Addleshaw Goddard has handled a number of high-profile construction and payment recovery disputes. In one example, Saif Al Mamari acted for Alec Engineering and Contracting Oman LLC in a payment dispute against Carillion Alaw concerning the construction of Muscat International Airport, where the former was a sub-contractor and the latter was the main contractor. Moreover, Nasser Al Habsi acted before Sohar International Bank in a payments dispute against a major construction company. Jamie Kellick joined Kennedys in Dubai.

Al Busaidy, Mansoor Jamal & Co is ‘exceptional for dispute resolution and litigation’ and ‘works with internationally recognised barristers and offers the best of global skills and reach with local knowledge’. Practice head Mansoor Jamal Malik is an England and Wales-qualified barrister with rights of audience before Oman’s Supreme Court and Appeal Court, and is an Appeal Court panel arbitrator. He represented two banks in their joint claim against a cement company and its guarantor for funds owing on a facility for the partially completed construction of a cement plant. Also leading the team is Said Hilall Al Busaidy, who has acted before the courts of first instance, appeal and Supreme Court.

Dentons covers the spectrum of commercial disputes, but is most prominent in disputes concerning construction and environmental pollution. Dali Al Habboub is a key figure and advised Astana Property Management on a dispute where a beneficiary attempted to apply to the court to instruct the bank to dissolve a bond against the client. Haleem Amir Mohammed acted for the International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund in a case involving losses arising out of the sinking of the Nesa-R3, a tanker carrying 816 tonnes of bitumen. Abdelrahman Mohamed Elnafie retired.

Al Tamimi & Company handles disputes pertaining to contractual breaches and payment issues. Ahmed Al Barwani leads the practice and is admitted before Oman courts and has rights of audience before the Court of Appeal.

Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP is particularly skilled in construction and tax-related disputes. Simon Ward leads the team and defended Oman Air in a $1.5m claim alleging improper storage of cargo. He also represented Sohar Global Construction and Contracting Co in a tax dispute against the Secretariat General of Tax Oman, which challenged a tax assessment made by the latter. He is supported by recently promoted partners Dominic Pilkington and Mehdi Al Lawati, and counsel Hamood Al-Rawahi.

Said Al-Shahry & Partners (SASLO) is very strong in disputes concerning employment and construction, with expertise in both litigation and ADR. Managing partner Said Al-Shary leads the team and is particularly skilled in construction arbitration. Hani Bawani is highly skilled in international arbitration, as well as in disputes involving shipping and insurance. Thamer Al Shahry is another key figure and has acted in cases concerning infrastructure projects and labour law.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP’s core areas of focus are construction, energy and employment. Majid Al Toky is a key figure and is very active in the construction sector. Also noted is Dubai-based Cheryl Cairns, who is an expert in disputes involving energy and infrastructure projects.