Sur SC were the defending champions, having won the 1995–96 Omani League season.

Oman Club emerged as the champions of the 1996–97 Omani League with a total of 49 points.

This season the number of teams in the league had decreased from 14 to 12.

Al-Ahli Club, Buraimi SC, Al-Khaboura SC and Mirbat SC were relegated to the Second Division League after finishing in the relegation zone in the 1995–96 season.

The four relegated teams were replaced by Second Division League teams Sohar SC and Fanja SC.