The Middle East

OBG’s partner Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, provides a detailed review of the rules and regulations that are applicable to foreign entities doing business in Oman, covering current trends and possible legislative changes. This chapter contains a viewpoint from Bruce Palmer, Managing Partner, Curtis, Mallet-Prevost in Oman.

OBG’s partner, PwC provides information relating to tax in Oman, including coverage of income tax laws, exemptions and administration. This chapter contains a viewpoint from Kenneth MacFarlane, Country Senior Partner, PwC.

Industrial zones, port developments, railways and fisheries projects are but a few examples of how public and private investments are transforming Oman’s regions. Some 87m sq metres of land has been allocated for industrial estates in Sohar, Salalah and Duqm, at a total investment of $9.4bn. The range of new industrial projects shows a clear development strategy aimed at regional economic...

Though the global financial crisis and delays in hotel construction and infrastructure upgrades have hampered growth, the government and private sector are ramping up promotional activities, hospitality projects and other investments within the industry to meet new demand. Macroeconomic indicators show that the sultanate is on track for continuous, sustainable growth in both its business and...

Major investments in schools and universities have highlighted Oman’s commitment to revamping its education system according to the needs of a diversified, knowledge-based economy. The government has spearheaded initiatives targeting higher education, vocational programmes and research facilities. Efforts are under way to better align graduates’ skills with the demands of the job market. While...

The health care sector was allocated 4% of the total 2013 budget, or some $1.3bn, which represented a 32% increase on 2012. The occurrence of non-communicable diseases has grown significantly in recent years, and the government has responded with plans for various large-scale projects, hospitals, health centres and prevention programmes, illustrating its commitment to addressing these challenges...