Muscat – In a statement issued, the Council pointed out that the establishment of the Investment and Trade Court is a key step aimed at improving the investment and trade sector in line with Oman Vision 2040.

This move reflects the vision of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, who is keen to introduce and develop laws that foster a conducive environment for investment and trade in the Sultanate.
The SJC emphasized that the new court is a vital development in advancing the role of the judiciary and reinforcing the rule of law within the country. The court will have jurisdiction to hear a wide range of cases, primarily focused on commercial and investment activities. These include lawsuits involving merchants, disputes related to investment contracts, issues between business partners or shareholders, as well as cases related to foreign capital investment, maritime sales, banking operations, and insurance, among others.

However, the court will not handle cases such as those related to vehicle accidents, bankruptcy, intellectual property rights, or partnership agreements between the public and private sectors. The SJC clarified that lawsuits falling under the new court’s jurisdiction, filed before the law comes into effect on October 1, 2025, will continue to be handled by the appropriate courts.

The establishment of this specialised court aligns with the Supreme Judicial Council’s long-term strategic plan for 2024-2040, which focuses on developing Oman’s judicial system by incorporating global best practices. The goal is to enhance the efficiency of the judiciary, expedite legal proceedings, and contribute to the country’s economic growth by improving the business environment. Specialized courts like the Investment and Trade Court can resolve disputes more swiftly, offering prompt justice and fostering investor confidence.

The SJC also highlighted that the court’s creation is designed to provide a stable and predictable legal environment, which will attract both foreign and local investors. It will also enhance the competitiveness of the Omani economy, ensuring the protection of property rights, supporting e-commerce, and addressing issues related to monopolies and the protection of local products in international trade.
Further, the SJC noted that the new court will help reduce the burden on existing courts by establishing specialized judicial and administrative cadres. These professionals will facilitate faster processing of cases, thanks to an office dedicated to preparing lawsuits, verifying necessary data, and electronically managing documents to ensure a smooth litigation process.