The Sultanate of Oman has adopted a comprehensive legislative and administrative framework to safeguard public funds, establishing integrity and transparency as fundamental principles in managing these resources. This approach aligns with the Sultanate’s sustainable development strategies and the relevant national legal frameworks.
Oman has demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting public funds through a series of laws establishing strict controls to limit corruption and ensure financial integrity and accountability. These legal instruments form the foundation for preventing misuse of public resources by government employees. Among the most prominent is the Omani Penal Code, which stipulates severe penalties for corruption-related offences, including bribery, embezzlement, and the misappropriation of public funds.
In addition, the Law on the Protection of Public Funds and the Avoidance of Conflict of Interest provides a comprehensive legal framework to preserve public property and prevent the misuse of official authority for personal benefit. The Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Law also plays a vital role by addressing the use of public funds in illicit activities, including money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
In Oman, public funds are defined as all assets and properties owned by the State or managed under its authority, whether movable or immovable. These resources are regarded as a shared national right belonging to all citizens and are governed by strict legal provisions to ensure their preservation and protection from misuse, negligence, or corruption.
The State Audit Institution (SAI) of the Sultanate of Oman is vested with broad powers to monitor financial and administrative activities across all government entities. Its mandate includes reviewing the financial and administrative performance of public institutions and ensuring that all operations comply with the laws and regulations in force in the Sultanate. The Institution is also authorised to oversee financial disclosures of government officials and possesses judicial enforcement authority, enabling it to take legal action in cases where violations involving public funds are identified.
To promote institutional and public awareness of the risks of corruption, the State Audit Institution conducts awareness programmes and outreach activities and has established digital platforms to receive reports and complaints related to public funds. It also publishes a bilingual public summary (Arabic and English) accompanying its annual report submitted to His Majesty the Sultan.
In 2024, the Sultanate of Oman achieved a remarkable improvement of 20 places in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) issued annually by Transparency International in Berlin, ranking 50th globally out of 180 countries and 4th among Arab states. This compares with 70th place in 2023, marking a notable 12-point score increase from 43 to 55, reflecting Oman’s ongoing progress in promoting integrity and transparency
Achieving this advanced ranking is an important milestone that enhances Oman’s international reputation and affirms its status as a reliable and attractive environment for work and investment. The Corruption Perceptions Index is widely recognized as one of the most credible global benchmarks, and Oman’s progress reflects its commitment to adopting best practices in protecting public funds, improving the efficiency of their use, and promoting a culture of integrity.