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Oman Commercial, Arbitration, Construction & Maritime Dispute Expertise

Oman’s economy, strategically located along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman, generates complex disputes in construction, energy, maritime, and cross-border commerce. With the introduction of modern legislation harmonized with international standards, Oman has become a reliable jurisdiction for commercial dispute resolution.

We deliver precise and sophisticated drafting, research, and strategic support in arbitration and litigation matters, ensuring compliance with Omani law while applying international best practices.

Arbitration and Dispute Resolution

Oman’s Arbitration Law is modeled on the UNCITRAL Model Law and supports both domestic and international arbitration. Oman is also a party to the New York Convention (1998), which ensures enforceability of arbitral awards.

Our arbitration services include:

  • Drafting claims and defenses under the Oman Commercial Arbitration Centre Rules, ICC, LCIA, and UNCITRAL;
  • Preparation of memorials, interim relief applications, and jurisdictional objections;
  • Advising on recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards in Omani courts;
  • Investor–state disputes under ICSID and bilateral treaties signed by Oman.

Construction and FIDIC Disputes

Oman’s construction sector is governed by FIDIC-based contracts, particularly in infrastructure, energy, and tourism megaprojects. Frequent disputes involve:

  • Delay and disruption claims, including extension of time (EOT);
  • Variations, change orders, and quantum disputes;
  • Wrongful termination and liquidated damages;
  • Dispute Adjudication Board (DAB) proceedings and subsequent arbitration.

We prepare robust submissions, supported by technical evidence and expert analysis tailored to Omani statutory requirements.

Maritime and Shipping Disputes

Oman’s long coastline and its ports (Sohar, Duqm, Salalah) make maritime law central to its economy. Disputes regularly include:

  • Charterparty disputes (demurrage, detention, cargo damage, deviation);
  • Ship arrest and release applications under the Maritime Code (RD 35/1981);
  • Marine insurance claims, collisions, salvage, and general average;
  • Drafting pleadings for enforcement of maritime liens and cargo recovery actions.

Banking, Finance, and Insurance Disputes

Oman’s financial system is dual-structured: governed by the Central Bank of Oman and the Capital Market Authority (CMA). We provide drafting and advisory support in:

  • Debt recovery and enforcement of security;
  • Banking fraud, misrepresentation, and breach of fiduciary duties;
  • Corporate insurance disputes including property, marine, and liability coverage;
  • Financial restructuring and insolvency litigation under the Commercial Companies Law.

Corporate and Commercial Litigation

Disputes in Oman frequently arise from commercial agency, joint ventures, and shareholder conflicts. We support with:

  • Breach of commercial agency agreements under RD 26/1977;
  • Drafting claims for shareholder oppression and corporate mismanagement;
  • Breach of contract, force majeure, and frustration;
  • Employment disputes, particularly termination of senior executives and expatriate labor disputes under the Labor Law (RD 35/2003).

Energy, Oil, and Gas Disputes

Oman’s oil and gas sector is a cornerstone of its economy. Typical disputes include:

  • EPC contracts and upstream joint ventures;
  • LNG sale and purchase agreements (SPAs), price review, and delivery obligations;
  • Production-sharing agreements and concession disputes;
  • Termination of long-term energy contracts.

Cross-Border and International Enforcement

Oman is a contracting state to the New York Convention, allowing enforcement of foreign arbitral awards. It has also signed multiple bilateral treaties, facilitating recognition of judgments and awards. Our expertise includes:

  • Drafting enforcement applications before Omani courts;
  • Cross-border asset recovery, including tracing and freezing applications;
  • Fraudulent transfer and creditor protection disputes.

Illustrative Matters

  • Drafting arbitration pleadings under ICC Rules for a $180m EPC contract dispute concerning delays in a petrochemical facility;
  • Preparing ship arrest documents in Sohar to secure claims for unpaid bunker supplies;
  • Enforcement memorandum for recognition of a London-seated arbitral award in Oman;
  • Drafting shareholder dispute pleadings in a joint venture involving $60m real estate project.

Important Note: Representation before Omani courts is reserved for licensed Omani advocates. Our services focus on high-level drafting, legal research, and strategic support to strengthen local representation and ensure alignment with international arbitration practice.