We, Qaboos bin Said, the Sultan of Oman
after perusal of the Law Governing the Administrative Apparatus of the State 26/75 and its amendments,
and Decrees 53/75, 12/76, and 14/76,
and based on the matters presented to Us by the Minister of Information and Culture after its review by the Diwan of Legislation,
and in pursuance of public interest,
have decreed as follows
Article 1
The Ministry of Information and Culture “Cultural Affairs” is hereby competent with the following tasks:
1. Reviving folk arts and promoting theatre, music, cinema, fine arts, and related arts, within the framework of Omani traditions and in a manner that helps raise the cultural level of citizens.
2. Censoring artistic works and the application of laws relating to the protection of public morals and the prevailing beliefs in society in the various fields of artistic production.
3. Holding local and international cultural exhibitions in a manner that contributes to cultural rapprochement between Oman and the states of the world.
4. Establishing contacts with Arab and international cultural bodies and organisations and coordinating in this regard with the Ministry of National Heritage with regard to its mandates.
5. Issuing publications of a cultural nature that contribute to spreading awareness among citizens.
Article 2
All that is contrary to the provisions of this decree from decrees or laws preceding its issuance is hereby repealed.
Article 3
This decree must be published in the Official Gazette, and comes into force on the date of its publication.
Issued on: 17 Rabi Al-Thani 1397
Corresponding to: 6 April 1977
Qaboos bin Said
Sultan of Oman
Published in Official Gazette 123 issued on 16 April 1977.