The 2026 Mandatory Performance-Linked Salary Increment in Oman’s Private Sector

Executive Summary The Oman salary increment 2026 reform introduces a mandatory, performance-linked annual increase for Omani nationals employed in the private sector, effective 1 January 2026. Implemented through Ministerial regulation under Royal Decree No. 53/2023 (Labour Law), the framework establishes a structured increment scale ranging from 2% to 5% of basic salary, with 0% applicable … Read more

When “HSE Requirements” Become Scope Creep

Introduction In large EPC projects, especially those governed by FIDIC-based contracts, contractors are constantly required to balance two competing realities. On one hand, there is a genuine obligation to maintain high standards of health, safety, and environmental compliance. On the other hand, there is a growing tendency for employers and clients to use “HSE” as … Read more

Scenario Planning for Legal and Regulatory Risk

Executive Summary Legal and regulatory environments are increasingly volatile, fragmented, and shaped by rapid technological advancement. Traditional compliance models—based on static rules, jurisdiction-specific checklists, and incremental regulatory change—are no longer sufficient. They leave institutions vulnerable to blind spots, compliance failures, and governance challenges. This white paper argues that scenario planning provides a robust method for … Read more

Liability in the Age of Generative AI: Human Agency, Technology, and Proportionate Accountability

Executive Summary Generative artificial intelligence (AI), including large language models (LLMs) and multimedia‑capable chatbots, are reshaping society and law. These systems can produce output that is creative, useful, controversial, or harmful. Central to legal and policy debates is whether AI tools themselves should be held liable for objectionable outputs, or whether liability should instead lie … Read more

Copyright Ownership in the Age of Generative AI

Executive Summary The rapid adoption of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has raised fundamental questions about copyright ownership, authorship, and enforceability. Individuals and institutions increasingly rely on AI systems—such as large language models and image synthesis tools—to draft text, generate images, and assist with research. Yet, copyright law in most jurisdictions remains grounded in the concept … Read more

FIDIC Silver Book 2017 Clause 20 Explained: Employer’s and Contractor’s Claims Procedure

Introduction: The FIDIC Silver Book (2017 Edition) is widely recognized in international construction contracts for allocating risk and responsibility clearly between Employers and Contractors. Among its many clauses, Clause 20: Employer’s and Contractor’s Claims stands out as one of the most practical, critical, and potentially contentious. Why? Because claims — whether for additional payment, extension … Read more

Blockchain Records as Immutable Evidence — Why Legal Ownership Still Requires More Proof

Blockchain technology is often described as providing “immutable” and “tamper-proof” records of transactions. This immutability, grounded in cryptographic consensus mechanisms, allows blockchain entries to function as highly reliable evidence of digital activity. However, while blockchain records are powerful evidentiary tools, they do not in themselves establish legal ownership or title in the traditional sense. Ownership, … Read more

The Rise of Big Tech and the Imperative for Oversight

Introduction: In the past two decades, the digital landscape has undergone a profound transformation. Companies like Google, Meta (formerly Facebook), Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft have evolved from innovative startups into global behemoths, exerting unparalleled influence over economies, societies, and even democracies. Their reach spans continents, and their platforms have become integral to daily life. However, … Read more

Global Data Privacy Laws — Navigating the Complex Legal Landscape

Introduction: In an era where data is often termed the “new oil,” the protection of personal information has become paramount. Governments worldwide have enacted stringent data privacy laws to safeguard individuals’ personal data and ensure its responsible use. These regulations not only aim to protect citizens but also to foster trust in digital ecosystems. This … Read more

Cybersecurity — A Global Imperative in the Legal Landscape

Introduction: In an era where digital transformation is ubiquitous, cybersecurity has become a paramount concern across all sectors, including the legal profession. Law firms and legal professionals handle vast amounts of sensitive data, making them prime targets for cyberattacks. The implications of such breaches are profound, affecting client trust, professional reputation, and legal compliance. This … Read more