Spend... within the limits

Suhar, Nov 22
In recent years, a quiet yet noticeable shift has taken place in Oman’s social landscape; spending is no longer just about needs, but increasingly about status. Economists call this conspicuous consumption. It has sparked conversations among researchers, families and social observers across the nation.
According to Dr Haifa al Maamari, head of the khazna programme, which focuses on instilling financial values, conspicuous consumption is a growing social concern in Oman. Dr Al Maamari explains that excessive spending today often goes far beyond meeting basic needs. “Conspicuous consumption means spending with the intention of showing off and asserting one’s social status, rather than fulfilling essential needs,” she notes.
She emphasises that this pattern is visible from lavish weddings to costly travel, branded fashion and celebratory events that exceed a family’s financial capacity. “The problem is not in enjoying life,” she says, “but in stretching one’s finances merely to project an image. Many families feel pressured to keep up with societal expectations, even when it strains their budget or leads to financial stress.”
Salim al Hosni, a 28-year-old professional, sees the trend as harmless. “People work hard, and if they want to enjoy their money on nice things, why not?” he says. “It motivates others to aspire for a better life and show their prestigious life!.”
Echoing this view, Huda al Khabouri, a university student, believes it can even have a positive economic ripple. “Luxury spending supports local businesses and encourages new brands to enter the market,” she notes.
Yet others disagree. Fatma al Oraimi, a mother of three from Sur, argues that the culture of showing off has placed unnecessary pressure on families. “Weddings, birthdays, even simple gatherings have become competitions,” she says. “People spend beyond their means just to avoid judgement.”
From a youth perspective, Mohammed al Shabibi calls it a silent social trap. “We feel expected to dress a certain way or have the newest phone,” he says. “It’s exhausting, and it distracts us from real goals. We feel that we are different.”
Dr Al Maamari suggests that awareness and balance are key. “Spending is not the problem, but the intention behind it is,” she says. “When purchases serve identity more than necessity, society must reflect on its values.”
Dr Al Maamari highlighted that the normalisation of exaggerated spending can gradually reshape values, especially among youth who may equate self-worth with material possessions. She highlights the role of social media in intensifying the pressure, as curated images of luxury create unrealistic standards. “It becomes a cycle,' she adds, “people buy more to appear more, and the emotional and financial consequences can be significant.”
The debate raises an important question: Are we consuming for comfort, or performing for others? The answer may shape not only personal finances, but also the social fabric of the future that we should decide on!