DirectDemocracyS

Global Direct Democracy

National Program of the Sultanate of Oman

Political · Economic · Financial · Social

A comprehensive analysis of the current situation and an integrated roadmap towards genuine democracy and sustainable prosperity for the Omani people.

2026

Introduction: A message from DirectDemocracyS to the Omani people

The DirectDemocracyS (DDS) system addresses the Omani people in all their cultural, tribal and religious diversity, carrying a clear and explicit message: Oman’s wealth — its oil, gas, coasts and ancient cultural heritage — is an inherent and exclusive right of its people alone, and no one, no matter how high their rank, may monopolize it or dispose of it without the will of the citizens.

We do not bring destabilizing revolutionary projects, nor empty slogans. We bring a direct, technological, advanced, and practical democratic system that enables every Omani man and woman—in the city and the countryside, in Salalah, Muscat, Sur, Al Dakhiliyah, Dhofar, and Musandam—to be a true decision-maker in their life and their country.

We respect Islam and its values, we respect tribal and family traditions, and we respect the unique Omani identity. Our system does not negate any part of this heritage; rather, it provides a participatory framework that ensures every voice is heard and every right is preserved.

Part One: Diagnosing the Reality — A Critique of the Current Situation in Oman

1.1 Political System: Absolute Monarchy without True Democracy

The Sultanate of Oman is an absolute hereditary monarchy. Since assuming power in January 2020, succeeding Sultan Qaboos, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said has concentrated all legislative, executive, and judicial powers in his hands. Oman has no political parties, no legitimate opposition, no presidential elections, and no referendums.

The State Council (85 members) is entirely appointed by the Sultan, while the Consultative Council (86 elected members) has purely advisory powers and no actual legislative authority. The Sultan possesses absolute veto power over all matters.

Documented facts — Freedom House

● Oman's classification: "Not free" — Political rights score: 6/40 — Civil liberties: 17/60

● Citizenship Law (February 2025): Allows the withdrawal of citizenship from those who “insult” the Sultan or “harm the interests” of the state — a vague formulation used to silence dissent

● Media Law (November 2024): Grants the Ministry of Information the power to close media outlets without judicial review, and criminalizes content that “violates public morals.”

● Punishment for criticizing the Sultan: Imprisonment from 3 to 7 years

● Documented enforced disappearances of citizens who criticized unemployment and subsidy policies on social media

1.2 The Economy: Over-reliance on oil and structural fragility

The Omani economy suffers from a severe dependence on oil and gas, which accounted for 74% of government revenue in 2024 and 35% of GDP. This dependence makes the public budget vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices.

GDP per capita: $44,400 annually (2023) — a high figure that masks an unequal distribution. The state controls most economic sectors through government-owned enterprises that stifle competition and restrict the private sector.

Key figures — The Omani economy 2024-2026

● GDP growth 2024: 1.6% — Projected 2026: 2.6-4%

● Public debt: 36.1% of GDP (2025) — down from 60% in 5 years

● Foreign direct investment: 4.4% of GDP (2023) — declining

● Spending on defense and security: 20.7% of government spending — among the highest rates globally

● Official unemployment: 3.6% — but it reaches 10.3% among women

● The private sector suffers from the dominance of state-owned enterprises and weak competitiveness

1.3 Corruption and Intertwined Interests

The Portuguese BTI 2026 audit report documents that members of the royal family and senior government officials are directly involved in companies that secure major government contracts. Oman’s two largest business groups (SABCO and Al Yousef Group) are controlled by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Commerce, either personally or through their immediate relatives.

The Audit Bureau dealt with 115 corruption cases in 2023, but none of them included any of the major political or economic figures actually involved in conflicts of interest.

1.4 The labor market and the migrant labor crisis

Out of a population of 5 million, 2.69 million are employed, 43% of whom are expatriates. The sponsorship system (kafala) remains in place despite promises to abolish it, a system that leaves hundreds of thousands of migrant workers vulnerable to exploitation.

Amnesty International has documented cases of passport confiscation, travel bans, and delayed salary payments. The vast disparities between public and private sector salaries are driving young Omanis to cling to government jobs, weakening the private sector and hindering economic diversification.

1.5 Women: Systematic discrimination in law and practice

The new Nationality Law (2025) perpetuates discrimination: Omani women married to foreigners cannot pass on their nationality to their children under the same conditions as men. Divorce, inheritance, custody, and legal guardianship laws still contain loopholes that disadvantage women. Women's participation in the labor market is low, and their unemployment rate is five times higher than men's.

1.6 Freedom of Expression and the Media: Systematic Repression

All media outlets—both state-run and private—follow the government line. Journalists are required to obtain official licenses. Independent journalists, bloggers, and social media users are subject to arrest and prosecution under vaguely worded laws that criminalize “disturbing public order” or “offending religious values.”

The government monitors private conversations, blocks websites, and demands user data from service providers. Self-censorship is deeply ingrained in the media community.

 

Part Two: DirectDemocracyS System — The Complete Solution

2.1 What is DirectDemocracyS?

DirectDemocracyS (DDS) is not a political party, nor a protest movement. It is a comprehensive global system of direct democracy, built on rigorous and practical logic, that ensures that the wealth of each country and its decision-making power remain permanently and exclusively in the hands of its people.

The system works in all countries of the world, whether they are flawed democracies or authoritarian regimes. In countries without elections or ruled by a single party or ruling family, the DDS enables the people to build their true democratic power peacefully, intelligently, and safely, without any violence or direct confrontation with the existing authority.

2.2 Fundamental Non-Negotiable Principles

DDS Foundational Principles

① The wealth of each country remains exclusively for its people — not for ruling families or foreign companies

2. Every decision concerning the people is taken by the people — directly and continuously.

③ Democracy is complete, genuine, continuous, rapid, competent, and secure — not merely formal representation.

④ No rigid ideology: Logic, evidence, and reality are the only guides

5. Full respect for all cultures, religions, languages, minorities, and traditions in every country.

⑥ Complete protection from media manipulation and systematic brainwashing

2.3 Fractal Structure: Small Groups — Large Force

At the heart of the system is the fractal structure of micro-groups. Every citizen begins by joining a group of five or more people in their neighborhood, village, or workplace. These micro-groups unite and expand in a hierarchical, ascending manner.

Fractal structure of groups

Level 1: 1 core group = 5 individuals (they choose a representative)

Level Two: 5 groups = 25 individuals (forming a neighborhood or sector unit)

Level Three: 25 groups = 125 individuals (forming a local area unit)

Level Four: 125 groups = 625 individuals (forming a governorate unit)

Level 5 and above: up to the national and global level

At each level, representatives are elected directly from the lower level. No one is appointed from above. Power flows from the bottom up, not the other way around. Representatives are bound to implement the will of their groups (mandatory mandate), and are immediately removed if they betray the trust of their constituents.

In Oman specifically: The first groups begin discreetly and securely in neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and residential complexes. There are no public meetings initially. Everything is done through DDS's secure, encrypted platforms.

2.4 ddsAI and allddsAI: Artificial Intelligence in the Service of the People

DSAI is DDS's internal artificial intelligence system, acting as a neutral technical advisor to every group and every citizen. It provides complete, accurate, and impartial information on every topic up for voting or decision, free from political and media influence.

allddsAI is the most comprehensive system that brings together the views and inputs of all AI systems integrated into DDS globally, to form an “AI democracy” that complements and deepens human democracy without replacing it.

What ddsAI / allddsAI does for every Omani citizen

● Providing each user with complete, documented, and impartial information on each case

● Analyze proposals and policies, highlighting strengths and weaknesses with complete honesty.

● Protection from propaganda, biased media, and manipulation of public opinion

● Supporting expert groups with reliable data to make informed decisions

● Operating with complete independence — not subject to any government, party, or commercial interest

2.5 NTCO: National Verification and Trust Organization

The NTCO (National Trust and Certification Organization) is the independent body responsible for verifying the identity of all DDS members and ensuring the integrity of democratic processes. It operates a three-code identity system that protects members' identities and prevents fraud and manipulation.

2.6 GUMI-SV: Unified Global Governance

GUMI-SV is the global coordination structure of the DDS, which ensures coordination between different national units and allows for the exchange of experiences and solutions between peoples, while fully preserving the independence of each country and the sovereignty of its people over their resources and decisions.

 

Section Three: Oman's Political Program

3.1 Towards a genuine participatory democracy within the specific context of the Gulf region

We recognize that Oman is a country with a unique and highly sensitive cultural, historical, and geopolitical context. We are not calling for the abolition of the monarchy overnight, nor for any confrontation with the existing authority. The path we propose is carefully considered, gradual, and entirely peaceful.

Phase One: Building awareness and grassroots organization (Years 1-3)

• Establishing the first small groups safely in neighborhoods, schools, and communities
• The Omani ddsAI platform was launched in Arabic, accompanied by content that reflects Omani identity.
• Developing a secure and encrypted communication network that protects the identity of participants.
• Coordination with regional and global DDS networks to support the Omani experience
• Focus on immediate, practical issues: unemployment, cost of living, quality of education and health

Phase Two: Democratic Pressure and Reform (Years 3-7)

• Forming parallel consultative councils at the governorate and state levels
• Submitting well-considered and documented proposals to the Shura Council through official channels
• The demand to expand the powers of the Shura Council to include actual legislative authority.
• Demanding a press law that guarantees freedom of expression and protects journalists
• The demand is to abolish the entire sponsorship system and implement fair and international labor standards.
• Gradual disclosure of corruption files through civil and legal channels

Stage Three: Full Democracy (Years 7-15)

• Genuine competitive elections at the municipal and provincial levels
• Transforming the Shura Council into a parliament with genuine legislative authority
• A new participatory constitution drafted by committees directly elected by the people.
• Ensuring that oil, gas, land, and marine resources remain the collective property of the Omani people
• A transparent sovereign wealth fund subject to direct public oversight

3.2 Key political issues addressed by the program

Freedom of expression and the media

We demand the repeal of all legal provisions that criminalize criticism of government policies, and a clear distinction between criticizing authority (a legitimate right) and violating national unity (a genuine crime). We propose a media law that guarantees press independence, prohibits discretionary licensing, and ensures the protection of journalists' sources.

Independent judiciary and the rule of law

A radical overhaul of the judicial system: complete independence from the executive branch, abolishing the Sultan’s authority as a supreme appeals court, and establishing an independent constitutional court to review the Sultan’s decrees.

Women: Full rights and genuine equality

Amend the nationality law to guarantee full equality between men and women in granting citizenship to their children. Reform divorce, custody, inheritance, and guardianship laws. Enact explicit legislation criminalizing domestic violence. Implement training and financial programs to promote women's participation in the labor market.

 

Section Four: The Economic Program

4.1 Freeing the economy from oil constraints

Oman’s economic focus on oil and gas represents a risky long-term gamble. The diversification process under “Oman Vision 2040” will remain slow and limited unless accompanied by genuine political reforms and governance. DDS proposes a comprehensive liberalization path:

First: The National People's Wealth Fund

Establish a transparent sovereign wealth fund subject to direct public oversight through the DDS platform. Every Omani citizen would have access to the fund's budget and investment decisions and would vote on its priorities. A portion of oil and gas revenues would be distributed directly to citizens (for example, the Alaska Permanent Fund's dividend model, which distributes approximately $1,000-$2,000 annually to each citizen).

A concrete example: What if the Alaska model were applied in Oman?

Oman's oil revenues are estimated at more than $20 billion annually.

If 20% of the revenues were distributed directly to 3.5 million Omani citizens

This means: more than $1,100 (approximately 420 Omani Riyals) per citizen annually

Without compromising government spending on health, education, and infrastructure.

Second: Economic diversification — strategic sectors

• Sustainable tourism: Oman boasts an exceptional natural environment (the Empty Quarter desert, the Hajar Mountains, beaches, Wadi Shams). A national community-based tourism program is directly managed by local people, with the proceeds distributed locally.
• The blue economy: The strategic location on the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman enables the development of fishing, desalination, marine energy, and logistics port industries. The ports of Salalah and Sohar have enormous untapped potential.
• Renewable energy: Oman enjoys exceptional solar radiation and wind power. Solar and wind energy projects could provide 40% of the country's energy by 2035, instead of the targeted 30%, while reducing reliance on fossil fuels domestically and freeing up gas for export.
• Technological agriculture: Vertical farming and hydroponics techniques in arid environments. A smart water conservation and irrigation system that revives traditional agriculture (aflaj) and brings it into the digital age.
• Technology and the digital economy: Digital economic zones attract global technology companies. A national program to train young Omanis in data science, artificial intelligence, and information security.

4.2 Reforming the work and operation system

For Omanis

• Gradually unify salaries between the public and private sectors with competitive incentives for employers.
• An accelerated vocational training program prepares 50,000 young people annually for real growth sectors.
• Easy credit grants for rural residents to establish agricultural, tourism and craft projects
• Eliminating the exclusive privileges granted to the children of influential families in government contracts

For expatriate workers

• Abolish the sponsorship system immediately and replace it with employment contracts subject to international law.
• The right of a foreign worker to change employers without needing their consent
• Strict legal guarantees for timely salary payments, with deterrent penalties for violators.
• A popular oversight system to protect workers through the DDS application

 

Section Five: The Financial Program

5.1 Reforming the tax system

Oman has decided to implement a personal income tax starting in 2028 (5% on amounts exceeding 42,000 Omani rials annually). The DDS supports this approach but proposes a broader framework:

• A progressive tax on large accumulated wealth, especially undeveloped real estate and profits from government contracts.
• Tax on unearned profits from the exploitation of natural resources (windfall tax)
• Full and mandatory disclosure of the assets of government officials and companies owned by the ruling family.
• Gradual elimination of untargeted subsidies with direct compensation to actual citizens in need

5.2 Financial Transparency and Public Oversight

Oman's general budget is currently published in general terms, but it lacks sufficient detail regarding the spending of the ruling family and its companies. DDS suggests:

• A transparent electronic platform that allows every citizen to track every riyal of public funds.
• An independent, popularly elected oversight body reviews all government contracts.
• A complete ban on government officials contracting with their own companies or those of their relatives.
• Quarterly reports from the sovereign wealth fund are discussed in direct public forums.

5.3 Towards a Post-Oil Economy: Long-Term Financial Planning

Proposed fiscal timetable for Oman 2026-2040

2026-2030: Establishment of the National People's Fund — Diversification of investments towards tourism, energy and technology

2030-2035: Increase the share of the non-oil sector to 80% of GDP (from 73% currently).

2035-2040: Achieving full financial independence from oil revenues in funding basic services

2040+: Oman a model of economic democracy in the region — distributed wealth and transparent governance

 

Section Six: The Social Program

6.1 Education: The Deepest Investment in Oman's Future

Oman's education spending is around 5% of GDP—a reasonable figure, but the challenge lies in quality and direction. Current curricula focus on rote memorization and exclude critical thinking, creativity, and civic engagement.

• A radical overhaul of the curriculum: including critical thinking, negotiation skills, civic engagement, and the true history of Oman.
• Specialized technical and vocational education linked to the real needs of the labor market, not to the requirements of the state.
• A co-educational system that combines science, technology, arts, and Omani heritage into one system.
• ddsAI educational app: A free platform for every student that provides personalized and adaptive education.
• Scholarship programs for outstanding students from rural areas and remote provinces

6.2 Health: A fundamental right, not a privilege

Oman has a relatively good health infrastructure compared to the region, but there is a noticeable disparity between cities and rural areas, and between citizens and expatriate workers.

• Comprehensive health coverage for all Omani citizens without exception
• Healthcare for migrant workers is mandatory and funded by employers.
• Expanding the network of health centers in remote provinces and states
• A national preventive program for chronic diseases (diabetes and heart disease) that are prevalent in Oman
• ddsAI Health Platform: Reliable and free medical consultations in Arabic

6.3 Housing and Infrastructure

• A social housing program funded by the state and managed by elected local popular councils.
• An integrated public transport network across the governorates (buses, Muscat Metro, railway with Emirates)
• Projects to revive old cities (Muttrah, Nizwa, Salalah) by their own people and for their benefit
• Developing high-speed internet in rural areas as a national priority

6.4 Environment and Climate Change

Oman is among the world's most vulnerable countries to climate change impacts: rising temperatures, water scarcity, frequent cyclones, and rising sea levels. Managing these risks requires well-informed, grassroots decisions, not top-down technocratic ones.

• A strict national environmental law to stop the unregulated exploitation of marine and terrestrial resources
• National program for reforestation of coasts and mountains and protection of biodiversity
• Investment in renewable energy-powered desalination plants
• A climate adaptation fund finances the protection of coastal and rural communities.

 

Section Seven: Implementing the DDS System in Oman — A Detailed Roadmap

7.1 Why is the DDS system specifically suitable for the Omani context?

Oman is unlike any other country. Its people are conservative and deeply attached to their tribal and religious identity and heritage. At the same time, they are a young nation eager for self-expression and agency. DDS provides the ideal bridge between these two dimensions: conservative identity and democratic aspirations.

The system does not impose a Western model. It does not imitate the American or European experience. It is a system adaptable to every culture, and Oman will develop its own version that springs from its roots and respects its values.

7.2 First Steps: How Every Omani Citizen Gets Started

Roadmap for the Omani citizen with DDS

Step 1: Securely register on the DDS platform via the app or website — secure encrypted identity

Step 2: Join a small group (5+ people) in the same neighborhood, workplace, or university

Step 3: Training via ddsAI: How to participate, make decisions, vote, and choose representatives

Step 4: Begin by discussing and voting on specific local issues: school, road, health facility

Step 5: Gradual expansion from the local level to the state level, then to the provincial level, and finally to the national level.

7.3 Security and protection under an authoritarian regime

We recognize that belonging to any political movement in present-day Oman carries risks. Therefore, DDS has designed a comprehensive protection system:

• Multi-layered encryption (end-to-end encryption) for all communications and data
• Encrypted identity: Each member carries an internally anonymous but tamper-proof code.
• There are no central databases that can be hacked or seized — data is distributed across global servers.
• Emergency protocols: In the event that members are subjected to questioning, automatic protection protocols are activated.
• International legal support: An international network of volunteer lawyers supporting detained DDS members
• Diplomatic networks: DDS connects its members with international human rights organizations for political lobbying.

7.4 DDS's Financial Sustainability in Oman

Establishment phase: Funding comes from symbolic voluntary subscriptions from members worldwide, and from the DDS International Support Fund. No reliance on foreign government funding — complete independence.

Maturity stage: As the Omani base expands, local subscriptions will cover all operating costs. DDS will launch self-funded digital products and consulting services.

 

Section Eight: Oman in the Regional and Global System

8.1 Oman's unique geopolitical role

Oman possesses an exceptional negotiating advantage in the region: it is the only country that maintains diplomatic relations with all the opposing parties in the region—Iran, Saudi Arabia, Israel, the Houthis, and the West. This unique mediating role gives Oman diplomatic influence far exceeding its size.

DDS reinforces this role: genuine democracy in Oman will make it an inspiring model not only in the Gulf but throughout the Islamic world. “Democracy compatible with Islam and Arab heritage”—this is the new dimension that democratic Oman will acquire.

8.2 Relations with the Gulf States

• Maintaining membership in the Gulf Cooperation Council while developing an integrated model that respects popular sovereignty.
• Negotiating economic agreements to protect Omani resources from Emirati domination in the northern governorates
• Supporting regional peace processes from the position of a trusted, neutral mediator

8.3 International Relations

• Renegotiating oil and gas contracts to ensure a fair and sustainable return for the Omani people
• Technological partnerships to transfer knowledge, not to import dependency
• Active membership in the international DDS system: exchanging experiences with successful democratic experiences globally.

 

Section Nine: Expected Outcomes and Future Scenarios

9.1 Current Situation Scenario (without DDS)

If the current situation continues without radical reform:

• A gradual decline in oil revenues as reserves are expected to be depleted within 20-30 years
• High unemployment rates among Omani youth and growing political frustration
• Increased reliance on foreign labor and a widening social gap
• The risk of instability in the medium term is high due to declining oil revenues and rising demands.
• The continued concentration of wealth in the hands of a ruling family and a narrow elite, rather than the people as a whole.

9.2 DDS Scenario (Expected Results After System Implementation)

Expected results within 5 years of application

● Significant improvement in press freedom and freedom of expression indicators

● Fairer distribution of natural resource revenues — reduced income gap

● The growth of a genuine private sector, free from the dominance of state-owned enterprises

● The percentage of women participating in the labor market has increased from 25% to more than 40%

● Abolishing the sponsorship system and improving working conditions for millions of expatriates

Expected results within 10-15 years

● Oman is the first Gulf state to adopt full direct democracy while preserving its Islamic and tribal identity.

● Non-oil GDP exceeds 80% — a diversified and sustainable economy

● A transparent, public sovereign wealth fund that distributes its returns to all citizens

● Oman is a regional hub for diplomacy, mediation, tourism, and sustainable technology

● An inspiring model for the Islamic world: Democracy, Islam, and development are not contradictory

 

Conclusion: A message of hope to every Omani man and woman

The Omani people are an ancient people—heirs to a glorious maritime civilization that stretched from Muscat to Zanzibar, and who have preserved their identity for centuries in the face of the most powerful colonial forces. This people does not need to be told how to govern themselves; they only need the tools and the platform to do so.

DirectDemocracyS offers these tools. It has no foreign agenda, nor does it sell the illusion of imported Western democracy. It says simply and confidently: that every Omani man and woman deserves to be a true partner in shaping their country's future, and that the wealth of this great land should belong to its children and grandchildren.

The path is long and not easy. But it is the only one that leads to lasting dignity, not temporary luxury, and to peace built on justice, not tranquility built on fear.

Oman for Omanis — and power always to the people

DirectDemocracyS — The global system of direct democracy

www.directdemocracys.org | ddsAI | allddsAI | GUMI-SV | NTCO