Purchase OBG Publications

Prior to 1971 the Sharia Courts had jurisdiction over all civil and criminal matters, as well as personal status matters in the sultanate of Oman. However, after the succession of Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said, the judicial system was reformed in the sultanate, and Sharia Courts currently only govern matters relating to family disputes and inheritance. The 1996 Basic Statute of the State reshaped and codified the legal system in Oman, creating separate structures for the executive bodies, the judiciary, and the rights and obligations of individuals. The principles of the Basic Law entail that Oman is a free market based on cooperation between the public and private sectors. This chapter contains a viewpoint from Ben Ewing, Partner, CMS Oman.

The implementation of mandatory health insurance in March 2019 is expected to have major effects on care provision in Oman. New regulations now require private sector employers to provide coverage for their expatriate staff, as well as their spouses and children. This comes as the government takes prudent steps to tighten its budget and looks to shift the cost burden of provision, which has been historically reliant on public coffers, to the private sector. Along with increased government efforts to invite private sector participation in hospital and clinic construction through public-private partnerships, the new mandatory health insurance law presents a significant opportunity for providers and insurers to expand their presence in the local market.

Oman’s government continues to prioritise education as part of its broader plans to modernise the economy and provide jobs for its growing population. In recent years the focus at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels has been on innovation, as well as greater regulation and oversight of education quality. As it pushes for greater Omanisation in the local economy, the government is increasingly working to equip Omanis with the necessary skills to enter the job market. At the same time, it is encouraging the implementation of new academic and training programmes to keep abreast of the dynamic, knowledge-based global economy.

Blessed with scenic wadis (valleys), natural caves, islands, beaches and mountain ranges, and known for its ancient culture and hospitality, Oman has a lot to offer tourists. Its expanding economy and reputation for stability also draws visitors for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions from the region and beyond. The sector is central to government efforts to diversify the economy, and authorities have worked in recent years to streamline regulations and fast track infrastructure developments to facilitate visitors, such as building a new international airport and convention centre in Muscat. A steady stream of private investment in the hospitality sector is also contributing to improved services.

ICT was identified by the government as a key component of the sultanate’s long-term economic development strategy, Vision 2040, which calls for enhancing national technical capabilities, constructing vital ICT infrastructure and improving governance through the use of e-services. A government organisational shake-up has renewed focus on the sector, as authorities work to integrate technology such as artificial intelligence and internet of things applications into everyday life. The mobile segment is set to see the entrance of a third operator, while efforts to boost rural and urban high-speed internet access, upskill the workforce and provide support to local ICT start-ups remains a focus as Oman prepares for the next stage of digital transformation. This chapter contains an interview with Talal Al Mamari, CEO, Omantel.

Given that fishing and agriculture have historically formed central parts of Oman’s economy and society, it is not surprising that the country has the highest rate of food self-sufficiency in the GCC. Targeted investments to further enhance food security have seen the sector advance on all fronts – but most notably in terms of technology – as the government seeks ways to sustain a growing population and foster a more diverse economy. Support for innovative state-backed dairy, red meat and poultry projects continue to boost production and provide investment opportunities, while niche segments such as organic farming need more robust regulation. This chapter contains an interview with Saleh Mohammed Al Shanfari, CEO, Oman Food Investment Holding Company.