MUSCAT: Sports goods and accessories rank among the highest online purchases in the Sultanate of Oman, according to data from Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT).
The data, featured in a recent report of Oxford Business Group, reveals that sports goods and accessories made up for 66 per cent of online purchases in 2021, followed by groceries (57 per cent), household goods (40 per cent), cosmetics and skin care products (27 per cent), and travel and accommodation services (26 per cent).
The current Omani e-commerce market is valued at around $600 million and is expected to reach $1.2 billion by 2029.
However, according to the report, e-commerce represents just 1 per cent of total retail sales in the country. And despite having one of the highest levels of smartphone usage in the Middle East, only 8 per cent of the population currently engages in mobile shopping.
According to the Ministry’s data, current online purchase trends could be attributed to several factors, including a general preference for in-person shopping (72 per cent), lack of interest (50 per cent), lack of trust regarding guarantees and delivery (44 per cent), security concerns regarding payment information (43 per cent), lack of knowledge or skills (43 per cent), and privacy concerns (43 per cent).
In 2022, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) launched the National E-Commerce Strategy in collaboration with key public and private stakeholders.
Speaking at the first Omani E-Commerce Forum held earlier in May, the Under-Secretary for Commerce and Industry, Dr Saleh bin Said Masan, shared that the strategy will focus on adopting a comprehensive approach to boost ecommerce in the country.
“The plan focuses on several key areas, notably updating legislative frameworks, communications, transportation and logistics services, establishing an e-commerce complex, building national skills and capabilities and intensifying awareness and guidance,” he said.
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