social and Cultural Committee on it, in accordance with Article (49) of the Law of the Council of Oman. The session also deliberated on the Social and Cultural Committee’s study on ‘Enhancing Financial Sustainability for Civil Society Institutions,’ along with several other topics aimed at enriching the Council’s deliberations.

During the discussion on the ‘Draft Law on Sports Entities,’ Dr. Mohammed Said Al Hajri, Head of the Social and Cultural Committee, explained that the draft law aligns legislative priorities with the governance and institutional performance pillars of Oman Vision 2040, while keeping pace with relevant international legislation and standards.

He stated that the draft law aims to consolidate governance principles in the management of sports entities and enhance their administrative and financial independence. This ensures higher institutional performance efficiency and improved outcomes, while supporting sports investment and activating public-private partnerships to develop sector infrastructure and diversify funding sources.

The Head of the Social and Cultural Committee also addressed the committee’s study on “Enhancing Financial Sustainability for Civil Society Institutions.” He explained that the study stems from the growing role undertaken by civil society institutions in supporting national development efforts and expanding the community participation base.

He further clarified that the study aims to analyze the current state of financial sustainability for charitable associations and volunteer teams, diagnose the challenges they face, and propose innovative solutions and strategies. These measures are intended to enable them to diversify their income sources and develop financial management efficiency, thereby contributing to a sustainable social impact.

At the conclusion of the session, the Council reviewed the General Secretariat’s report on the activities of the State Council.