The Engineering Contracts Forum, held from May 4–5, 2026, concluded its activities. The event was organized by the Oman Society of Engineers in cooperation with the Projects, Tenders and Local Content Authority, under official patronage and with high-level participation from ministers, senior officials, and a distinguished group of experts and specialists in the engineering and project sectors.

From its opening day, the forum witnessed strong official and professional attendance, including government leaders, decision-makers, representatives of leading companies and institutions, as well as Gulf engineering associations and organizations. This reflected the growing importance of the forum as a strategic platform for developing the engineering contracts sector in the Sultanate of Oman.

Forum Themes and Scientific Program

Over the course of two days, the forum discussed seven main themes covering various aspects of engineering contracts. Topics ranged from the current state of the sector and its challenges to project execution efficiency, legal considerations, risk management, modern delivery models, EPC contracts, and project financing, providing a comprehensive and integrated vision for the sector.

The forum sessions featured in-depth academic discussions and rich interactive dialogue. Participants reviewed international best practices and practical experiences, while also analyzing key challenges facing infrastructure and construction projects, along with ways to improve efficiency and achieve sustainability.

Open discussion sessions also provided an important platform for exchanging ideas between specialists and representatives from both government and private sectors, helping to shape practical and applicable recommendations.

Broad International Participation

The forum attracted a distinguished group of experts and consultants from both inside and outside Oman, including participants from Canada, France, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Libya, Syria, Jordan, India, and Sudan, in addition to notable regional and international specialists.

This diverse participation enriched the scientific discussions and strengthened the exchange of international expertise in engineering contracts. Participants shared practical experiences and best practices applied across various markets, offering valuable insights into advanced models for project and contract management. The participation also enhanced opportunities for building strategic partnerships and professional collaboration, supporting the development of the engineering sector in Oman and aligning it with global standards.

Key Recommendations

The forum concluded with a set of important recommendations aimed at improving the engineering contracts environment and enhancing project execution efficiency, including:

• Establishing a joint cooperation committee among the organizing entities to strengthen the involvement of experienced professionals in contract development.
• Increasing focus on the pre-contract phase through accurate feasibility studies and completion of designs before tendering.
• Issuing unified contractual guidelines and templates to standardize understanding and improve implementation.
• Adopting modern technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and artificial intelligence in project management.
• Promoting the principle of risk-sharing instead of placing the burden on one party alone to ensure project sustainability.
• Activating preventive dispute resolution mechanisms to reduce reliance on arbitration and litigation.
• Developing modern contractual models such as the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) model.
• Emphasizing the continuity of the forum on a regular basis both inside and outside Oman.

Closing of the Forum

The forum concluded on its second day with interactive discussion sessions, followed by a commemorative group photo for participants and a closing luncheon, in an atmosphere reflecting the spirit of partnership and integration among the participating entities.

Importance of the Forum

The success of this forum highlights the pivotal role played by the Oman Society of Engineers and its partners in supporting professional development and enhancing the efficiency of the contracts and projects system. This contributes to achieving sustainable development goals and reinforces Oman’s position as a regional hub for the exchange of engineering expertise and advanced professional practices.

In this context, the Oman Society of Engineers reaffirmed its commitment to organizing specialized professional events and conferences that serve as platforms for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and partnership building, thereby supporting the advancement of professional and engineering development in Oman.

The society also announced a package of upcoming events covering multiple engineering and technical fields, most notably the Fifth Salalah Engineering Forum under the theme “Energy Transition,” in addition to the Arab Forum for the Protection of Marine Reserves and Sustainable Development. These initiatives continue the society’s role in promoting professional knowledge and keeping pace with modern developments and trends in the engineering and development sectors.