Oman’s online trading sector is thriving, with revenue expected to reach $297.6 million in 2025, according to reports. The online revenue is projected to have a compound annual growth rate (CAGR 2025-2029) of 9.2 per cent, resulting in a market volume of $422.8 million by 2029.
The Omani eCommerce market contributed to the worldwide growth rate of 9.8 per cent, with an expected increase of 11.8 per cent in 2025. Oman’s e-commerce market serves the B2C and B2B sectors, spanning garments, electronics, fashion, groceries and home appliances, and was estimated at $0.57 billion. This indicates significant growth potential, attracting e-commerce companies worldwide.
The apparel market leads the list of sectors, followed by electronics, accounting for 23.1 per cent of Omani eCommerce revenue. Hobby & Leisure follows at 23.1 per cent, fashion at 18.0 per cent, furniture and homeware at 12.2 per cent, care products at 8.7 per cent, DIY at 7.7 per cent, and groceries at the remaining 7.3 per cent.
However, safer online practices are urged to safeguard online dealers in the wake of increasing online malpractices.
The Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) has introduced the 'Safe Shopping in the Digital Economy' campaign as part of various awareness activities. A seminar titled "Safe Online Shopping" has been held through its directorates and branches across the governorates.
The campaign, under the slogan ‘For Safe Shopping’, aims to raise community awareness of the principles of safe online shopping, enhance knowledge of consumer and electronic supplier rights and obligations, and promote legal awareness among suppliers in accordance with applicable regulations and laws.
The seminar titled ‘Safe Online Shopping’, held in collaboration with the Omani Women’s Association and the Ihsan Association branch in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, aimed to activate community and institutional partnerships, introduce regulations governing sales and purchases via the global information network and educate attendees about consumer rights during online shopping and remote contracting.
The campaign has also raised consumer awareness through radio and television interviews to educate consumers about the risks of unsafe online shopping and how to avoid them. Several informational posts were shared on social media platforms, along with the publication of various awareness videos and materials. The campaign involved organising live and virtual awareness lectures, workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions for consumers in various government and private institutions and educational establishments. Media coverage was provided through social media networks, and awareness messages were displayed on screens in commercial complexes.
TIPS FOR SAFE ONLINE SHOPPING
- Shopping should be limited to popular or familiar websites
- Conduct research about the seller before buying
- Make sure you have strong passwords and keep updating your software
- Avoid using debit card to shop online; instead, use a credit card or payment service
- Avoid doing online shopping on public Wi-Fi networks
- Look for the lock icon in the address bar to ensure the website is secure
- Avoid typing the name of the retailer into the browser bar
- Use a VPN to shop online securely for a secured transaction
- Lastly, use a good antivirus for the system
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