GCC

Oman’s courts and Public Prosecution have begun the 2026-2027 judicial year, with an expanded digital transformation programme, the introduction of electronic inheritance services and continued efforts to improve judicial efficiency and accelerate the resolution of cases.

The new judicial year began after courts completed their general assembly meetings to determine judicial circuits, prepare personnel and facilities, and strengthen administrative and technical readiness. The preparations are intended to streamline proceedings, improve performance and make judicial services more accessible to litigants.

A key development this year is the phased introduction of digital systems for inheritance-related matters across courts. The initiative covers inheritances, estates and the management of orphans’ funds, marking a further shift from paper-based procedures to electronic services. The move is expected to simplify processes, strengthen governance and improve access for beneficiaries.

The programme forms part of the Supreme Judiciary Council’s broader vision of delivering prompt justice, upholding the rule of law and developing a more efficient and flexible judicial system.

Sayyid Mohammed Sultan Al Busaidi, Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Judiciary Council, said the beginning of the new judicial year offered an opportunity to build on previous achievements and strengthen the judiciary’s capacity to respond to changing social needs.

He highlighted digital transformation as one of the principal areas of progress, pointing to the wider use of modern technologies, improvements in electronic services and the streamlining of judicial procedures. These measures, he said, had helped improve efficiency, service quality and the speed of case processing.

The previous judicial year also saw the commencement of operations at the Investment and Trade Court, established to provide a specialised forum for commercial and investment disputes and support the country’s expanding business environment.

Al Busaidi also referred to Royal Decree No. 80/2026, which amended the nomenclature of the Public Prosecution. The change reflects its position as a fundamental component of the judicial authority and its responsibilities in administering justice, protecting society and safeguarding rights and freedoms.

Courts Record 177,356 Cases

Figures for the 2025-2026 judicial year show that Oman's courts handled 177,356 cases and issued 126,487 judgments, resulting in an overall adjudication rate of 71%. The average caseload per judge stood at 411 cases.

The Supreme Court recorded an adjudication rate of 87%, delivering judgments in 5,803 of the 6,650 cases before it. Some of its circuits achieved a 100% rate, reflecting their performance in resolving appeals and maintaining consistency in the application of legal principles.

The Courts of Appeal handled 44,189 cases and issued 28,678 judgments, achieving an adjudication rate of 65%.

At the Primary Courts, 88,458 cases were recorded, with 69,208 judgments delivered, representing a rate of 78%. These courts dealt with the largest share of cases across the judicial system.

The figures highlight the volume of work handled by the courts and the continuing emphasis on improving the pace and efficiency of judicial proceedings.

Investment And Trade Court Expands Specialisation

The Investment and Trade Court, which began operations on October 1, 2025, is a central part of the council’s strategy to strengthen judicial specialisation and provide a dedicated forum for commercial and investment disputes.

During the 2025-2026 judicial year, the court issued 4,665 judgments in its Primary Court circuits and 82 judgments in its appellate circuits in newly registered cases.

It also received 25,758 cases transferred to its jurisdiction, of which 17,929 were concluded, giving it a completion rate of 70%.

The specialised court is intended to support investment protection, expedite the resolution of commercial disputes and strengthen confidence in Oman’s business environment.

Enforcement Remains A Key Challenge

The council’s performance figures also highlight the importance of enforcing judgments after they have been delivered.

A total of 73,925 execution requests were recorded during the judicial year, of which 31,929 were executed, representing an overall performance rate of 43%.

Civil execution accounted for 28,527 requests, equivalent to 48% of the reported total, with 13,806 requests executed.

The figures underline the importance of improving enforcement procedures to ensure that successful litigants can secure the practical benefits of court judgments.

Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Judicial Inspection resolved all 308 complaints received during the period, achieving a completion rate of 100%. Inspection activities covered 46 of the 58 courts and 191 of the 221 judges targeted, representing coverage of 86% of the judges subject to inspection.

Digital Services Gain Ground

Digitalisation remains a major pillar of the council’s judicial modernisation programme, with technology increasingly used to automate procedures, manage court records and facilitate access to services.

The Qadha portal had more than 137,000 active users, while over 760,000 cases had been registered electronically. The system also processed more than 29,000 execution requests online, and more than 600,000 judicial files were archived electronically.

The digitisation rate for judicial and justice services reached 89%, reflecting the extent to which electronic systems have been integrated into court operations.

The Tawtheeq system, which supports transactions handled by Notary Public departments, recorded 136,978 transactions during the first half of 2026, of which 121,187 were issued.

Video-call transactions reached 35,109 during the same period, an increase of 163% compared with 2024. Notary Public departments also recorded 8,752 marriages and 2,052 divorces in the first six months of 2026.

The video-call service under Tawtheeq received the award for Best Digital Government Service Provided to Individuals for 2025, recognising the development of remote access to public services.

More Judges And Expanded Training

The council is also investing in national expertise and the development of judicial and administrative personnel. The number of judges reached 432 by the end of the 2025-2026 judicial year, up from 337 in the previous year. Omani nationals accounted for 61% of the judiciary.

Training programmes attracted 2,015 participants, including 617 judicial personnel and 1,398 auxiliary and administrative staff. The completion rate among those targeted for training reached 93%.

These measures form part of the council’s long-term strategic plan for 2024-2040 and its first operational plan, which are aligned with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.

Focus On Faster And More Accessible Justice

Dr Sheikh Mohammed Saif Al Saadi, a Supreme Court judge and Chairman of the Muscat Court, said the start of the new judicial year was an important opportunity to strengthen judicial and administrative performance.

He attributed the previous year’s record adjudication rates to improvements in digital systems, the redesign of procedures and the expansion of electronic services. These developments had helped simplify processes, reduce litigation times and make access to justice easier for litigants.

Lawyer Dr Said Al Qalhati said the legal profession remained an essential partner in the administration of justice, with lawyers contributing to the protection of rights and freedoms and the upholding of the rule of law through professional independence and integrity.

Looking ahead, the Supreme Judiciary Council plans to continue improving judicial infrastructure, strengthening specialised courts, expanding digital and remote services, developing alternatives to litigation and accelerating the enforcement of judgments.

The broader objective is to build a more efficient, accessible and technology-driven judicial system that can respond to present and future needs while maintaining public confidence in the administration of justice.

Bahrain has introduced stringent penalties for the illegal use of drones, including prison terms of up to seven years for offences that endanger airspace and life imprisonment for activities linked to terrorism or attacks on critical infrastructure.

The measures form part of amendments to the Kingdom’s civil aviation legislation, which tighten controls over the operation, possession, manufacture, import and sale of unmanned aircraft. The rules are intended to protect national security, public safety and individual privacy.

Under the amended law, operating a drone without the required licence, or in breach of applicable regulations, can result in imprisonment and a fine of up to 3,000 Bahraini dinars. Similar penalties may apply to unauthorised activities involving the design, manufacture, maintenance, testing, import, export or sale of drones and their components.

More serious offences carry heavier punishments. Using drones to threaten aviation safety, interfere with airspace or compromise communications systems can attract prison sentences of up to seven years. The legislation also criminalises hacking into drone systems, unlawfully taking control of aircraft and equipping drones with weapons or explosives.

Those who use drones for terrorist activities or to target military and security installations, oil facilities, critical infrastructure or other protected targets may face life imprisonment. Where such offences result in death, the courts may impose the death penalty or life imprisonment, subject to the applicable legal provisions.

The law also addresses the misuse of drones for surveillance and filming. Unauthorised recording of military operations, restricted areas or official events, as well as conduct that violates personal privacy, can attract imprisonment of up to five years and fines ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 Bahraini dinars in specified circumstances.

Authorities may also seize drones and related equipment used in committing offences. The sale, rental and modification of drones, including the installation of cameras and other equipment, are subject to the required approvals from the competent authorities.

The legislative changes also establish a Civil Aviation Authority with financial and administrative independence and provide for a dedicated office under the Cabinet to investigate aircraft accidents and serious incidents.

The tougher framework places greater responsibility on drone operators, manufacturers, sellers and other parties involved in the sector to comply with licensing and safety requirements. It also gives the authorities stronger powers to respond to unauthorised flights and operations that threaten the Kingdom’s airspace or security.

People facing criminal orders in Bahrain could be given one month to challenge them, instead of the current seven days, under a proposed legal amendment.

The bill has received unanimous support from Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee, chaired by MP Dr Hassan Bukhammas, despite government concerns that extending the deadline could affect the speed and efficiency of the criminal justice system.

A criminal order is a simplified procedure used to deal with certain less serious offences without a conventional public trial.

Dr Bukhammas said the amendment was intended to give defendants more time to assess their legal position before deciding whether to accept a criminal order or challenge it before the courts.

He said the right to object should be meaningful, with defendants given sufficient time to understand the consequences of a criminal order and decide whether to pursue the appropriate legal remedies.

The proposed amendment would revise Article 277 of the 2002 Criminal Procedures Law. It would extend the objection period from seven days to one month from the date the order is issued for the Public Prosecution, and from the date of notification for other parties.

If an objection is filed within the prescribed period, the criminal order is cancelled and the case proceeds through the ordinary court process. If no objection is lodged within the deadline, the order becomes final and enforceable.

The government has urged Parliament to reconsider the proposal, arguing that the existing seven-day period serves the purpose of criminal orders by enabling minor cases to be resolved quickly, easing pressure on courts and speeding up fine collection while preserving defendants’ right to challenge decisions.

It warned that extending the deadline to one month could delay proceedings without offering defendants a substantial additional safeguard.

The government also cited comparable legislation in Gulf and Arab countries, where objection periods generally range from three to 10 days.

Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Nawaf Al Maawda supported the government’s objections. The National Institution for Human Rights also cautioned that the longer period could slow judicial proceedings and recommended retaining the existing deadline.

The Bahrain Bar Society, however, said it had no objection to the amendment.

Parliament To Review Bermuda Tax Agreement Protocol

Separately, Parliament is expected to refer a protocol amending Bahrain’s double taxation agreement with Bermuda to its Financial and Economic Affairs Committee for review.

The draft law, referred by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, seeks to ratify amendments to the agreement aimed at avoiding double taxation and preventing fiscal evasion in relation to income taxes. The protocol was signed in Washington on April 17, 2026.

The committee currently has neither a chairman nor a vice-chairman after MP Abdulwahid Qarata formally questioned its formation, despite having requested membership.

Domestic violence cases registered with the Public Prosecution fell by 36 per cent during the first six months of the Domestic Violence Protection Law, Justice Minister Counselor Nasser Al-Sumait said. He attributed the decline to the new legislation, which strengthens protection for vulnerable family members.

Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Sumait said 646 cases were registered between March 15 and September 13, 2026, down by 365 from the 1,011 cases recorded during the same period in 2025.

He linked the decline to Decree-Law No. 11 of 2026, which prohibits waivers, reconciliation and pardons in certain domestic violence and sexual abuse cases. However, he stressed that the reduction in reported cases did not mean the problem had been resolved. Every domestic violence case, he said, posed a threat to family stability and required serious attention.

The minister said the Ministry of Justice would continue to monitor relevant indicators and assess the law’s effectiveness. He described family protection as a shared national responsibility, adding that the legislation would be evaluated and developed in light of its effectiveness in reducing crime and promoting security and stability.

The Cabinet approved the 31-article draft decree-law on February 10, 2026, and the legislation was published in the Official Gazette in mid-March. It aims to strengthen family protection while safeguarding justice, dignity and stability.

The Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC), in collaboration with LexisNexis, has hosted a discussion session examining significant cases heard by the Court during the first half of 2026, alongside the publication of its Case Digest for H1 2026.

Held at QICDRC, the session brought together members of the legal and dispute resolution community to review notable decisions and discuss the legal principles and practical lessons arising from recent judgments.

The discussion was led by Muna AlKaabi, Case Progression Manager, and Mohamed Al-Ansari, Case Manager, who presented selected cases and outlined the legal principles emerging from the Court’s recent decisions.

Faisal bin Rashid Al-Sahouti, Chief Executive Officer of QICDRC, said the latest Case Digest reflected the Court’s continued commitment to improving awareness and understanding of its jurisprudence.

By making significant decisions and their practical implications more accessible to legal and business communities, QICDRC aims to promote legal clarity and support a transparent dispute resolution environment, he said.

The Case Digest H1 2026 provides a concise overview of selected cases and significant developments in the Court’s case law during the first six months of the year. It is intended to serve as a resource for legal practitioners, businesses and other stakeholders seeking to understand the Court’s decisions and their implications.

Through its Case Digests and knowledge-sharing initiatives, QICDRC continues to promote understanding of its jurisprudence and contribute to the development of legal knowledge and dispute resolution practice in Qatar.

Two foreign nationals have been fined and sentenced to a month in prison after being convicted of disturbing protected nesting turtles at Oman’s iconic Ras Al Hadd Turtle Reserve and sharing video footage of the incident online, authorities announced.

The Court of First Instance in Sur convicted the pair, identified as Vadim and Olena, following a detailed investigation by the Public Prosecution. The court ordered each defendant to pay a fine of 100 Omani Rials (OMR) in addition to serving a one-month prison term.

Reckless Behavior Captured on Video

According to the Public Prosecution, investigators found that the defendants climbed onto the backs of large nesting turtles, physically handled smaller turtles, and repeatedly approached and disturbed the animals as they attempted to move along the beach.

The defendants recorded themselves committing these acts and subsequently uploaded the footage to the first defendant’s Instagram account, drawing public concern and triggering legal action by local authorities.

Along with environmental violations, the court convicted both individuals under Oman's cybercrime statutes for using information technology to publish content deemed prejudicial to public order and social values.

Warning Over Wildlife Violations

Following the verdict, the Public Prosecution issued a stern statement reiterating the critical importance of complying with environmental protection laws and regulations governing nature reserves across the Sultanate. Authorities strongly cautioned visitors against any conduct that could harm, stress, or disturb protected marine and terrestrial wildlife.

Officials also urged the public and tourists alike to practice responsible digital behavior, reminding social media users that posting content that disrespects local conservation efforts or breaches public order carries strict legal consequences under Omani law.

The Ras Al Hadd reserve in South Al Sharqiyah is one of the world's most vital nesting grounds for the endangered green sea turtle, attracting thousands of visitors annually under strict eco-tourism guidelines.

Qatar and the League of Arab States have discussed ways to strengthen regional cooperation in promoting and implementing international humanitarian law (IHL), with particular emphasis on supporting national efforts across Arab countries.

HE Saeed bin Abdullah Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of Qatar’s Ministry of Justice, Chairman of the National Committee for International Humanitarian Law and Chairman of the Arab Permanent Committee for International Humanitarian Law, met HE Nabil Fahmy, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, on the sidelines of a workshop on implementing international humanitarian law at the national level in Cairo.

The discussions focused on the work programme of the Arab Permanent Committee for International Humanitarian Law and measures to strengthen its regional role in promoting humanitarian principles, raising public awareness and encouraging a broader understanding of the rules governing the law.

The two sides also considered ways to support Arab countries in translating international humanitarian law obligations into national policies and practices, reinforcing efforts to ensure its effective application and implementation. 

Fahmy welcomed Qatar’s chairmanship of the Arab Permanent Committee, expressing the League’s support for its activities and objectives. He also affirmed his commitment to providing the necessary resources to help the committee carry out its responsibilities and expand its regional contribution.

The committee aims to consolidate the principles of international humanitarian law and promote awareness of its provisions across Arab states. Strengthening its work is expected to support regional cooperation and help member countries advance the implementation of humanitarian law at the national level.

The International Financial Centre of Oman (IFC Oman) is moving closer to its launch, with company registration expected to open later this year and full licensing operations scheduled to begin in 2027.

A package of legislation covering business registration and licensing, financial services regulation and independent dispute resolution is expected to be issued shortly. The laws will establish the legal foundations for the centre and define the framework governing businesses and investors operating within it.

The legislation will also enable IFC Oman to introduce an initial set of regulations and rules governing activities conducted within and through the centre.

Preparations are progressing on a digital registry system, which is expected to enter testing shortly. Once operational, the platform will allow businesses seeking to establish a presence at IFC Oman to submit their applications online.

Mahmood Al Aweini, Chairman of the IFC Oman Authority Board, said the centre's legal, regulatory and digital infrastructure was taking shape as preparations gathered pace for its opening.

“IFC Oman is accelerating towards opening its doors, with its legal, regulatory and digital infrastructure moving into place,” he said.

Al Aweini said the centre would offer international businesses and investors a stable and competitive environment. By leveraging Oman's strategic location and established international connections, it aims to create new growth opportunities and generate long-term value for the sultanate.

The centre has stepped up its international engagement to attract prospective businesses, investors and professional services firms. In September, it was approved for membership of the World Alliance of International Financial Centres at the organisation's annual meeting in Busan.

After participating in the Hong Kong Belt and Road Summit and Astana Finance Days, an IFC Oman delegation is scheduled to visit Bangkok for meetings with international financial services firms on the sidelines of IMF and World Bank engagements, as well as the annual meeting of members of the Institute of International Finance. Further discussions with prospective businesses are planned in London later in October.

IFC Oman is being developed as a dedicated business environment operating under a common-law framework, with its own registration, licensing and dispute resolution mechanisms. The centre aims to connect international capital and expertise with investment opportunities in Oman and the wider region, offering businesses a platform from which to pursue regional and international activities.

The initiative is expected to contribute to Oman Vision 2040 by encouraging private investment, supporting economic diversification and creating employment opportunities. Its development also reflects Oman's efforts to strengthen its position as a destination for international financial services and cross-border investment.

The opening of company registration later this year, followed by the start of full licensing operations in 2027, will represent important steps in establishing IFC Oman as a platform for international business and investment in the sultanate.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior and the Insurance Regulatory Unit have agreed to strengthen oversight of the insurance sector through closer coordination and joint inspection campaigns aimed at identifying violations and enforcing compliance with the country’s insurance regulation law, its executive bylaws and related legislation.

At a coordination meeting, the two sides discussed measures to ensure adherence to the insurance regulation law, its executive bylaws and related legislation. They agreed to step up cooperation to detect breaches by insurance-sector employees and take appropriate legal action against those found responsible.

Insurance Regulatory Unit Chairman Mohammad Al-Otaibi said the unit had recently identified violations of its decisions and other applicable laws and regulations. He stressed that the authorities would impose the legally prescribed measures and penalties on anyone found breaching the rules or attempting to circumvent them, regardless of their position.

Brig Gen Abdulaziz Al-Omar, chief of the Interior Ministry’s Security Directorates Affairs Sector, said the ministry would take the necessary action against substantiated violations. The measures would seek to ensure compliance with the laws and decisions governing the insurance industry while preventing any disruption to public order.

Both sides also emphasised that insurance companies must ensure their employees comply with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements. They said effective oversight and corporate responsibility were essential to protecting customers’ rights and maintaining the integrity and stability of the insurance market.

Qatar’s Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is set to launch a new website for the Official Gazette and the Al Meezan Legal Portal on Sunday, introducing what it describes as the country’s first comprehensive, artificial intelligence-powered national legal knowledge system.

The platform will provide legal information in Arabic and English, with enhanced search and categorisation features designed to make legislation easier to find, access and understand. The ministry emphasised, however, that AI-generated information is indicative and does not replace official legal texts, which remain the sole authoritative reference.

The portal will also promote transparency and public participation in the legislative process. Developed in coordination with the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, it will allow visitors, including legal professionals and other specialists, to comment on draft legislation open for public consultation and submit recommendations. The initiative aims to support the development of laws that respond to changing social and economic needs.

The ministry said the platform would also contribute to improving Qatar’s business and investment environment by making reliable legal information more accessible to domestic and international investors. Easier access to clear legal guidance is expected to reduce the time and effort required to navigate the country’s legal framework, strengthen investor confidence and enhance Qatar’s appeal as an investment destination.

The project brings together several government institutions, including the Ministry of Justice, the Supreme Judicial Council, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the National Planning Council, the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau, and the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers.

The launch forms part of the Ministry of Justice’s Strategic Plan for 2025-2030 and supports Qatar’s broader digital transformation agenda under Qatar National Vision 2030.