Muscat:The Sultanate of Oman marks the beginning of the 2026-2027 judicial year, ushering in a continued commitment to uphold the rule of law and deliver prompt justice through its courts and Public Prosecution.
According to Oman News Agency, preparations for the new judicial year included general assembly meetings across Oman's courts to establish judicial circuits, prepare personnel and facilities, and enhance administrative and technical readiness. These efforts aim to streamline the litigation process, boost performance efficiency, and expedite case resolutions.
The year also sees the phased activation of digital systems for handling inheritances in courts, representing a significant step towards digital transformation. This move aims to simplify procedures, improve governance, and enhance access to justice services for litigants and beneficiaries, aligning with the vision of a more efficient and flexible judicial system.
Sayyid Mohammed Sultan Al Busaidi, Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Judiciary Council, emphasized the judiciary's dedication to serving justice and society, leveraging past achievements to further develop a judicial system capable of adapting to societal needs and sustaining trust. Digital transformation and specialized judiciary advancements, such as the commencement of the Investment and Trade Court operations, highlight the strides made in improving the judicial environment.
The issuance of Royal Decree No. (80/2026) reflects a modern approach to the judicial system, amending the Public Prosecution's nomenclature to align with international standards. The new judicial year focuses on infrastructure development, enhancing judicial and administrative performance, and advancing digital transformation to improve service accessibility and efficiency.
Dr. Sheikh Mohammed Saif Al Saadi, Judge of the Supreme Court, noted the record adjudication rates achieved in the past year due to digital advancements, leading to expedited litigation processes. Lawyer Dr. Said Al Qalhati highlighted the integral role of legal professionals in upholding justice and the rule of law.
Performance indicators for the 2025/2026 judicial year revealed that the courts managed 177,356 cases, issuing 126,487 judgments with an adjudication rate of 71 percent. The Supreme Court achieved an 87 percent adjudication rate, while the Courts of Appeal and Primary Courts maintained rates of 65 percent and 78 percent, respectively.
The Investment and Trade Court contributed to judicial specialization, with significant case resolutions enhancing the business environment. Execution of judgments is crucial, as evidenced by the execution of 31,929 requests out of 73,925, achieving a 43 percent performance rate.
Digital transformation remains a core focus, with the "Qadha" portal and "Tawtheeq" system facilitating electronic case registrations and transactions. The judiciary's Omanization rate reached 61 percent, with training programs successfully enhancing judicial and administrative competencies.
These developments align with the Supreme Judiciary Council's strategic plan and Oman Vision 2040, aiming for a more efficient, digitized, and specialized judicial system to improve service quality and beneficiary experiences.