Oman' development process continues to proceed on course to meet the needs of the nation and its citizens. Since improving the lives of all Oman's citizens is the ultimate the goal of the country economic ,cultural and social development, His Majesty strongly believes they should work alongside government in a genuine partnership. Institutions have been set up to enable the citizen to play his part in serving his nation and society. The establishment of the Council of Oman (Majlis Oman) – which comprises the State Council (Majlis al Dawla) and the Consultation Council (Majlis al Shura) – was a major historic landmark demonstrating the determination of Sultan Qaboos to fulfil his promise to expand the Omani Shura (consultation) system.
Speaking at the opening of the Council of Oman’s fifth term on 31st October 2011, His Majesty described the step-by-step development of the consultative process as follows: “Our aim is to establish the consultative process on firm principles and stable foundations, which will enable it to develop naturally to meet the requirements of each phase of national action, while also responding to the community’s needs and at the same time – by applying wisdom to its vision of the future and the steps it takes – keeping space with its aspirations to contribute more effectively to the decision-making process in the higher interests of the country and its citizens.”