MUSCAT: With Oman set to impose the option of making cashless (electronic) payment mandatory in shopping malls and other commercial enterprises next year, the option to “pay in cash” will remain available to consumers, a top official clarified on Monday.

Azza bint Ibrahim Al Kindi, Director of Commercial Affairs and Electronic Commerce at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) said: “As part of the 2040 Oman Vision, some commercial enterprises will have to provide the option of cashless payments and it will become mandatory from January 1, 2022. The option to pay in cash remains available to consumers according to their desire.”

The first phase will cover activities in industrial areas, shopping complexes, commercial centers, gift markets, food sales, gold and silver sales, restaurants and cafes, fruits and vegetables, in addition to transactions involving electronics, building materials, and tobacco.