Latest news with #ArbitrationLawinCivilandCommercialDisputes
Muscat Daily
09-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
State Council discusses draft laws and income diversification study
Muscat – The State Council convened on Tuesday for its eighth session of the second ordinary term of the eighth period, during which it reviewed several key legislative proposals and strategic studies aimed at enhancing Oman's legal and economic frameworks. The session, chaired by H.E. Sheikh Abdulmalik Abdullah Al Khalili, Chairman of the State Council, discussed the Real Estate Registry Law, the Draft Law Amending Certain Provisions of the Arbitration Law in Civil and Commercial Disputes (Royal Decree No. 47/97), and the Civil Society Organisations Law. The Council examined the opinion of the Legal Committee regarding the Real Estate Registry Law, as referred by the Council of Ministers. The proposed legislation aims to strengthen legal safeguards for property owners and beneficiaries, simplify property registration procedures and real estate transactions, and introduce digital documentation, including electronic title deeds integrated with government systems. These measures are aligned with the sultanate's national digital transformation strategy. The session also considered the opinion of the Social and Cultural Committee on the Civil Society Organisations Law. The draft law provides a comprehensive framework for the regulation and operation of civil society entities, including associations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), professional societies, volunteer groups, and expatriate clubs. It aims to enhance their role in community development while addressing regulatory challenges posed by the current legal framework. Additionally, the Council reviewed proposed amendments to the Arbitration Law in Civil and Commercial Disputes. The changes are intended to align national legislation with international standards in arbitration, thereby improving the credibility and efficiency of dispute resolution mechanisms. The amendments are expected to boost investor confidence and support Oman's aspirations to become a regional centre for commercial arbitration, in line with Oman Vision 2040. Beyond legislative matters, the Council reviewed a study conducted by the Special Committee on Mechanisms for Diversifying Income Sources in Oman . The study highlights challenges to fiscal sustainability, pinpoints inefficiencies in current revenue streams, and proposes strategic solutions to enhance economic resilience. It also recommends legislative and governance reforms aligned with the objectives of the 11th Five-Year Development Plan. The session concluded with the presentation of a report by the General Secretariat outlining the Council's recent activities.
Muscat Daily
20-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Majlis A'Shura calls for review of SME hiring policy
Muscat – The Ministry of Labour directive requiring commercial establishments operating for more than a year to employ at least one Omani citizen within 30 days of notification came under scrutiny in Majlis A'Shura on Tuesday. The issue was raised in an urgent statement by Mohammed Nasser al Mahrouqi, representative of the wilayat of Sinaw, during a session chaired by H E Khalid bin Hilal al Maawali on Tuesday. Mahrouqi said the directive caught many micro, small and medium-sized businesses by surprise, noting that the mandatory hiring requirement, coupled with a minimum monthly salary of RO325, poses a heavy financial burden particularly on firms in rural areas. While expressing support for Omanisation, Mahrouqi called for a more comprehensive and evidence-based national employment strategy. He urged exemption for micro and small enterprises and phased implementation of the directive in medium-sized enterprises. In another urgent statement, Mohammed Khamis al Husseini, representative from Samail, highlighted the poor performance of several food security projects despite significant state investment. He attributed the failure to flawed feasibility studies, bureaucratic inefficiencies and weak management. Husseini called for a full review of government-supported food security initiatives and recommended restructuring, partnerships with strategic investors or liquidation of underperforming entities. He noted the increasing importance of domestic food production amid rising global supply constraints and export restrictions. Mohammed Nasser al Mahrouqi, Majlis A'Shura representative of the wilayat of Sinaw The session approved two key draft laws with amendments – the Arbitration Law in Civil and Commercial Disputes and the draft Real Estate Registry Law – both referred by the government. Dr Ahmed Ali al Saadi, Chairman of the Legislative and Legal Committee, said the amendments to the arbitration law aim to streamline procedures, enhance fairness and align Oman's legal framework with international standards. He added that the Real Estate Registry Law will modernise the sector by introducing electronic documentation and ownership systems to ensure transparency and efficiency, while integrating the sector with Oman's broader digital infrastructure. The session also approved a report by the Public Services and Utilities Committee regarding a draft air transport agreement between Oman and the Kyrgyz Republic. Hamoud Ahmed al Yahyai, chairman of the committee, said the agreement would enhance civil aviation cooperation and support trade and tourism links. Other draft laws reviewed included the National Spatial Data Law, Unified Industrial Regulation for GCC Countries and the draft Sports Bodies Law. The shura is scheduled to reconvene on Wednesday to review the draft Civil Society Institutions Law.
