Oman

A significant number of expats left the country after the outbreak of COVID-19 but they are now returning, with this providing a boost to retail in Oman in 2022. Consumers in Muscat are demanding greater convenience due to increasingly hectic…

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, fuel shortages, and the consequent economic backlash, demand for home care products has performed relatively well in Oman. Home care products are widely available and affordable for the majority of consumers.…

Although state finances are improving, as an absolute monarchy, Oman has limited hopes of being a democracy and economic freedom is deteriorating. Economic recovery depends on hydrocarbons whose global prices have risen. Inflation is well contained…

In 2022, tissue and hygiene continues to benefit from raised awareness of hygiene in and outside of the home. Meanwhile, categories such as nappies/diapers/pants and sanitary protection are already well developed and although these products are…

In 2022, staple foods in Oman continues to witness normalisation following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many consumers continue to prefer local brands, which increase in popularity during the pandemic due to them being more affordable. The rapid…

In 2022, hot drinks is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, largely due to the easement of restrictions and resumption of socialising among consumers, in and outside of the home. Tea remains intrinsically tied up with Omani culture, and drives…

After being negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, snacks are finally starting to see an improved performance in 2022. In line with restrictions easing and tourism returning, demand is slowly starting to return to stronger…

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic coming to an end, soft drinks continues to struggle in 2022, however, some categories are witnessing a slight recovery. However, soft drinks in general are under fire due to steep taxes on sugary beverages and the…

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many OTC categories saw higher demand as they were used to treat the symptoms of the COVID-19 virus as well as side-effects of the vaccine, while some herbal/traditional categories saw higher demand as consumers…

After the introduction of a 100% excise tax in 2019 put enormous pressure on demand for cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos and smoking tobacco, 2020 and 2021 saw further drops in demand, although sales declines were more moderate as stability returned…

Total volume sales of alcoholic drinks declined again in 2021 as the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the narrowing of the core consumer base for the category. With local people officially banned from buying and consuming alcohol, industry players rely…

Many categories were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic due to diminishing disposable incomes and ongoing lockdowns. However, in 2021 and 2022, the industry has recovered due to the easing of restrictions and consumers remitting to their…

Cooking ingredients and meals continued its recovery in total volume terms in 2022. A significant number of expats left the country after the outbreak of COVID-19 but they are now returning. Consumers in Muscat are demanding greater convenience due…

Increasingly hectic lifestyles and growth in the number of working mothers is boosting demand for packaged dairy and baby food which is widely available via the country’s well-developed grocery retail channels. The government’s investment in…

This report assesses the business environment in Oman, focusing on the regulatory environment, stability of the financial system, FDI intake, labour market flexibility and skillset, trade openness, mobility infrastructure, ICT adoption and innovative…

The number of households is set to increase rapidly in Oman over 2021-2040, with couples with children remaining the dominant household type. While household earnings will only gradually reach pre-pandemic levels, the fastest household expenditure…

The report examines the economic landscape of Oman and provides information on major monetary indicators, foreign trade, investments and government finance. The economy in Oman expanded in real terms in 2022, driven by increasing public and private…

Insight into income, wealth and expenditure of consumers and households is vital in helping businesses make strategic decisions with regard to which country (or even which region within a country) to enter, which consumer segment to target, which…

The landscape in which businesses operate has an impact on the supply chain and regulatory matters while offering scope for innovation and new ways of doing business. Insights on key sectors directly related to the environmental sustainability of a…