OMAN Law and Practice Contributed by: Mohammed Al Khalili, Jenna Al Bakry, Joud Lashko and Abdullah Al Raiisi, Al Khalili, Al Ghailani & Co LLP
• multiparty arbitration under articles 4 (3) and 10; • conciliatory settlement converted into enforceable arbitral awards under article 41; and • judicial enforcement of such awards under Articles 55–58. These provisions collectively provide a coherent pro- cedural infrastructure for collective dispute resolu- tion in the absence of formal class action legislation, ensuring that multiparty grievances may be addressed through binding, enforceable and confidential arbitral processes consistent with Omani public policy and legal tradition. 3.13 Judgments and Enforcement of Judgments Judgments rendered in collective or multiparty pro- ceedings under Omani law are final judicial determina- tions issued by the competent primary court sitting in its civil or commercial circuit, pursuant to the CCPL. In accordance with Article 68 of the CCPL, each law- suit is formally registered and assigned a case file upon submission of the statement of claim, and the court proceeds to issue a reasoning that conclusive- ly resolves the dispute between the named parties. Such judgments are binding solely upon the parties on record ‒ namely, those who have been duly joined to the proceedings or represented by a valid power of attorney. There is no doctrine of erga omnes effect in Omani civil procedure. Therefore, judgments in collective or joined actions bind only the identified claimants and defendants, and do not extend to non-participants or members of an undefined class. The binding force of a judgment arises upon its pronouncement and is maintained until set aside or reversed through lawful means of challenge. Judgments of court of appeal may be challenged before the Supreme Court on limited grounds of error in law, procedural nullity, or jurisdictional defect. Once a judgment attains finality, it acquires the authority of res judicata, precluding re-litigation of the same claim or cause of action between the same parties.
Once an order is issued, the award is transmitted to the execution department of that court, which under- takes the procedural steps of execution under the CCPL. The execution department functions as the judicial arm responsible for compulsory implemen- tation of enforceable titles, including arbitral awards confirmed by an enforcement order. Its duties encom- pass: • seizure of assets belonging to the judgment debtor; • registration of liens or charges over immovable property; • garnishment of third-party debts; and • supervision of payment or delivery as specified in the award. The filing of a setting-aside lawsuit does not automati- cally suspend execution; the competent court may only stay enforcement upon a justified request and may require a financial guarantee. Finally, Article 58 of the CCPL precludes enforcement unless the time limit for seeking annulment has expired and mandates judicial verification that the award does not contradict a prior Omani judgment, does not offend public order, and has been duly notified to the losing party Accordingly, once a court issues its enforcement order, the execution department becomes the opera- tive body ensuring compliance ‒ thereby conferring upon arbitral awards the same coercive enforceability and procedural treatment as final court judgments. Supreme Judicial Council Decision No 150/2025 established the “Qadhaa” electronic portal to streamline access to litigation services and support secure digital filings. Ministerial Decision No 45/2025 expanded the Consumer Protection Authority’s judi- cial enforcement powers, strengthening its ability to combat commercial fraud and enforce consumer rights. Additionally, Ministerial Decision No 617/2024 requires employers with 50 or more workers to imple- ment formal grievance systems, reinforcing early- stage resolution of employment disputes. 4. Legislative Reform 4.1 Policy Development
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