Oman Commercial Arbitration Centre (OCAC): What Businesses Should Know

Why Omani contracts increasingly name OCAC, and how to draft a clause that works.

Background

OCAC was established by Royal Decree No. 26/2018 as Oman's independent arbitration institution. It administers arbitration and offers mediation under its own rules.

Why it matters

Before OCAC, most Omani disputes were either heard by the courts or administered abroad. OCAC gives local and foreign businesses a domestic institution familiar with Omani law and Arabic-language proceedings.

Drafting a good clause

A workable clause should state:
1. the institution (OCAC) and its rules;
2. the seat (for example Muscat);
3. the language (Arabic, English, or both);
4. the number of arbitrators (one or three);
5. the governing law of the contract.

Interaction with the courts

An OCAC award seated in Oman is subject to Royal Decree 47/97: no appeal, an annulment action within 90 days, and enforcement after an enforcement order from the competent court.

Ask LexArab

LexArab can draft an OCAC clause in Arabic and English for your contract. General information only.