A falling-out between partners, a director acting beyond their authority or a distributor contract ending badly can put an entire business in Oman at risk. Dr. Abdullah Al Rashdi Office, Advocates and Legal Consultants, is a corporate dispute lawyer in Oman based in Al Khuwair, Muscat. We act for foreign investors, expatriate shareholders and Omani companies across the Sultanate, drawing on over 20 years of experience.
When do you need a corporate dispute lawyer?
- You are in a shareholder dispute in Oman over management, profits or access to the company's books.
- You want to exit a company, sell your shares, or buy out a partner who wants to leave.
- You suspect a manager or board member has mismanaged the company or exceeded their powers.
- Partners disagree over a capital increase or reduction, a new investor, or changes to the articles of association.
- The company is deadlocked and dissolution or liquidation is on the table.
- A commercial agency or distribution arrangement has been terminated and compensation is disputed.
- Your company has been sued, or needs to bring a claim, in the Omani courts.
How we help
Since the Investment and Commerce Court was established in Muscat by Royal Decree 35/2025, most commercial and company disputes in Oman are heard by this specialised court. As commercial litigation lawyers in Muscat, we:
- Handle all company matters and lawsuits brought by or against the company, preparing every pleading and submission the law requires.
- Resolve shareholder and partner disputes, first by negotiation where that protects the business, and through litigation where it does not.
- Pursue or defend management liability claims against managers and directors for mismanagement or breaches of the law or the articles.
- Manage capital changes and partner exits, drafting share transfer agreements and shareholder resolutions that respect the rights of other partners and creditors.
- Act in dissolution and liquidation, protecting our client's share of the proceeds.
- Handle commercial agency disputes under the Commercial Agencies Law and the parties' contract.
- Prepare and review internal company regulations, and apply them in the company's interest to prevent future disputes.
- Represent companies in arbitration where the articles or contract contain an arbitration clause. See our commercial arbitration service.
We also handle company formation, from drafting the articles of incorporation through to registration. For market entry, see our investors and companies services.
How we work with you
- First contact: tell us about the dispute by WhatsApp, phone or at our office.
- Document review: we study the articles, resolutions, accounts and correspondence against the Oman Commercial Companies Law.
- Assessment: we explain your position and the options: negotiation, mediation, arbitration or court.
- Settlement attempt: where it serves you, we negotiate and draft the settlement.
- Litigation: we prepare the claim and represent you at every stage.
- After judgment: we follow enforcement, liquidation steps or Commercial Register changes.
Documents to prepare
- Articles of association and all amendments.
- Commercial Register certificate and the list of shareholders and authorised signatories.
- Minutes of partners', general assembly and board meetings.
- Financial statements and auditor's reports.
- Agency agreements or other disputed contracts, with related correspondence.
Documents in English may need a certified Arabic translation before they are filed in court.
Frequently asked questions
How are shareholder disputes resolved in Oman?
We start with the articles of association, which often set out voting and dispute rules, then try negotiation or mediation. If that fails, the dispute goes to arbitration where there is an arbitration clause, or otherwise to the competent court.
Which court hears corporate disputes in Oman?
The Investment and Commerce Court in Muscat hears disputes between partners or shareholders, and between them and the company, alongside other commercial cases, unless the parties have agreed to arbitration.
Can a partner be forced out of an Omani company?
As a rule, the other partners cannot simply vote a partner out. An exit usually happens by agreeing a buy-out, under the mechanism in the articles, or by court order where the law allows it.
Can a manager or director be held personally liable?
Yes. A manager or board member can be liable to the company, the shareholders or third parties for breaches of the law or the articles, or for mismanagement. Claims must be brought within the period set by law.
Do I need to be in Oman to pursue a dispute?
Not always. With a properly authenticated power of attorney, we can represent you while you are abroad and keep you updated throughout.
Speak to a corporate lawyer in Muscat
If your company faces a partner, management or agency dispute, early advice can protect both your investment and the business. Message us on WhatsApp or +968 9200 0841, or visit our office in Al Khuwair, Muscat, to discuss your options.
