MUSCAT : The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion said the progress reflects Oman’s continued efforts to build an integrated e-commerce ecosystem through legislative, regulatory and technical reforms aligned with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.

The national e-commerce system focuses on updating legislation, expanding digital services, improving electronic payments and logistics, and increasing awareness of online commerce. The measures are also aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises, entrepreneurs and investments linked to the digital economy.

Implementation accelerated during the second half of 2025, when four major initiatives were completed. These included campaigns promoting electronic payment methods, a review of electronic payment transaction fees, e-commerce awareness programmes and the inclusion of e-commerce concepts in educational curricula and courses.

As a result, the number of completed initiatives increased from 22 in mid-2025 to 26 by the end of the year.

The Ministry has also continued strengthening the regulatory framework under the E-Commerce Regulation issued through Ministerial Resolution No. 499/2023. The regulation governs e-commerce activities, protects the rights of consumers and merchants and seeks to improve confidence in electronic transactions.

The Ministry also completed the review and approval of fees related to electronic payment systems and services, alongside programmes encouraging wider use of digital payment methods.

Awareness initiatives have meanwhile been rolled out through various media platforms, while e-commerce concepts have been incorporated into curricula and courses to build national capabilities and prepare Omani talent for the evolving digital economy.

Nasra bint Sultan Al Habsi, Director General of Trade at the Ministry, said the National E-Commerce Plan serves as a strategic roadmap for strengthening Oman’s capabilities and competitiveness in the sector at regional and global levels.

She said the plan seeks to support e-commerce growth by addressing supply- and demand-side challenges while improving awareness among businesses and consumers.

Nasra added that implementation would continue in cooperation with government entities according to approved timelines until 2027.

The current phase includes major transformative and technical projects such as the “Makin” national initiative for developing digital competencies, the national addressing system and the electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) system, alongside other initiatives aimed at completing the regulatory and technological foundations of the sector.

According to the Ministry, 19,260 activities were licensed to conduct e-commerce between February 2024 and August 1, 2026, while 412 online stores were documented on the Ma’roof Oman platform.

The Ministry said it will continue implementing the remaining initiatives under the National E-Commerce Plan with government partners, with the aim of creating a fully integrated national ecosystem supported by modern legislation, advanced digital, financial and logistics services and qualified national talent.

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