MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman recorded strong growth in digital payment activity during 2025, reflecting changing consumer behaviour, expanding commercial activity and rising confidence in electronic transactions as the country accelerates its digital transformation agenda.
According to data released by the Central Bank of Oman, the value of transactions processed through local electronic payment gateways climbed to around RO 3.2 billion in 2025, representing a sharp increase of 76.3 per cent compared with 2024. The number of transactions also rose significantly from 67 million to more than 168 million during the year, marking growth of 150 per cent.
Point-of-sale transactions also recorded robust performance, with the total value of payments through POS devices exceeding RO 7.5 billion in 2025, up 33.2 per cent from the previous year. The figures highlight the widening adoption of electronic payment methods across retail outlets, services and commercial establishments.
QR code payments posted the fastest growth among digital payment channels. Transaction values through QR technology increased by 133.5 per cent to nearly RO8 million, almost tripling compared with 2024.
Nasra bint Sultan al Habsi, Director-General of Trade at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, said the indicators reflect stronger purchasing activity in the local market and improving consumer confidence. She noted that the sharp rise in transaction volumes and values across various channels demonstrates growing purchasing power and increasing demand within the Sultanate of Oman.
She added that the performance aligns with the Ministry’s efforts to improve spending flexibility and strengthen the business environment in a way that supports sustainable economic growth and meets evolving consumer expectations.
Azza bint Ibrahim al Kindi, Director of Commercial Affairs and E-Commerce at the Ministry, said the increase in electronic payment gateway activity reflects a fundamental shift in consumer behaviour and rising trust in digital platforms.
She explained that the growing diversity of payment solutions has simplified purchasing processes and enhanced spending flexibility for consumers. She added that continued growth in electronic transactions also indicates rising awareness of the security and reliability of digital payment systems across different commercial channels.
The upward trend reflects expanding activity in the retail, services and e-commerce sectors, while supporting Oman’s broader efforts to build a more flexible, competitive and digitally driven economy. — ONA
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