His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman has issued two Royal Decrees introducing a new law on cybercrime and amending provisions related to the nation’s cultural heritage legislation. The announcements were made on Monday following presentation before the Council of Oman.

Royal Decree No. 61/2026 formally promulgates the Law on Combating Cybercrime, replacing the previous framework governed by Royal Decree No. 12/2011. The new law aims to update and consolidate the legal measures addressing cyber offenses in Oman. It cancels any provisions conflicting with the new legislation and takes effect the day after its publication in the Official Gazette.

In parallel, Royal Decree No. 62/2026 introduces amendments to the Cultural Heritage Law, originally issued under Royal Decree No. 35/2019. The key modification revises Article Two of the original law to assign authority to the Minister of Heritage and Tourism—after coordinating with the Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth—to issue executive regulations and necessary decisions for implementing the law. Pending issuance of these new regulations, existing rules will remain in force, provided they do not contradict the amended law. Any conflicting provisions are repealed by this decree, which also becomes effective the day following its publication in the Official Gazette.

These legal updates reflect Oman’s ongoing efforts to strengthen governance in emerging areas such as cybercrime while refining the management and protection of its cultural heritage. The decrees underscore a coordinated approach involving multiple ministries to ensure effective enforcement and regulation.