Oman Archives - Page 4 of 32 - LexisNexis Middle East

Oman: Launches Dhamani Platform to Streamline Insurance Claims

24/04/202524/04/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Oman Observer, 21 April 2025: Oman has launched the Dhamani platform, a national digital information exchange which is designed to streamline insurance claims processing between healthcare providers and insurance payers.

The platform has been introduced by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) as part of a broader effort to digitise and enhance the efficiency of the healthcare and insurance sectors.

Dhamani is not merely a standalone system but a comprehensive infrastructure that significantly reduces the time and administrative burden associated with claims processing. Previously, claims could take up to two years to process, but with Dhamani, they can be submitted immediately after treatment, and insurers are required to respond within 45 days.

The platform integrates with healthcare providers’ Health Information Systems (HIS), allowing for instant claim submission by hospitals, clinics, and soon also, independent pharmacies. This digital workflow enables insurers to quickly approve, reject, or request additional information for claims, ensuring a structured timeline for claims handling.

Dhamani will play a crucial role in combating fraud, waste, and abuse (FWA) in the health insurance system. It standardises medical protocols, ensures all transactions are digital and transparent, and uses business intelligence and artificial intelligence tools to detect irregularities and manage risk.

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News developments

Oman: Amendments to Social Protection Fund Regulations

17/04/202517/04/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Social Protection Fund Regulations (Oman Sultani Decree No. 50/2023) were amended on 10 April 2025 by Oman Sultani Decree No. 41/2025.

The amendment specifically altered Article 9 of Oman Sultani Decree No. 50/2023, which now states that the management of the Social Protection Fund will be overseen by a board of directors formed by a Cabinet Decision. This board will include the Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chairman of the General Federation of Oman Workers, among others. The board will also be able to seek assistance from experts and advisors. The amendment came into force on the day following its publication in the Official Gazette.

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News developments

Oman: Civil Aviation Authority to Issue Temporary Permits

03/04/202503/04/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Oman Daily Observer, 29 March 2025: The Oman Civil Aviation Authority is to issue temporary permits on the Muscat to Salalah and Suhar to Salalah routes.

The permits will be issued in peak winter and summer tourist seasons in order to increase competition and reduce airfares. Proposals have been invited from eligible national and international carriers to provide temporary domestic services on these routes between 1 July and 1 August, and 1 December and 31 January.

In order to qualify, operators must have a valid Air Operators Certificate (Omani or International), proven operational experience, financial stability, and they must comply with Omani health and safety and environmental regulations. They must also have adequate passenger and third-party insurance coverage.

The aircrafts must have 100 to 200 seats and meet the Omani Civil Aviation Authority technical and safety standards. The last date for applications will be 17 April 2025.

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News developments

Oman: Government Assets to Be Insured Under New Risk Mitigation Policy

27/03/202527/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Arabian Story, 24 March 2025: The Ministry of Finance in Oman issued circulars requiring insurance for government vehicles, imports, and safes, from 1 April 2025.

The Ministry of Finance in Oman has issued three new circulars requiring this. These measures were part of the Ministry’s commitment to preserving state-owned assets and funds, ensuring they are adequately protected against potential risks. The circulars outlined specific insurance requirements, including coverage for government vehicles for the year 2025-2026, marine, air, and land insurance for government imports to safeguard against potential losses or damages during transit, and insurance of the contents of government safes.

The Ministry emphasised that these circulars align with the Financial Law, Oman Sultani Decree No. 47/1998, and are part of ongoing efforts to protect government assets.

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Publications

Lexis Middle East Law Alert: March-April 2025 Edition

27/03/202527/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Welcome to the March-April 2025 edition of Lexis Middle East Law Alert, a premier source for in-depth analysis of the evolving legal landscape across the MENA region. This issue provides a detailed examination of significant legal reforms and updates that are poised to shape the future of law and business in the area.

In this edition, the focus is on pivotal legal reforms and updates within the MENA region, with particular emphasis on the newly enacted Omani Banking Law (Oman Sultani Decree No. 2/2025) and the revised Qatar International Centre for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA) Arbitration Rules. These legislative advancements are designed to modernise existing legal frameworks, bolster global competitiveness, and adeptly incorporate technological innovations within their respective domains. The Omani Banking Law marks a significant shift from a complex regulatory framework to a streamlined legal structure, enhancing the regulation of financial institutions and addressing digital banking. Meanwhile, the updated QICCA Arbitration Rules introduce technology-driven procedures and expedited processes, focusing on customer-centric reforms to improve dispute resolution competitiveness. Despite differences in jurisdiction and sector focus, both reforms reflect a strategic commitment to embracing technological advancements and refining regulatory details to meet contemporary business needs.

Stay informed with Lexis Middle East Law Alert, your source for the latest legal developments and insights from across the MENA region.

FEATURE: BANKING REVOLUTION

Sakshi Puri and Asad Vellani from Al Tamimi & Co discuss the implications of Oman Sultani Decree No. 2/2025 on the country’s banking and financial sectors.

FEATURE: AIMING FOR BEST PRACTICE

Alexander Whyatt, Neil Donald, and Omid Mousavi from Eversheds Sutherland outline the new arbitration rules implemented by QICCA, aimed at making the arbitration process more efficient and straightforward.

IN-HOUSE PROFILE: POWER, POLICIES, AND LEGAL PROWESS

Padideh Ahmadi, Group Legal Counsel at Energetech, shares valuable insights into industry trends, regulatory developments, and the art of balancing legal risks with business strategy, drawing from her journey from law school to spearheading commodity and renewable energy deals.

IN-HOUSE PROFILE: PRACTITIONER PERSPECTIVE

Hayden Morgan from Pinsent Masons discusses the implications of a new UAE law aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

An overview of significant appointments and career advancements in the legal sector across the region, emphasising key changes transforming the professional environment.

CONTRACT WATCH: CLOUD COMPUTING

David Walker, Partner at ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners in Bahrain, explains Bahrain Law No. 1/2025, which was introduced in January 2025 to regulate timesharing in residential units and establish a legal framework for such arrangements.

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_March-April 2025

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Lexis Middle East Law Alert_January-February 2025

Lexis Middle East Law Alert_October-November 2024

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TAX AND FINANCE ROUND-UP

Stay updated on the latest tax and financial developments in the region, with a focus on the recent UAE Tax Disputes regulations.

LEGAL ROUND-UP

Keep informed with our legal round-up, featuring the latest DIFC regulations concerning its judicial and administrative roles.

LAW MONITOR

Discover the recent legal progressions in the GCC, with a focus on the newly implemented competition law regulations in the UAE.

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News developments

Lexis Middle East HR Alert – March 2025 Edition

24/03/202524/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Welcome to the March 2025 edition of Lexis Middle East HR Alert, your indispensable guide to understanding the dynamic legal and business environment affecting HR in the Middle East. As the region continues to evolve and harmonise with international standards, it is crucial for HR professionals, legal advisors, and business leaders to remain informed about the latest developments and trends impacting the workforce. This issue highlights significant amendments to Saudi and UAE labour laws, emphasising enhanced worker protection and strict compliance measures.

In Saudi Arabia, updates to Cabinet Decision No. 219/1426 clarify the enforcement roles of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the Ministry of Interior, with increased fines for unauthorised employment ranging from 200,000 to 500,000 Riyals. The UAE’s Federal Decree-Law No. 9/2024 introduces amendments aimed at improving employer compliance, notably imposing fines of up to one million AED for employing workers fictitiously, with potential multiplication based on the number of workers involved. Additionally, Oman has implemented a new scheme requiring monthly employer contributions to the Social Insurance Organisation, ensuring expatriate employees receive their end-of-service gratuity dues more efficiently. Our comprehensive analysis delves into the implications of these legislative changes for HR practices across the region, exploring how these updates will affect compliance strategies, employee relations, and overall workforce management.

Stay ahead of the curve with Lexis Middle East HR Alert, as we provide you with the insights needed to navigate the complexities of HR in the Middle East.

Happy reading!

This edition features a diverse range of content, including:

Feature: A More Flexible Approach

Ben Brown and Sarit Thomas of Clyde & Co explore the greater adaptability afforded to employees and employers following the revisions to the ADGM’s Employment Regulations, set to be implemented on April 1, 2025.

Trend Setter: Recruitment

Mary Rintu from NYK Law analyses how the shift towards prioritising practical skills over experience in hiring may offer both opportunities and challenges for employers in the UAE.

News Round-up: Covering Recent Key Developments – Region-Wide

Keep up-to-date with the most recent regional developments, including a consultation on DIFC Employment Law.

Immigration Focus

Deepen your knowledge of the changing immigration and visa rules in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, emphasising the grace period for visa violators in Qatar.

Law Changes: New and Proposed MENA Laws

Balall Maqbool, Hamood Al Rawahi, and Mehdi Al Lawati of DLA Piper Middle East discuss Oman Ministerial Decision No. 13/2025 and the newly introduced regulations on part-time work in Oman.

Case Focus: QFC Employment Standards Office v Meinhardt BIM Studios LLC [2024] QIC (F) 24

Umar Azmeh, Registrar at QICDRC, highlights the importance of this case, comparing it to Donoghue v Stevenson [1932] AC 562, a landmark in negligence law. The QFC Employment Standards Office (ESO) is crucial in enforcing the QFC Employment Regulations 2020 through its investigations and guidance.

Enrich your understanding of the HR landscape and stay up-to-date with the latest trends, cases, and policies through the newest issue of Lexis Middle East – HR Alert.

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Lexis Middle East HR Alert_March 2025

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Lexis Middle East HR Alert_May 2024

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Lexis Middle East HR Alert_October 2024

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HR Profile: People and Technology

Uchenna Okpara Izuagba, Chief Human Resources Officer at Gastronaut Hospitality, asserts that prioritising employee needs and leveraging technology are essential for success in the UAE hospitality industry.

In-House Profile: Practitioner Perspective

Sarah Malik, Pavithra Rajendran, and Sara Nassif from SOL International outline the main aspects of UAE health and safety laws and the National Standard for the Occupational Safety and Health Management System (OSHMS).

Policy Pointers: Sponsorship transfers

Sarah Khasawneh, Associate at Pinsent Masons, highlighted that recent legal reforms in Qatar have changed the sponsorship transfer process by eliminating the need for NOC. Employees can now switch jobs without their current employer’s approval, improving worker mobility.

Moves and Changes

Stay updated on the newest business trends, significant appointments, and promotions in the region to stay connected with the market’s key influencers.

News developments

Oman: Employment, Training and Wage Support Initiatives

20/03/202520/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Times of Oman, 18 March 2025: The Omani Ministry of Labour has plans to create 45,000 jobs in 2025, which will include 11,000 training placements, 10,000 government roles, and 24,000 private sector positions.

The plan focuses on legal frameworks for employment, training, and wage support, particularly through SMEs, start-ups, and freelance work.

The National Employment Programme has been designed to better align education with labour market needs, localising 2,800 roles in industrial estates. Digital platforms such as Tawteen, Marsad, and Khuta have been designed to make the labour market more efficient and aid career planning. Employment governance committees in 17 sectors aim to boost localisation and expand opportunities in IT and maintenance.

The Ministry is also supporting entrepreneurship through freelance initiatives, offering financing, training, and social protection. The “Smart Management” project will pilot AI-driven HR solutions to enhance digital governance and public-private sector integration. These initiatives aim to improve employment, training, and labour market efficiency in Oman.

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News developments

Oman: First Dual Citizenship Granted Under New Law

13/03/202513/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Arabian Stories, 9 March 2025: Oman has issued a Royal Decree granting Omani citizenship to an individual, allowing them to hold both Omani and Russian nationalities.

This is the first instance of dual nationality being permitted under Oman’s new citizenship law.

The Royal Decree follows the recent implementation of Oman Sultani Decree No. 17/2025, which came into effect on 2 February 2025.

The new law generally prohibits dual nationality unless explicitly granted by a Royal Decree, based on the recommendation of the Interior Ministry.

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News developments

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax – Spring 2025 Edition

07/03/202507/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax Spring Edition offers an in-depth analysis of the swiftly evolving tax landscape within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. This edition underscores the trend where the introduction of new tax laws is often rapidly succeeded by a cascade of related legislative changes. Among the key topics discussed is the Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT) in Saudi Arabia, which was initially introduced in 2020 and has undergone several amendments. The magazine delves into the recent formalisation of law on this subject and the ensuing consultation on new Implementing Regulations, with insights from experts at Riad & Riad.

The edition concludes with an examination of the increasing adoption of tax automation software in the UAE, driven by rising requirements and support. Overall, the magazine highlights the imperative for taxpayers in the GCC to remain vigilant and adaptable to the rapid and significant changes in tax laws.

FEATURE: YOUR RIGHTS ON RETT

Dr. Fatma Salah, together with Mohamed Riad and Amera Gamal from Riad & Riad, discusses the introduction of the Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT) in Saudi Arabia in 2020. The upcoming legislation and its Executive Regulations are anticipated to provide more detailed guidance on the tax’s application.

FEATURE: DOWN TO BRASS TACKS ON DMTT

Asrujit Mandal from BDO explores the dynamic shifts in regional legislation and guidance surrounding the Domestic Minimum Top Up Tax. With Bahrain at the forefront, its pioneering approach could potentially shape and inspire strategies in other GCC countries, all in alignment with Pillar Two initiatives.

TAX NEWS ROUND-UP

This round-up outlines the most recent major changes in tax agreements and regulatory updates across the region, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the current developments.

PRACTICAL FOCUS: VAT AND CRYPTO MINING

Shailesh Kumar (Associate Partner), Mradul Gupta (Associate Director), and Megha Lohia (Assistant Manager) from PKF UAE highlight the rising prominence and global acceptance of cryptocurrency and emphasise the increasing importance of understanding the tax implications associated with its use.

TAX PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

What’s Next with VAT? While Corporate Tax and Transfer Pricing modifications are making news, Harsh Bhatia, Director of VAT at Grant Thornton UAE, points out that there are also upcoming changes in the UAE’s VAT system.

ANY QUESTIONS?

Is tax automation required in the UAE? Dhana Pillai from DP Taxation Consultancy examines the requirements, assistance, and strategies that are boosting the adoption of tax automation software in the UAE.

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Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax_Spring 2025

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Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Winter 2024

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Autumn 2024

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Summer 2024

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Winter 2023

News developments

Oman: New Postal Policy

06/03/202506/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Oman Observer, 2 March 2025: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has introduced a new policy and programme to regulate and modernise Oman’s growing postal sector.

Spanning from 2025 to 2029, the Postal Sector Policy and Executive Programme aims to enhance service quality and support related industries such as e-commerce, transport, and logistics.

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