Much of Oman's retail trade has moved to online stores and social media, bringing new legal questions: does my store need a licence? Is an online contract binding? What can I do if a competitor copies my products or abuses its market position? Dr. Abdullah Al Rashdi Office, Advocates and Legal Consultants acts as an e-commerce and competition lawyer in Oman, advising online sellers, platforms and companies on e-commerce, competition and anti-monopoly matters, with over 20 years of experience.
The legal framework for e-commerce in Oman
Online trading in Oman now requires an e-commerce licence under the e-commerce regulation issued by Ministerial Decision 499/2023. The licence is obtained online through the Oman Business Platform, and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion encourages stores to verify through the "Maroof Oman" platform. The regulation also requires stores to protect consumer data and disclose how they do so.
The Electronic Transactions Law issued by Royal Decree 39/2025 gives electronic documents and signatures legal effect when its conditions are met, the Consumer Protection Law protects online buyers, and the Cyber Crimes Law criminalises online fraud and attacks.
Competition protection and anti-monopoly
The Competition Protection and Monopoly Prevention Law issued by Royal Decree 67/2014 applies to production, trade and services in Oman and to activities abroad that affect the Omani market. It prohibits anti-competitive agreements and practices such as price-fixing, limiting production and market sharing, and prohibits abuse of a dominant position, treating control of more than 35% of a market as dominance. It is applied by the Competition Protection and Monopoly Prevention Centre.
Imports sold at dumped or subsidised prices that harm national industry are subject to the GCC rules on anti-dumping, countervailing and safeguard measures.
When do you need an e-commerce and competition lawyer?
- You are launching an online store or selling through social media and need the licensing and registration requirements.
- You need terms and conditions, a privacy policy and a returns policy for your store.
- You have a dispute with customers, suppliers, payment gateways or delivery companies over online transactions.
- You have received a consumer complaint or a violation notice.
- A competitor copies your brand, store or content, or runs misleading advertising that harms you.
- A dominant supplier or competitor imposes abusive terms or prices that push you out of the market.
- You plan distribution or cooperation agreements, mergers or acquisitions that may raise competition issues.
- Your local products are harmed by dumped imports.
Our services
- Advice on e-commerce licensing and the right legal structure for your store.
- Drafting terms and conditions, privacy and returns policies, and agreements with platforms, suppliers and couriers.
- Representing you in online contract disputes and consumer protection cases, as a seller or a buyer.
- Protecting your brand and content with our intellectual property service.
- Filing complaints about anti-competitive practices and defending companies in competition investigations.
- Reviewing distribution agreements and acquisitions under competition law and handling approvals where required.
- Online fraud cases through our fund recovery service, and related disputes before the Court of Investment and Commerce.
Read also: E-commerce Licence in Oman: Requirements and Steps
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence for an online store in Oman?
Yes. The e-commerce regulation issued by Ministerial Decision 499/2023 requires a licence before you start trading online. You apply through the Oman Business Platform, and the requirements depend on whether you are an individual or a company and on your activity.
Is an online contract legally binding?
Yes. The Omani Electronic Transactions Law gives electronic documents, contracts and signatures the same legal effect as paper ones when the legal conditions are met, so how your store's terms are drafted and accepted matters.
What does the competition law prohibit?
Agreements between competitors to fix prices, share markets or limit production, and abuse of a dominant position, such as selling below cost to exclude competitors or refusing to deal without justification. Whether a specific practice is prohibited depends on the market and the facts.
What can I do if a competitor copies my store or brand?
Document the copying with screenshots, links and dates, and check whether your trademark is registered. You can then send a warning, complain to the platform or authority, or sue to stop the infringement and claim compensation.
If you are setting up an online store, or face unfair competition or an online transaction dispute, contact Dr. Abdullah Al Rashdi Office on WhatsApp, call +968 92000841, or visit us at Bait Al Hamad, third floor, Al Khuwair, Muscat, near Takaful Oman Insurance and Bank Muscat, opposite the Ministries area.