{"id":11084,"date":"2026-04-25T16:45:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-25T12:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/news\/economy\/oman-hidden-trade-crackdown-intensifies\/"},"modified":"2026-04-26T06:33:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-26T02:33:20","slug":"oman-hidden-trade-crackdown-intensifies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/news\/economy\/oman-hidden-trade-crackdown-intensifies\/","title":{"rendered":"Oman\u2019s Intensified Crackdown on Hidden Trade: Key Impacts for Investors and Business Owners"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-fadein{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(14px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-slideup{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(20px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-pulse{0%,100%{box-shadow:0 0 14px #dc262688}50%{box-shadow:0 0 32px #dc2626,0 0 60px #dc262655}}\r\n@keyframes 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solid rgba(255,255,255,0.18);backdrop-filter:blur(8px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(8px);border-radius:20px;padding:3px 10px 3px 7px;margin-bottom:clamp(5px,0.6vw,9px);animation:hitv3sog-badge 0.5s ease both;\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:6px;height:6px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size:clamp(8px,0.9vw,10px);font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.07em;color:rgba(255,255,255,0.88);text-transform:uppercase;white-space:nowrap;\">EXCLUSIVE OMAN OFFER<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogh\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.15s;\">Websites For <span style=\"color:#dc2626;\">Omani Businesses.<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogs\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.3s;\">Empower your brand with custom digital solutions designed for high conversion and market dominance.<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogbl\"><div class=\"hitv3sogbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>Responsive designs built for growth<\/span><\/div><div class=\"hitv3sogbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>Fast loading with smart automation<\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  \r\n  <div class=\"hitv3sogct\">\r\n    <button class=\"hitv3sogbtn\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-pulse 2.5s ease-in-out infinite;animation-delay:1s;\">Build Your Free Website <span style=\"opacity:.9;\">\u2192<\/span><\/button>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogbr\">hit.land<\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/a>\r\n<\/div>\n<p>MUSCAT: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion has successfully completed the second phase of its campaign to combat hidden trade, focusing specifically on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) holding the \u2018Riyada\u2019 card. This initiative is part of wider efforts to enhance market regulation and promote fair competition.<\/p>\n<p>During this phase, the ministry reviewed 27,288 commercial registrations. Enforcement actions included issuing 409 administrative commitments to non-compliant entities and temporarily suspending 45 registrations pending corrective measures. Additionally, 696 establishments regularised their status in compliance with regulatory requirements, thus fully achieving the phase\u2019s objectives.<\/p>\n<p>Building on previous efforts that emphasized awareness-raising, improved compliance, and strengthened coordination among regulatory authorities, this phase benefited from an integrated approach that improved oversight and enabled more precise enforcement.<\/p>\n<p>A key element of the campaign is the National Team for Combating Illicit Trade, which unites multiple government bodies to harmonize legislative and regulatory efforts, coordinate roles, and facilitate data-sharing. This collaboration has enhanced the detection of illicit activities and supported timely legal action against offenders.<\/p>\n<p>Nasra bint Sultan al Habsi, Director General of Trade at the ministry and head of the national team, highlighted that the results showcase the effectiveness of the regulatory measures adopted. She emphasized that the initiative has increased transparency, bolstered compliance, and strengthened investor confidence in the market.<\/p>\n<p>Rashid bin Mohammed al Saidi, representing the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, noted that targeting \u2018Riyada\u2019 cardholders is a strategic move to support SMEs while ensuring they adhere to regulatory frameworks. He also stressed the ongoing cooperation with the ministry to provide support programmes aimed at enhancing SME competitiveness and sustainability.<\/p>\n<p>Mohammed bin Salem al Hashmi, Director of Commercial Establishments Control, pointed out that the outcomes reflect the importance of institutional collaboration in fostering a transparent and well-regulated business environment. He added that the ministry will continue to improve monitoring tools, expand awareness campaigns, and enforce laws to combat hidden trade practices.<\/p>\n<p>The ministry confirmed that future phases will follow a structured plan covering a wider range of commercial activities. These efforts will continue to be coordinated through the national team to ensure stronger governance, greater transparency, and long-term market stability. \u2014 ONA<\/p>\n<p><style>\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-fadein{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(14px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-slideup{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(20px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-pulse{0%,100%{box-shadow:0 0 14px #dc262688}50%{box-shadow:0 0 32px #dc2626,0 0 60px #dc262655}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-shimmer{0%,100%{opacity:0.3;transform:scaleX(0.4)}50%{opacity:1;transform:scaleX(1)}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-glow{0%,100%{opacity:0.6}50%{opacity:1}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-badge{from{opacity:0;transform:scale(0.8)}to{opacity:1;transform:scale(1)}}\r\n<\/style><style>\r\n.hitl8gakw{container-type:inline-size;width:100%;max-width:970px;margin:0 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solid rgba(255,255,255,0.18);backdrop-filter:blur(8px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(8px);border-radius:20px;padding:3px 10px 3px 7px;margin-bottom:clamp(5px,0.6vw,9px);animation:hitl8gak-badge 0.5s ease both;\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:6px;height:6px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size:clamp(8px,0.9vw,10px);font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.07em;color:rgba(255,255,255,0.88);text-transform:uppercase;white-space:nowrap;\">EXCLUSIVE OFFER<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gakh\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.15s;\">Your Website <span style=\"color:#dc2626;\">Should Sell.<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gaks\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.3s;\">Custom-built websites with smart automation & AI-powered features.<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gakbl\"><div class=\"hitl8gakbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>SEO-optimized & lightning fast<\/span><\/div><div class=\"hitl8gakbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>Smart features built for your business<\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  \r\n  <div class=\"hitl8gakct\">\r\n    <button class=\"hitl8gakbtn\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-pulse 2.5s ease-in-out infinite;animation-delay:1s;\">Get Free Consultation <span style=\"opacity:.9;\">\u2192<\/span><\/button>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gakbr\">hit.land<\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/a>\r\n<\/div><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<p>Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman&#8217;s Market<\/p>\n<p>The Ministry of Commerce&#8217;s crackdown on hidden trade among SMEs with \u2018Riyada\u2019 cards signifies a <strong>critical move towards enhancing market transparency and fair competition in Oman<\/strong>. For businesses, this means increased regulatory scrutiny but also greater investor confidence and a more level playing field. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should <strong>prioritize compliance and leverage supportive government programs<\/strong> to boost competitiveness and sustainability in this evolving regulatory landscape.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Ministry of Commerce in Oman completed phase two of its crackdown on hidden trade among SMEs holding \u2018Riyada\u2019 cards. Over 27,000 registrations were reviewed, with enforcement actions taken and 696 establishments regularized. The initiative boosts market transparency and compliance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":11085,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[482],"tags":[3327,4507,1157],"class_list":["post-11084","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-economy","tag-market-regulation","tag-ministry","tag-smes"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/3364502.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11084","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11084"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11084\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11086,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11084\/revisions\/11086"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11085"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11084"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11084"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11084"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}