Arbitration is a flexible, quick, and confidential form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), agreed to in writing by the disputing parties through a binding agreement. The private nature of arbitration allows the disputing parties to choose the arbitrator(s), who shall issue the Award.
Established by Royal Decree 26/2018, OAC is the first and only alternative dispute resolution (ADR””) institution located in the Sultanate of Oman. OAC offers highly effective, confidential and time-efficient ADR services to administer local, regional and international commercial disputes. OAC’s arbitration rules were issued in 2020 and are considered to be an updated and cohesive set of rules in line with international developments and standards in the field of international arbitration.
How to appoint an arbitrator(s) The disputing party may nominate an arbitrator(s) from OAC’s panel of registered arbitrators comprised of highly distinguished and qualified arbitrators. The Executive Committee at OAC is in charge of appointing the nominated arbitrator(s), such as in instances of failure to nominate an arbitrator. The disputing parties may nominate arbitrators outside of OAC’s panel of arbitrators. Furthermore, an arbitrator may be challenged if justifiable doubts exist as to their impartiality or independence.
OAC’s Fee Table provides for the costs of arbitration at OAC. However, costs usually vary in disputes depending on certain factors about the case, for example, the number of arbitrators, the sum in dispute, and the duration of the arbitration etc.
Article 4.2 of OAC’s arbitration rules lists down the documents needed to include when applying for arbitrations, which is as follows: Demand that the dispute be referred to arbitration; The names, addresses, telephone numbers, facsimile numbers and electronic mail addresses, if known, of the Parties to the arbitration and of the Claimants representatives, if any; Reference to the arbitration agreement invoked and a copy of the arbitration agreement; Reference to the contract or other instrument out of or in relation to which the dispute arises and, where possible, a copy of the contract or other instrument; Brief statement describing the nature and circumstances of the dispute, specifying the relief claimed and, where possible, an initial quantification of the claim amount; Statement of any matters which the Parties have previously agreed as to the conduct of the arbitration or with respect to which the Claimant wishes to make a proposal; Proposal for the number of arbitrators if not specified in the arbitration agreement; Unless otherwise agreed by the Parties, the nomination of an arbitrator if the arbitration agreement provides for three arbitrators, or a proposal for a sole arbitrator if the arbitration agreement provides for a sole arbitration; Any comment as to the applicable law; Unless otherwise agreed by the Parties, proposal as to the language of the arbitration and seat of the arbitration; and Payment of the requisite registration fee under OAC’s rules.