The Sultanate of Oman has strengthened its e-commerce ecosystem by implementing a comprehensive package of legislative, regulatory, and technical initiatives. These efforts raised the completion rate of the National E-Commerce Plan (2022–2027) to 86.7 percent by the end of 2025, following the successful completion of 26 out of 30 planned initiatives.
This progress aligns with the efforts of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion to develop the digital business environment, establish enablers that support e-commerce growth, and enhance national economic competitiveness—all in line with the goals of "Oman Vision 2040."
The integrated e-commerce ecosystem relies on updating legislation, developing digital services, enhancing the efficiency of electronic payments, upgrading logistics, and raising e-commerce awareness. These measures create a business environment better prepared for digital transformation and support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurs, and investments linked to the digital economy.
The implementation of the National E-Commerce Plan accelerated during the second half of 2025 with the completion of four key initiatives. These included awareness campaigns on electronic payment methods, the approval of a review regarding electronic payment transaction fees, the execution of e-commerce awareness programs, and the integration of e-commerce concepts into educational curricula. Consequently, the number of completed initiatives rose from 22 in mid-2025 to 26 by the end of the year. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion has continued to develop the legislative framework governing e-commerce. This effort is anchored in the e-commerce regulations issued via Ministerial Decision No. 499/2023, which regulate e-commerce activities, safeguard the rights of both consumers and merchants, enhance the reliability of electronic transactions, and provide a regulatory environment that supports the expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into digital commercial activities.
In collaboration with relevant entities, the Ministry has also finalized the review and approval of fees for electronic payment systems and services. This runs parallel to the implementation of programs designed to boost the use of electronic payment methods, thereby enhancing the efficiency of digital transactions and providing more convenient payment solutions for e-commerce operations.
Development efforts have also extended to implementing awareness programs across various media channels and integrating e-commerce concepts into educational curricula. These measures aim to build national capacity, raise awareness regarding digital transactions, and ensure that the national workforce is prepared to meet the demands of the digital economy.
Nasra bint Sultan Al-Habsi, Director General of Commerce at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, stated that the National E-Commerce Plan serves as a strategic roadmap to strengthen the Sultanate of Oman’s e-commerce capabilities and boost its competitiveness at both regional and global levels. The plan supports e-commerce growth by addressing supply and demand challenges and raising awareness among commercial enterprises and consumers.
She added that 2025 has witnessed progress in the plan's implementation, marked by an increase in the number of completed initiatives. She affirmed the Ministry's commitment to executing the remaining initiatives in cooperation with government entities, in accordance with approved timelines extending through 2027. It was explained that the current phase focuses on completing transformative and technical initiatives. These include the "Makeen" national initiative for qualifying digital talent, the national addressing system, and the electronic "Know Your Customer" (KYC) system, alongside other initiatives aimed at finalizing the regulatory and technical enablers that support the e-commerce ecosystem.
The Director General of Commerce at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion noted that the number of licensed e-commerce activities between February 2024 and August 1, 2024, reached 19,260, while the number of online stores verified on the "Maroof Oman" platform totaled 412.
The Ministry continues to implement the remaining phase of the National E-Commerce Plan in collaboration with government entities. This effort aims to complete an integrated national ecosystem underpinned by modern legislation, advanced digital, financial, and logistical services, and a qualified national workforce. These measures are designed to enhance the business environment, support the growth of the digital economy, and boost the Sultanate of Oman’s regional and international competitiveness, in alignment with the goals of "Oman Vision 2040."
