Addleshaw Goddard's practice is led by Roger Byrne who has 'very much a "hands on" approach' and is 'an outstanding figure when it comes to banking and finance matters'. Highlights for the team included advising Bank Muscat on a syndicated loan facility of $57m provided to Al Hae'l Ceramic Company, which adopted a shari'ah-compliant Musharakah structure. Byrne is regularly assisted by associate James Shaw, who recently relocated from the firm's Manchester office. The firm is also able to draw upon its international network with project finance expert Robin Hickman, who is based in Dubai, another important member of the team. Andrew Johnston relocated to Australia, joining Sparke Helmore Lawyers .

For some, Al Busaidy, Mansoor Jamal & Co is 'the pre-eminent local firm in Oman by a long stretch' and is regularly instructed on energy project financings as the team 'knows the market' and 'can guide sponsors and lenders across the line with ease'. In an example of its strength in this area, it assisted Bank Muscat with the $72m financing of the Amin Solar PV IPP project. Practice co-head Mansoor Jamal Malik is 'a highly respected name in the market' who 'marries the law with commercial advice very well'. Fellow co-head Marcus Pery  advised Duqm Refinery and Petrochemical Industries Company on its $4.61bn financing from local and international banks. Senior associates Andrew Coddington and Abubaker Abudayyeh, as well as associate Robert Calleja, are also noted.

Dentons is a key name in the market for capital markets, Islamic finance and project finance transactions. Sadaf Buchanan leads the team and was instructed as local counsel on the $4.61bn financing of the Duqm Refinery Project, the largest project financing in Oman. Another key highlight was advising Standard Chartered Bank on its role as deal on the Omani government's $1.5bn sukuk issuance. Of counsel Justine Harding is another key name and regularly supports Buchanan on major mandates.

Al Alawi & Co. Advocates & Legal Consultants is jointly led by Riza Ismail who joined from Trowers & Hamlins LLP and is particularly noted for her strength in Islamic finance. She recently advised Al Yusr Islamic Banking and Oman Arab Bank on the financing of a water network pipeline through an istisna’ musharakah structure. Also leading the team is Sahil Taneja, who alongside Ismail assisted Majan Glass Company with its its convertible loan agreement with Oman Investment Fund.

Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP provides 'excellent legal support and insight' in 'a very flexible and open manner'. The team assisted Oman Broadband Company and the sponsor Oman Investment Fund with the $230m development and financing of nationwide telecoms and fibre optic infrastructure. Leopold Zentner heads the practice.

Said Al-Shahry & Partners (SASLO)'s team was strengthened in 2018 by the arrival of Graham Mouat who is very strong in leasing transactions as well as aircraft and shipping finance. Thamer Al Shahry is another key figure and is particularly skilled in project finance. The duo advised Bank Muscat on the Islamic financing of a five-star hotel project in Salalah.