Who runs local government in Oman?
Oman is divided into 11 governorates, each run by a governor appointed by the Sultan, and 63 wilayats (provinces) headed by appointed walis. Since 2012 each governorate has a municipal council that mixes appointed members with two elected members from each wilayat; 126 seats were elected in 2022. Tribal sheikhs remain important intermediaries between citizens and the state.
Sultanate of Oman · Unitary absolute monarchy (sultanate) · Western Asia
The levels of government below the nation
| Level | How it is chosen | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Governorates (11) | Governor (muhafidh) appointed by royal decree; municipal council with appointed members plus elected members, chaired by an appointed chair | Since the 2022 Governorates System law, governorates manage local development and municipal services; councils advise on infrastructure, health, environment and social issues. |
| Wilayats (63) | Wali appointed through the Ministry of Interior | Represents the state locally, handles disputes, security and community affairs; elects two municipal councillors per wilayat. |
Three questions about local power in Oman
Are local leaders elected?
Two municipal councillors per wilayat are directly elected for four years (126 in 2022). Governors, walis, council chairs and the remaining councillors are appointed. Sheikhs are chosen within tribes and confirmed by the state.
Which laws set up local government?
Municipal councils are set up by the 2020 Municipal Councils Law and provided for in the 2021 Basic Statute (Article 64); governorates by royal decree. Tribal mediation is customary, but sheikhs' status is officially registered.
Who are local leaders accountable to?
Voters can replace elected councillors; councils are advisory and supervised by the Ministry of Interior; governors and walis answer to the Sultan and ministry. Sheikhs can be replaced with ministry approval.
Traditional and customary authority
Tribes remain a basic social unit. Tribal sheikhs and their deputies (rashids) are recognised by the Ministry of Interior, which approves their appointment after selection by the tribe; they mediate disputes, vouch for members in official dealings and convey needs to the wali. The Ibadi school of Islam, the official majority tradition, and the state-run Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs supervise mosques and religious teaching.
Community and neighbourhood power
Communities organise through mosque committees, the majlis (open gatherings at a sheikh's or wali's office) and charitable associations registered with the state. Elected municipal councillors and members of the elected Majlis al-Shura often act as brokers for local requests.
Points to know
- Oman ran its 2022 municipal elections fully online through a mobile app, a first in the region.
- UN Women counted just 1 woman among elected municipal councillors after 2022.
- The 2021 Basic Statute says administrative divisions and local administration are governed by royal decree, giving the Sultan wide control over local structures.
Local terms
- Wali
- An appointed governor of a wilayat (province).
- Sheikh / rashid
- Tribal leader and his deputy, recognised by the Ministry of Interior.
Sources
- Other elected representation (municipal councils), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sultanate of Oman, checked 14 October 2026
- Oman: local government profile, UN Women (Women in Local Government country profiles), checked 14 October 2026
- Oman Elections portal (official), Ministry of Interior, Sultanate of Oman, checked 14 October 2026
- Oman's Basic Statute of 1996 (rev. 2011); replaced by the 2021 Basic Statute, Constitute Project, checked 14 October 2026
See also: Oman's official statistics and leaders · the 10 levels of power.