KUALA LUMPUR — Omani researcher Ali bin Said al Kalbani has successfully defended his doctoral dissertation in commercial law at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) in Malaysia. His research focused on the legal structures that govern public-private partnership (PPP) agreements in Oman, assessing their role in protecting investors’ rights and consumer purchasing power.

The dissertation, titled “The Legal Framework for Protecting Investors’ Rights and Respecting Consumers’ Purchasing Power in Public-Private Partnership Agreements in the Sultanate of Oman: A Comparative Study with the United Kingdom and the People’s Republic of China,” analyzed the effectiveness of Oman’s PPP laws and institutions. It explored how these frameworks contribute to fostering a favorable investment environment while supporting sustainable development goals.

Al Kalbani employed a comparative legal analysis method, incorporating a field study that involved interviews with experts from government bodies, academic institutions, and the private sector. His research contrasted the Omani PPP framework with those of the United Kingdom and China, countries recognized for their advanced regulatory approaches and successful implementation of public-private partnerships.

The study’s findings highlight areas where Oman’s legal and institutional frameworks could be strengthened to better protect investors and consumers alike. Al Kalbani’s recommendations aim to enhance legislative measures and institutional mechanisms, thereby bolstering investor confidence and promoting consumer rights in connection with PPP projects. Ultimately, the research supports Oman’s broader national development objectives through improved regulation and governance of public-private collaborations.