Oman tightens e-commerce regulation as 340 online stores join Maroof platform

Oman is stepping up its game when it comes to online shopping safety. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion has been tightening its oversight of the country’s booming e-commerce scene, primarily through the "Maroof Oman" platform. As of February 2026, the platform has already registered 340 online stores, with hundreds more applications currently in the works. It’s essentially a digital seal of approval that helps shoppers figure out who’s legitimate and who isn't before they hit the "buy" button.

This initiative is a big part of a larger plan to clean up the digital marketplace and protect shoppers, especially during busy times like Ramadan and Eid. For business owners, being on Maroof Oman isn't just about red tape; it actually gives them a boost in credibility and helps them reach more people. For the rest of us, it provides a verified directory where we can check store details and see how other customers have rated them.

Azza bint Ibrahim Al Kindi, who heads up the ministry's e-commerce department, views the platform as a major move toward making the sector more professional and secure. She’s really pushing for a culture where "checking before you buy" becomes second nature. To get the word out, the ministry is launching a media campaign with slogans like “Shop with confidence,” reminding everyone to look for that authentication certificate. Ultimately, it’s all about making Oman’s digital economy more reliable and supporting the country’s long-term goal of a diverse, tech-driven marketplace.

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