Ma’roof platform strengthens trust in Oman’s e-commerce

MUSCAT: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion is stepping up efforts to regulate Oman’s e-commerce sector and build consumer confidence through the Ma’roof Oman platform, a national initiative that verifies licensed online stores operating in the Sultanate of Oman. The platform allows buyers to confirm that sellers hold official licences issued by the Ministry, facilitates communication between merchants and customers, and promotes transparency in digital transactions, particularly during peak shopping periods such as Ramadhan and Eid.
Ma’roof Oman supports the growth of the digital economy by helping online businesses demonstrate their legitimacy and reach a wider customer base, while enabling consumers to make informed and secure purchasing decisions. As of February 2026, the platform had registered 340 e-commerce stores, with 670 applications submitted, reflecting growing awareness among business owners of the importance of authentication and a rising preference among consumers to deal with licensed sellers.
Azza bint Ibrahim al Kindi, Director of the Department of Commercial Affairs and E-Commerce at the Ministry, said the platform represents a strategic step in regulating online trade and promoting a culture of safe and responsible shopping. She noted that Ma’roof Oman enhances the credibility of compliant merchants, strengthens their competitive position, and empowers consumers to verify store authenticity before completing purchases. The Ministry, she added, is committed to providing a secure and stimulating digital environment that supports sustainable growth and protects consumer rights.
To reinforce these efforts, the Ministry has launched a comprehensive media campaign urging consumers to verify store authentication certificates before purchasing online and encouraging merchants to complete their registration on the platform. The campaign promotes messages centred on trust, security and informed decision-making, underlining the role of Ma’roof Oman as a key pillar in Oman’s digital transformation and national economic development. — ONA