Oman marks Women’s Day with new parliamentary seats, focus on energy and environment

The Sultanate of Oman observed Omani Women’s Day on 17 October 2026, a national occasion that honours the contributions of women to the country’s development and affirms their role under the Renewed Renaissance. The day highlights the active presence Omani women have achieved across various fields of national work, positioning them as an essential partner in progress and prosperity.

This year’s celebration carries the slogan “She is Oman, in all its manifestations,” a phrase that reinforces women’s role in the present and future as a national force that contributes to economic diversification and shapes the country’s trajectory. Their achievements reflect a diversity of capabilities and ambitions, and they are described as partners in crafting solutions that support sustainable development.

Government expands women’s representation

The 2026 celebrations coincide with a significant national milestone: Sultan Haitham bin Tarik directed the allocation of an additional seat for Omani women in the Shura Council from each governorate, adding 11 seats to the general seats open for competition. This directive builds on the Royal attention to the principle of Shura and seeks to enhance women’s participation in decision-making and national dialogue across all governorates.

Women’s presence in development is not confined to one sector, the statement noted, but extends to positions of participation and policymaking. The new seats allow for broader discussion of national issues and help shape general orientations and policies.

International commitment and Royal visits

Oman reaffirmed during its participation at the United Nations in 2026 that women’s empowerment is a national constant rooted in the Basic Law of the State and Oman Vision 2040. The commitment reflects the Sultanate’s dedication to continuing support for women’s participation across all development paths.

Her Highness the Honourable Lady, Spouse of His Majesty the Sultan, undertook visits during 2026 to several governorates that focused on women’s contributions. In January 2026 she visited the Omani Women’s Association in Wilayat of Khasab, and in August 2026 she visited the association in Salalah. These visits went beyond official meetings to include close acquaintance with community initiatives and women’s projects that utilise heritage, experience and knowledge to create social and economic impact. The gestures underscored the role of women’s associations in supporting skills, especially handicrafts, and in opening horizons for transforming these skills into products of community value.

Focus on energy, environment and minerals

Omani Women’s Day 2026 sheds light on women’s presence in the fields of energy, environment and minerals, recognising their role in supporting economic diversification, sustainability and investment in national resources. In the energy sector, women continue to work in oil, gas, electricity, renewable energy, hydrogen and clean energy, contributing to the transformation of the sector and national aspirations for a diversified economy.

In the environmental field, women’s contributions stand out in sustainability, natural resource protection, biodiversity preservation, and environmental research and innovation, helping to address challenges and achieve a balance between development and environmental protection. The minerals sector, described as a growing field, sees women’s involvement in exploration, mining, mineral-based manufacturing and value-added industries, supporting the development of promising economic sectors.

The three sectors embody the evolving participation of Omani women in areas linked to future energy, environmental stewardship and resource investment. The celebration each year reinforces a culture of appreciation for women’s role in societal stability and highlights their success stories from family to work, creativity and community participation.

The occasion carries an inspiring message to future generations, affirming that Omani women remain an active partner in development, a model of perseverance, and capable of continued achievement across sectors. Their presence supports the goals of Oman Vision 2040 and the building of a future founded on integrated national efforts.