Oman’s freelancing sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by global labor market shifts and national efforts to foster sustainable income and entrepreneurship through digital platforms. These developments align with Oman Vision 2040’s goals to diversify the economy and promote innovation.
Azza bint Ibrahim al Kindi, Director of Commercial Affairs and E-Commerce at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, highlighted e-commerce as a major freelance work area supported by government measures enabling legal operations. The introduction of the Freelance Business Register allows Omanis to engage in e-commerce activities for a nominal fee, providing access to regional and international markets without the need for physical storefronts.
The ministry has licensed over 200 commercial activities under freelance licenses, coordinated with other authorities and supported by platforms like ‘Maroof Oman,’ which verifies e-stores to build consumer trust and provide legal protection. E-commerce offers flexible job opportunities, particularly for youth and recent graduates, with sectors like digital marketing, design, and software development seeing steady freelance involvement.
Freelancing also showcases Omani professional and technical talent, expanding economic activities and supporting adoption of modern technologies. The National E-Commerce Plan, part of the broader National Digital Economy Programme (2022-2027), emphasizes institutional capacity building and SME training to access global platforms such as Amazon and Noon.
Complementing these efforts, the ‘Makin’ programme under the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology enhances technical skills to prepare Omanis for evolving job markets. Azza noted that various government entities actively back the digital commerce shift, which fosters innovation by allowing youth to experiment with business ideas flexibly and with reduced risk.
