Sunday 01 / November / 2026
Muscat: Anyone who deliberately insults Oman's flag or emblem, whether by lowering it, destroying it or through any other act expressing hatred or contempt, shall face imprisonment for a period of not less than three months and not more than three years.
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has issued Royal Decree No. 99/2026 amending certain provisions of the Law Concerning the State Flag, Emblem and National Anthem.
Under the amendments, Article 16 has been replaced to extend the same punishment to anyone who deliberately insults the national anthem verbally, in writing, through gestures, by distorting it or through any other act expressing hatred or contempt.
The decree also replaces Annexes 1 and 2 of the existing law, covering the specifications and dimensions of the national flag and the state emblem.
Additionally, a final paragraph has been added to Article 14, allowing the national anthem to be performed in other circumstances, at places and on occasions specified by a decision of the competent authority, subject to approval by the Council of Ministers.
The decree repeals any provisions that contradict or conflict with the amendments and shall come into effect on the day following its publication in the Official Gazette.
