Market Facts

Oman

  • Population: Over 5 million (2024).
  • Urbanization: Around 75% urban population, with key cities being Muscat, Salalah, and Sohar.
  • Gender Distribution: 58% male, 42% female
  • Age Distribution: 40% under 25 years, with a median age of 30 years. Oman has a younger population compared to other GCC countries.
  • Expats vs Locals: Expats make up about 45% of the population, with a large portion from South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh).
  • Literacy Rate: Approximately 95%, with significant investment in education, particularly in rural areas.
  • Languages: Arabic (official), English is widely used in business and among expats.
  • Key Sectors: Telecom, Tourism, Oil & Gas, Retail, Logistics.
  • Digital Penetration: Growing mobile and internet penetration; around 80% of the population has access to the internet. Increasing adoption of 4G, with 5G services starting to roll out.
  • Consumer Behavior: Omani consumers are gradually shifting towards digital services, with growing demand for e-commerce, mobile banking, and online shopping. There is also rising interest in mobile apps for financial services and e-learning.
  • Cultural Nuances: Strong connection to traditional values but open to modern services, especially in urban areas. Government initiatives such as Oman Vision 2040 are driving the adoption of digital technologies.