Muscat – His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik chaired a meeting of the Supreme Judicial Council at Al Barakah Palace on Monday.

At the outset of the meeting, His Majesty the Sultan underscored the fundamental role of the judiciary in serving justice and consolidating the principles of law and order. He stressed the need to regularly update the justice system in a manner that suits the requirements of time and the aspirations of citizens and in line with Oman Vision 2040.

His Majesty also stressed the need to continue serving justice promptly by accelerating litigation procedures, diminishing adjudication time and avoiding backlog of unresolved cases.

His Majesty the Sultan underlined the importance of developing the digital infrastructure of the judicial sector to support realisation of prompt justice and enhancing transparency. In this context, His Majesty the Sultan commended the Supreme Judicial Council’s 2024-2040 Strategy.

He laid emphasis on taking immediate action to implement the strategy’s operational plans.

His Majesty the Sultan expressed his satisfaction with the ‘qualitative shift’ – the tangible transformation – in the functioning of the judiciary, which, he observed, broadly met the aspirations of citizens, residents and investors by providing high-quality judicial services using modern technologies.

His Majesty the Sultan lauded the efforts of members of the Supreme Judicial Council and all other personnel, including judges, members of the Public Prosecution and notary public.

His Majesty the Sultan appreciated the Supreme Judicial Council members’ commitment to integrity in performing their duties. His Majesty gave his directives to intensify professional training and application of programmes for judges, Public Prosecution members and employees of the Supreme Judicial Council, to ensure that they keep pace with legal and technical developments. He also underlined the need to staff the council with specialised cadres.

Pursuant to his Royal keenness on the development and advancement of the investment sector and consolidation of the investment environment in Oman, His Majesty the Sultan gave his directives to finalise procedures for establishing the ‘Court of Investment and Trade’. The court will be mandated to adjudicate investment and settle commercial disputes in a prompt and professional manner.

His Majesty the Sultan pointed out that this step stems from Oman’s vision to promote the investment environment and attract capital by providing a specialised judiciary that supports growth of commercial activities and ensures protection of rights of litigants.

His Majesty the Sultan also gave his Royal directives to complete procedures to issue the Supreme Judicial Council’s organisational structure so that it can continue to provide high-quality judicial services that consolidate confidence in the rule of law.

At the conclusion of the meeting, His Majesty the Sultan reiterated his full support for the independence of the judiciary.

Royal Directive to establish trade court welcomed

The Supreme Judicial Council and Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) have praised the Royal Directive to establish the ‘Court of Investment and Trade’, which is expected to strengthen Oman’s legal framework and enhance its appeal to foreign investors.

Sayyid Mohammed bin Sultan al Busaidi, Deputy Chairman of Supreme Judicial Council, described the directive as a significant development for the judiciary. “The Court of Investment and Trade will handle lawsuits involving merchants and disputes arising from investment contracts. It will reduce the burden on general courts by deploying specialised judicial expertise at all levels of litigation,” he said.

Sayyid Mohammed added that commercial disputes require swift judicial procedures and the new court will provide expedited resolutions, facilitating a business-friendly environment for both merchants and investors.

He noted that the court’s establishment would help create a stable legal environment, making Oman more attractive to local and foreign investors while boosting the nation’s economic competitiveness. He emphasised that the court will complement ongoing government efforts to stimulate sustainable economic growth by improving the overall investment climate.

Faisal bin Abdullah al Rawas, Chairman of OCCI, highlighted the court’s potential to support Oman’s judiciary and serve as a cornerstone for attracting investments. “This initiative will strengthen the private sector by providing a specialised judiciary for investment and trade matters,” he said. He stressed that the court’s objective to resolve disputes efficiently aligns with Oman’s vision to develop its investment sector and attract capital.

Rawas further remarked that the court’s establishment will reassure investors by offering a robust legislative framework guaranteeing efficient dispute resolution in economic and commercial matters. “It will bolster confidence in Oman’s legal and business infrastructure.”