Oman

After the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, social gatherings have surged, driving a significant uptake in hot drinks in 2023, notably coffee and tea. In Omani culture, hot drinks, particularly Omani coffee, are integral to hospitality, making it…

In 2023, soft drinks in Oman have shown resilience post COVID-19. Soft drinks, including bottled water and juices, have rebounded positively, aligning with the resurgence of social events. Health and wellness trends continue to shape preferences,…

Oman is managing its state finances well and its absolute monarchy creates stability, but economic freedom remains constrained. Whilst the economy is slowing, high oil prices have been supportive and inflation is low, but reliance on oil is large and…

Despite inflation, fuel shortages, and the consequent economic backlash from the pandemic, demand for home care products performed relatively well in Oman. Home care products are widely available and affordable for the majority of consumers. In 2023,…

In 2023, tissue and hygiene in Oman is increasing, fuelled by increasing disposable incomes, urbanisation rates, and a growing awareness of cleanliness. In terms of the competitive landscape, the industry rewards those embracing e-commerce, premium…

Staple foods in Oman has experienced consistent growth throughout 2023, despite the escalation in prices attributed to inflation and other heightened production costs. Certain categories are deemed indispensable to Omani households, yet Omanis remain…

After being negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, sales of snacks finally began to improve in 2022. The removal of pandemic-related restrictions and the return of tourism in 2023 continued to support rising demand. While the…

Consumer health is registering healthy growth rates in Oman in 2023. Growth is being driven by the increasing presence of OTC brands, increasing consumer awareness, an expanding population and an increase in self-medication. Easing inflationary…

The tobacco market in Oman is still recovering after the introduction of a 100% excise tax in 2019. In this environment, consumer demand has shifted towards lower-priced cigarettes, while cigarettes volume sales continued to decline in 2022. The…

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…

Locals are officially banned from buying and consuming alcohol, with players relying on expatriates for sales, while the ban on marketing alcoholic drinks makes it challenging for brand owners to influence consumer choices. Nonetheless, the lifting…

In 2023, Oman's cooking ingredients industry has shifted due to higher prices from global inflation. Consumers are now leaning towards healthier choices, affecting demand for traditional cooking ingredients. Freshness remains a priority, leading to…

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…

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…

The number of households is set to increase moderately in Oman over 2022-2027, with couples with children remaining the dominant household type. In 2022 household spending was affected by inflation, which stood at 2.8% elevating living costs. The…

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

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 population increase in Oman from 2021-2040 will be driven by positive natural change, as births outweigh deaths. Improved living standards and healthcare will support ageing; however, the population 65+ will remain low, having limited impact on…

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…