Oman’s Judicial Digital Transformation

The Supreme Judicial Council’s efforts to develop electronic judicial services deserve recognition. Improving efficiency and access to litigation also supports Oman Vision 2040’s emphasis on digital development. During the transition from the earlier litigants’ portal to the new system in 2025, however, practical implementation raised questions that warranted careful consideration.

One important advantage is linking powers of attorney issued by notarial authorities with digital records. This can strengthen verification and reduce forgery risks. A unified interface can help lawyers follow cases, authorisations, procedures, hearings and payments more transparently. Remote proceedings may reduce unnecessary attendance, while links with other government bodies and tools for lawyers, experts and other participants can improve efficiency.

The timing of the rollout was among the concerns discussed at the time. Introducing the system during a busy period of judicial work in March created operating and case-follow-up difficulties for some users. A trial and preparation period during the judicial recess might have reduced disruption. Reports of insufficient training, technical faults and the need to attend courts to complete registration illustrated the importance of stable operation and clear guidance.

The article also noted concerns then raised about the fees and service boundaries of some Sanad centres. These questions should be understood in their historical setting. They emphasise the need for users to know the official process, the role of service providers and the basis for any applicable charge.

The experience raises broader planning questions. Were staff given sufficient training? Could the system have been piloted at one court, such as Nizwa Court of Appeal, before a wider rollout? Experience with the earlier portal should inform the design of its successor. A sudden complete switch before adequate testing and preparation can increase the burden of delays and faults.

Despite initial obstacles, digital systems can substantially improve judicial services. Bringing still-valid older powers of attorney into the database, for example, requires an organised record and migration plan rather than leaving each user to resolve the problem independently.

A successful transition depends on clear data migration arrangements, comprehensive training, phased implementation and continuing technical evaluation. Technology should make judicial work more reliable and accessible. Learning carefully from the rollout can also help other public services plan their own digital changes.

These observations concern the implementation experience discussed in March 2025 and do not describe the platform’s current operating condition.

By Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Maamari, Advocate and Legal Consultant.

Al-Maamari & Al-Saidi Law Firm | +968 90605000 | info@mflegal.net | mohd@mflegal.net