This week the spotlight is on legal and regulatory developments in Oman, where the Deputy Chairman of Oman’s Shoura Council, Mohammed Al Ghassani has suggested Oman is considering plans to allow foreigners to buy property outside of integrated tourism complexes if they meet certain conditions. The aim would be to boost the housing market and the economy.

Elsewhere, the country’s Telecom Regulatory Authority will announce a third mobile operator in September following an invitation to tender last year. Omantel and Ooredoo are currently the two Mobile Network Operators in the country and Renna and Friendi are the two Mobile Virtual Network Operators. It is expected to be in the first week of September and all the proposals are currently being reviewed. The aim is to increase competition in the Sultanate’s telecommunications sector.