Saturday 09 / May / 2026
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman recorded significant growth in the use of digital payment methods during 2025, reflecting a major shift in consumer behaviour, increased commercial activity, and rising purchasing power, driven by continued development in e-commerce and traditional trade infrastructure.
Data issued by Central Bank of Oman showed that the value of transactions conducted through local electronic payment gateways reached approximately OMR3.2 billion in 2025, marking a growth of 76.3 percent compared to 2024.
The number of transactions also surged from 67 million to more than 168 million during the same period, registering a growth rate of 150 percent.
Point-of-sale (POS) devices also recorded strong performance, with transaction values exceeding RO 7.5 billion during 2025, an increase of 33.2 percent compared to the previous year, reflecting wider adoption of electronic payment methods across commercial activities.
QR code technology posted the highest growth rate among digital payment methods, with transaction numbers increasing by 133.5 percent and transaction values reaching around RO 8 million, nearly tripling compared to 2024.
Nasra bint Sultan Al Habsi, Director General of Trade at Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, said the indicators reflect a tangible recovery in purchasing activity within the local market. She noted that the rapid growth in both the number and value of transactions across various commercial channels demonstrates stronger consumer demand and enhanced purchasing power in Oman.
She added that the positive performance aligns with the ministry’s efforts to enhance spending flexibility, develop an attractive business environment that meets consumer expectations, and support sustainable economic growth in local markets.
Meanwhile, Director of Commercial Affairs and E-commerce at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Azza Ibrahim Al Kindi, said the sharp rise in electronic payment gateway transactions was supported by the substantial increase in transaction volumes, reflecting a significant shift in consumer behaviour and growing confidence in digital channels.
She noted that the diversity of payment options has contributed to facilitating purchases and increasing spending flexibility, adding that the continued growth in electronic transactions reflects greater consumer awareness of the security and reliability of digital payment methods across different commercial sectors.
The strong performance highlights the continued expansion of the retail, services, and e-commerce sectors, supporting the efficiency of the local market and reinforcing Oman’s efforts to accelerate comprehensive digital transformation and build a more flexible and competitive business environment.
