Oman has taken a big step towards enhancing its business environment with the establishment by royal decree of an ‘Investment and Commerce Court’ in Muscat.
The specialised court, overseen by the Supreme Judiciary Council, is designed to streamline the resolution of commercial and investment disputes, reinforcing legal certainty and investor confidence.
The areas of jurisdiction include foreign investment, corporate matters, bankruptcy, intellectual property, competition, and e-commerce.
Key procedural features of the court include the establishment of a case preparation office composed of judges and legal assistants, and the implementation of an electronic case system. The office will aim to ensure all legal procedures, documents, and fees are completed before cases proceed to trial.
The decree is set to come into effect on October 1, 2025, following its publication in the Official Gazette.
In terms of ongoing cases, the Supreme Judiciary Council has clarified that commercial and investment disputes already filed before the date of the court’s establishment will continue to be heard by the previous courts. These cases will remain under their jurisdiction until the Investment and Commerce Court begins its operations.
Oman is committed to advancing its judicial framework in line with Vision 2040.
