Introduction
As the UK Lead at the Omani British Lawyers Association (OBLA), I had the privilege of attending the inaugural three-day Muscat Arbitration Days conference at the St. Regis Hotel, Al Mouj, Muscat. The event brought together an impressive assembly of legal leaders, arbitrators, academics, and institutional representatives from across the globe. What follows is a summary for the benefit of British Omani Society members, including our corporate members, highlighting not only the key themes of the conference but also what they mean for Oman Vision 2040 and foreign investors.
A Landmark Event for Oman’s Arbitration Ecosystem
The conference marked an important milestone in Oman’s steady emergence as a regional hub for commercial arbitration. Over the course of three days, participants engaged in panel discussions and workshops covering global trends in arbitration, investor-state dispute settlement, construction and energy disputes, maritime disputes, digital transformation in arbitral processes, and the development of institutions in emerging markets. The presence of senior figures from the Oman Commercial Arbitration Centre (OAC), regional arbitration centres, international law firms, and academia underscored the significance of the event.
Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs)
Several Memoranda of Understanding were signed with leading regional and international arbitration institutions, including the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA), Qatar International Centre for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA), GCC Commercial Arbitration Centre (GCCCAC), Bahrain Chamber for Dispute Resolution (BCDR), Asian Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution (AIADR), Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC), and the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (CRCICA). These agreements aim to enhance cross-border cooperation, strengthen institutional capacity, facilitate the exchange of best practices, and promote joint training and innovation initiatives. Collectively, they represent a strategic step toward positioning Oman as a trusted and influential arbitration hub, while building a more connected, efficient, and forward-looking arbitration ecosystem.
Alignment with Oman Vision 2040
Oman Vision 2040 places strong emphasis on economic diversification, competitiveness, and strengthening the business environment. A modern, credible, and efficient arbitration framework is central to this strategy. The conference highlighted how Oman’s recent reforms, such as modernised arbitration legislation modelled on UNCITRAL principles, improved judicial support for arbitration, and a stronger OAC, are directly aligned with Vision 2040’s objectives. These reforms enhance predictability, reduce transactional risk, and provide international businesses with the assurance that commercial disputes will be resolved fairly and efficiently.
What It Means for Foreign Investors
For foreign investors considering Oman as a jurisdiction for long-term investment, three themes dominated the discussions:
1. Regulatory Clarity
Clear, modern, and predictable rules governing arbitration are essential to investor confidence. Oman’s legislative reforms and institutional developments were widely recognised as steps in the right direction.
2. Enforceability and Judicial Support
A reliable system for enforcing arbitral awards and a judiciary that respects party autonomy, reduces risk for international businesses. The conference reaffirmed Oman’s progress on this front.
3. Institutional Professionalism and Capacity-Building
As I conveyed in my discussion with Dr Khalid bin Salem Al-Saidi, Chairman of the OAC, the next phase involves converting the strong networks, MoUs, and early momentum into sustained institutional growth. Developing top-tier arbitrators, embedding transparent procedures, and maintaining a culture of neutrality are crucial for building long-term trust among global investors.
Looking Ahead: Oman as a Regional Arbitration Hub
The inaugural Muscat Arbitration Days has laid the groundwork for Oman to strengthen its position as a trusted and sophisticated arbitral seat. With continued focus on regulatory refinement, institutional development, and international engagement, Oman is well placed to offer the stable dispute resolution environment demanded by global commercial actors. For Oman’s ambitions under Vision 2040 and for foreign investors seeking a reliable and strategically located jurisdiction, the message is clear: Oman is ready to lead, ready to innovate, and ready to provide the legal infrastructure essential for modern international commerce.
Mussadak Mirza
Barrister, Cobden House Chambers
Consultant Barrister (UK), Bait Al Qanoon, Muscat, Oman
UK Lead, Omani British Lawyers Association (OBLA)