Introduction Selecting the appropriate legal structure is one of the most consequential strategic decisions a business makes in the Sultanate of Oman. The choice determines governance mechanisms, liability exposure, capital flexibility, regulatory burden, and long-term scalability. Despite the apparent simplicity of acronyms such as LLC, SAOC, and SAOG, the underlying legal and operational distinctions are … Read more
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
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
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
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
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
In the world of international construction contracts, disputes are inevitable, even in the best-managed projects. The FIDIC Silver Book (2017 Edition) anticipates this reality and provides a clear framework for resolving disputes efficiently. At the heart of this framework lies Clause 21 — “Disputes and Arbitration.” Understanding this clause is critical for contract administrators, project … Read more
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
The FIDIC Silver Book (2017 Edition), officially titled Conditions of Contract for EPC/Turnkey Projects, is specifically designed for Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) projects where the Contractor undertakes full responsibility for delivering a complete, functioning facility at a fixed price and within a fixed timeframe. Unlike the FIDIC Red or Yellow Books, the Silver Book … Read more
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