Empowering Oman's
Future in Legal Innovation

Director of the Office of the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior

Mr. Talal Al-Saadi currently serves as the Director of the Office of the Undersecretary at the Ministry of Interior in the Sultanate of Oman. With a strong interest in government organization and governance, he is deeply committed to the practical implementation of modern administrative frameworks to enhance efficiency, flexibility, and effectiveness in governmental workflows.

He has played a key role in driving government digital transformation initiatives and has successfully overseen the automation of all citizen-facing services within his scope. His passion for modern leadership and management practices is reflected in his continuous efforts to apply innovative approaches across public sector operations.

With over 20 years of experience at the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Al-Saadi has contributed significantly to the modernization of legal frameworks, particularly in updating legislation related to Shura Council and municipal council elections. His work supported the alignment of electoral laws with modern technologies and digital voting processes.

He is an active member of the Ministry’s digital transformation team and has chaired major electoral committees, including those overseeing Shura Council and municipal elections, as well as serving on the Board of Directors of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry. His experience includes the adoption of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, for voter verification and data analysis during election processes.

Additionally, Mr. Al-Saadi has extensive expertise in legislative drafting and international legal cooperation. He has served on national technical committees studying United Nations conventions related to anti-corruption, organized crime, and cybercrime, and participated in expert meetings at the UN headquarters in Vienna and The Hague. His legal and leadership journey also includes serving as a member of the disciplinary committee and later Chairman of the Appeals Committee of the Oman Football Association until 2022.

Chief Corporate Officer at Oman Reinsurance Company SAOG (Oman Re)

Khalid Al Balushi is the Chief Corporate Officer at Oman Reinsurance Company SAOG (Oman Re). He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Sultan Qaboos University and a Master’s degree in International Commercial Law from Bournemouth University, UK. With over a decade of experience in Oman’s insurance sector, Khalid has held key roles as a Legal Adviser and Compliance Officer.

He has successfully completed the QFC Rules and Regulations certification from the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment, and the International Advanced Certificate in Anti-Money Laundering from the International Compliance Association. He is currently pursuing the Professional Award for Specialist Insurance Practitioner from the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance.

Chief Legal Officer at Khimji Ramdas LLC

Ali Said Al Kalbani is the Chief Legal Officer and Board Secretary of Khimji Ramdas Group in Oman, bringing over 15 years of extensive experience in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and strategic legal leadership.

Throughout his career, Ali has played a pivotal role in advising senior leadership and boards on complex legal and regulatory matters, strengthening governance frameworks, and ensuring compliance across diverse business sectors.

He is currently a PhD candidate in Law at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia. His academic research focuses on Public–Private Partnership (PPP) frameworks, investor protection, and comparative governance models, reflecting his deep interest in aligning legal structures with sustainable economic development.

Chief Innovation Officer & Strategy Director at Ministry of Justice – UAE.

Dr. Abdalla Sulaiman Alhammadi is the Director of Strategy and Future, as well as the Chief Innovation Officer at the Ministry of Justice. He leads strategic planning, innovation initiatives, and performance enhancement programs within the public sector...

Head of Data Management at the Central Bank of Oman

Dr. Jihad Rashid Al Wahshi is the Head of Data Management at the Central Bank of Oman. He has a working experience of about 14 years in the banking industry with specific focus on data governance and data science. He also has a master's degree in data science from the University of Sheffield in the UK. He was recently awarded a PhD in Information Governance from the University of Sheffield. His interests include information governance, data management, data science, big data analytics, and business intelligence.

AGM – Chief Compliance Officer at Alizz Islamic Bank

Mr. Ibrahim Abdullah Al Maamari is the AGM – Chief Compliance Officer of Alizz Islamic Bank and a seasoned professional with more than 24 years of experience in the banking and financial sector. He is widely recognised for his strong leadership capabilities and his expertise in compliance, regulatory frameworks, and anti-money laundering strategies.

Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Al Maamari has held leadership roles in internal audit, fraud investigation, financial crime prevention, legal advisory, and compliance management. He is a recognised thought leader and has spoken at several international forums on financial crime and economic challenges.

Prior to joining Alizz Islamic Bank, he held senior leadership positions at Ahli Bank and the National Bank of Oman, where he led compliance frameworks, legal affairs, and internal audit strategies.

Mr. Al Maamari holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree from Sultan Qaboos University. He is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) from the Institute of Internal Auditors and a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, USA. He has also contributed significantly to the banking industry as a board member of the Oman Banking Association’s Compliance Committee.

Head of Legal Advisory at Bank Dhofar SAOG

Nasser Al Khusaibi is a strategic legal leader and serves as the Head of the Legal Advisory Unit at Bank Dhofar SAOG, one of Oman’s leading financial institutions. He specializes in contracts and provides expert legal guidance across corporate finance, restructuring, digital transformation, sector-specific legislation, alternative dispute resolution, and the advancement of legal technology.

In his role, Nasser leads a cross-functional advisory team, ensuring the delivery of efficient, high-quality legal services that support the bank’s strategic goals. He is recognized for his ability to leverage technology to streamline workflows, enhance decision-making, and modernize legal operations.

Nasser holds an LLB (Hons) from Nottingham Law School and an LLM from Queen Mary University of London. His blend of deep legal expertise and passion for technology-enabled transformation positions him as a forward-thinking leader in the evolving landscape of legal advisory and financial services.

Judge & President at the Court of Appeal, Ministry of Justice, Egypt

Judge Taher is currently President at the Court of Appeal in Egypt. He is also a member of the International Advisory Council for Legal Education Research at Nottingham-Trent University...

Head of Legal Affairs at Huawei Tech Investment (Oman) LLC

Mohammed Al Zadjali is a legal professional with strong expertise in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and litigation management. He currently serves as the Head of Legal Affairs at Huawei Tech Investment (Oman) LLC, where he plays a key role in supporting organizational compliance and strategic legal decision-making.

He graduated from Sohar University with a Bachelor’s degree in Law and further strengthened his legal proficiency by obtaining the Test of Legal English Skills (TOLES) certification. In addition to his current role, Mohammed serves as a Legal Advisor at Oman Housing Bank, where he contributes to board governance, authority structuring, labor relations, and regulatory compliance.

At Oman Housing Bank, he actively advises internal stakeholders, manages litigation processes, and supports anti-money laundering initiatives, ensuring the protection of institutional interests. Mohammed is known for his collaborative approach, commitment to ethical governance, and dedication to aligning legal strategies with organizational objectives.

Founder & CEO at Optima Legal Technology LLC

20+ years of experience in the legal sector, a passionate founder and CEO of Optima Legal Technology, a company with a mission of disrupting the legal practice and access to legal services.

Senior Manager – Strategy & Transformation, National Bank of Oman

Ms. Mona Al-Shanfari is a Senior Manager for Strategy & Transformation at the National Bank of Oman, bringing extensive experience from both local and international banking institutions. She is a strategically result-driven professional with a strong track record in driving organizational transformation and strategic initiatives.

Her expertise spans Compliance, Risk Management, and Strategy & Transformation, supported by strong analytical capabilities and a structured, data-driven approach to decision-making. She is highly skilled in stakeholder management, project leadership, and cross-functional collaboration.

Mona is known for her ability to work effectively across diverse cultures and nationalities, fostering collaboration in complex, multicultural environments. Her communication skills and strategic mindset enable her to bridge business objectives with execution excellence.

She holds an Executive MBA from INSEAD, France, further strengthening her global perspective and leadership capabilities in navigating change within the financial services sector.

Chief Legal & Governance Officer, Sohar International Bank

Mr. Elsamawal Idris serves as the Chief Legal & Governance Officer at Sohar International Bank and is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished legal professionals in Oman’s banking sector. He brings deep expertise in banking law, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and complex financial transactions.

Recognized by The Legal 500 as “a very articulate and knowledgeable lawyer,” Elsamawal stands out for his exceptional understanding of Oman’s banking system. He has consistently demonstrated excellence in handling major transactions, high-value disputes, and sensitive regulatory matters.

Beyond transactional and advisory work, he has led wide-reaching initiatives aimed at strengthening governance frameworks, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing overall performance within the legal function. His leadership has played a critical role in aligning legal strategy with business objectives in a highly regulated environment.

Elsamawal is known for his strategic mindset, clear communication, and ability to navigate complex legal challenges, making him a trusted advisor to senior management and boards within the financial services sector.

Head of Investigation and Legal Advisory, ahlibank

Mr. Ghaith Al Mahruqi is the Head of Investigation and Legal Advisory at ahlibank, bringing a distinguished background in public prosecution and criminal justice into the financial services sector. He previously served as a Senior Public Prosecutor, where he led complex criminal investigations, conducted detailed evidence analysis, and presented high-profile cases.

His experience in managing sensitive investigations and making sound legal judgments has equipped him with a strong analytical mindset and a results-driven approach to problem-solving. He is highly skilled in assessing risk, ensuring legal compliance, and navigating complex regulatory environments.

Transitioning from public service to the business world, Ghaith applies his investigative and legal expertise to address emerging challenges within the banking sector. His work focuses on strengthening internal controls, enhancing legal advisory frameworks, and supporting informed, strategic decision-making at an institutional level.

He is recognized for his professionalism, integrity, and ability to translate legal insight into practical business value, contributing meaningfully to organizational resilience and governance.

Senior Compliance Officer, Rakiza

Bishr Al Balushi is a Senior Compliance Officer at Rakiza, recognized for his strong problem-solving mindset and commitment to continuous learning. He plays a key role in navigating complex regulatory risks and compliance challenges, ensuring effective mitigation strategies and remediation actions across the organization.

Driven by a passion for understanding emerging concepts and their real-world impact, Bishr consistently expands his professional skillset to stay aligned with evolving compliance and governance requirements. His approach combines analytical thinking with practical implementation to support sustainable compliance frameworks.

He holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and Security Studies, which strengthens his ability to analyze complex global and regulatory challenges from a strategic perspective. This academic foundation enhances his contribution to risk assessment, governance, and policy development.

Beyond his professional role, Bishr’s interests include geography, literature, nature, and world cultures, reflecting a deep curiosity and appreciation for diverse perspectives. These interests further enrich his holistic approach to compliance, ethics, and organizational responsibility.

Legal Associate, Oman Commercial Arbitration Centre

Azza Al Harthi is a legal professional at the Oman Commercial Arbitration Centre (OAC), where she supports the administration of institutional arbitration proceedings and contributes to the effective implementation of dispute resolution procedures in line with international standards.

Her work involves close engagement with arbitral tribunals, legal counsel, and key stakeholders in the management of complex cases, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and procedural integrity throughout the arbitration process.

In addition to case administration, Azza is actively involved in governance-related initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and the coordination of professional and capacity-building programmes aimed at strengthening institutional excellence.

She has a strong interest in the role of technology in modernising legal processes, enhancing institutional efficiency, and supporting the evolution of dispute resolution mechanisms. Azza regularly contributes to discussions on legal innovation, technology-enabled dispute resolution, and the future of legal services.

Head of Legal, MB Holding Company (Mohammed Al Barwani Group)

With over 22 years of legal experience, Afrah Al Busaidi currently serves as Head of Legal at MB Group and Petrogas E&P, where she plays a key role in shaping and managing legal frameworks aligned with organizational objectives.

Her responsibilities include providing strategic legal counsel on complex matters, ensuring regulatory compliance, and proactively mitigating legal and commercial risks. She supports senior leadership in navigating evolving legal landscapes while enabling sustainable business growth.

Previously, Afrah held leadership positions including Legal Advisor at Petrogas E&P Netherlands B.V. and Head of Legal at MB Holding Company LLC. In these roles, she supported diverse business verticals such as Exploration & Production, Petroleum Services, Engineering & Marine Services, Mining, Real Estate Development, Hospitality, Super Yacht Manufacturing, Aviation, and multi-sector investments.

Known for her commitment to integrity, collaboration, and sound governance, Afrah’s professional mission is to empower organizations through robust legal strategies that foster resilience, innovation, and long-term value.