Effortless online signing with e-signatures
Electronic signatures are digital versions of your signature that indicate your agreement to the contents of an online contract. They provide a hassle-free way to sign documents remotely, eliminating the need for physical paperwork and enabling faster and more streamlined transactions.
They are legally binding for a variety of purposes and can either be typed, drawn on the screen of an electronic device, or uploaded from your desktop. This modern alternative to wet signatures has been adopted across the world because it empowers individuals and businesses to sign documents online in a legal, secure, and efficient way.
E-signatures and their impact on Omani businesses
E-signatures have transformed the way businesses in Oman handle contracts and approvals. What once required printing, scanning, and physical signatures can now be done digitally, speeding up processes and reducing administrative overhead. This shift has transformed how companies operate, enabling quicker decision-making and boosting overall productivity. As Oman continues its digital transformation under Vision 2040, adopting e-signatures is not just an advancement; it's a game-changer that equips businesses for success in an increasingly digital landscape.
Electronic signatures offer distinct advantages over traditional physical signatures in terms of:
- Speed
- Efficiency
- Enhanced authentication
- Robust security
- Remote accessibility
- User experience
- Cost-effectiveness
Industries leading the charge with e-signatures
- Education
- Human Resources
- Healthcare and life sciences
- Government and public services
- Banking and Finance
- Legal
- Logistics and transportation
- Telecommunications
Legal framework of e-signatures in Oman
Governing legislation
The Electronic Transactions Law of 2025 establishes the legal framework for conducting electronic transactions in the country.
Simple, Advanced, and Certified Electronic signature
A Simple Electronic Signature is an electronic signature in the form of letters, numbers, symbols, marks, or the like, affixed to an electronic document or transaction.
An Advanced Electronic Signature is an electronic signature with a unique character that enables identification of the signatory and distinguishes them from others.
A Certified Electronic Signature is an advanced electronic signature linked to an electronic certification certificate.
An Advanced Electronic Signature and a Certified Electronic Signature shall have evidential value if the following conditions are met:
An Electronic Siganture is considered reliable and protected if it satisfies the following conditions -
- The signature-creation device is linked exclusively to the signatory and no other person, and was under the signatory’s control at the time of signing.
- It is possible to detect any change made to the signature after it has been created.
- It is possible to detect any change made to the electronic information or data associated with the signature after it has been created, where the purpose of requiring the signature is to ensure the integrity of that information or data.
Digital Certificate
This is an electronic document issued by a trust service provider containing the signatory’s data and certified electronic signature data.
The certificate shall include the following details:
- The identity of the Certificate Authority (CA)
- Confirmation that the subscriber had control over the signature originating tool at the time of affixing the signature
- A statement affirming that the signature originating tool was valid and accurate at the time the certificate was issued
- Any restrictions on the usage of the certificate
- Limitations on the liability of the CA and other parties, as outlined by the Root CA
Presumptions arising from the use of an Electronic Signature validated by a Digital Certificate:
- The subscriber has confirmed the accuracy of the certificate.
- The subscriber has ensured the enforceability of the certificate.
- The subscriber relies on the certificate strictly in accordance with its terms and conditions/restrictions.
Acceptance of a digital certificate issued by a Foreign Certificate Authority
According to the law, the accuracy and validity of a digital certificate are assessed based on where the certificate is issued, where the signature is applied, or the location of the CA's business.
A digital certificate issued by a foreign CA will be accepted under the following conditions:
- The practices of the foreign CA must meet or exceed the credibility standards required by Omani law while also considering recognised international practices.
- The certificate must be formally recognised by a ministerial decision.
Secure digital signing in Oman with Zoho Sign
Zoho Sign helps Omani businesses enhance efficiency and stay competitive in today's digital age. Explore how its advanced security features can optimise your operations and fuel growth.
Identification and reliability:
Zoho Sign employs strong authentication techniques, such as OTP authentication and PKI-based digital signatures using digital certificates, to ensure the e-signature identifies the signatory.
Intention of the signatory:
This can be collectively projected by the contents of the electronic documents (like terms in an agreement), audit trail, and completion certificate.
Control over the data being signed:
Only the signatory is allowed to review the document before signing and may make changes or reject the document if necessary.
Enhanced security:
Zoho Sign employs robust encryption protocols, such as the military-grade AES-256 encryption at rest and the TLS/SSL protocol in transit, to ensure that the data transmission between the signing platform and the data being signed is secure. This prevents document and data exposure in the case of data breaches.
Detectable alterations:
Zoho Sign ensures any alterations to the electronic signature or the document to which the signature is affixed are detectable through an elaborate audit trail of all activities during the signing process. This audit trail comprises critical information, such as the identity of the signatory, the timestamp of the signature, and changes made to the document.
Document timestamping
A digital timestamp is a digitally signed notation that is appended to the electronic data, digital signature, or certificate that indicates that certain digital data exists at a certain point in time. This process securely binds the date and time to the document, ensuring its authenticity and integrity.
Zoho Sign partners with recognised timestamping authorities, GlobalSign and Seiko, to provide trusted digital timestamps for electronic transactions. These timestamps validate the authenticity of e-signatures and verify that the signed document existed in the given form at the time of signing and remains unaltered, adding a robust layer of security to the signing process. By making signatures tamper-proof, digital timestamps enhance the reliability of signed documents for both legal and commercial purposes.
Key takeaway
In today's fast-paced Oman business environment, e-signatures are gaining popularity as the go-to solution for handling contracts and agreements. Zoho Sign helps Omani businesses streamline their processes, enhance security, and speed up document workflows, enabling them to embrace a more efficient, paperless future. Zoho Sign's user-friendly platform and robust audit trails empower organizations to stay competitive, making the transition to a streamlined, digital-first approach to agreements smoother and more effective.
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Disclaimer
The information provided in this document is for general informational purposes only and shall not be construed as legal, regulatory, or any other form of professional advice. Zoho Sign disclaims any liability for any error in the information provided herein. We recommend that you consult your legal counsel for any questions that you may have in this regard.