Oman's Basic Statute makes the Sultan head of state and creates a two-chamber Council of Oman

Background

The Basic Statute of the State is Oman's constitution and represents the highest legislative authority in the Sultanate, regulating all the institutions of the State and their relations with citizens and residents.
It decrees that His Majesty the Sultan is Head of State and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and the symbol of national unity and its guardian.
Under the Basic Statute the Council of Ministers assists the Sultan in formulating State policy and is entrusted with its implementation.
The Basic Statute makes 'Shura' — a system of participation and consultation rooted in Omani tradition — the founding principle of Omani political life.
It therefore establishes the Council of Oman (Majlis Oman) as the body competent to pass or amend laws.
The Council of Oman has two chambers: the Shura Council (Majlis A’Shura), which is directly elected, and the State Council (Majlis A’Dawla), which is appointed by Royal Decree.
The Council of Oman also discusses development plans and the state budget, besides other powers set out in law.
The Basic Statute stipulates that the rule of law shall be the basis of governance, that the judiciary shall be independent, and that a person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a trial in which the right of defence is guaranteed.