Apple Pay Officially Launches in Oman, Supported by Bank Muscat

Apple Pay has officially launched in Oman, with Bank Muscat as a primary supporting institution, marking a significant milestone for the Sultanate's mobile payment ecosystem.

The rollout enables Bank Muscat customers to add their debit and credit cards to Apple Pay on iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac devices. Cardholders can make secure contactless payments at physical merchant terminals, within apps, and on websites that accept Apple Pay.

Bank Muscat, Oman's largest bank by assets, played a central role in bringing Apple Pay to the market, working with Apple and payment networks to integrate the service with its card portfolio. The bank's participation ensures that a substantial portion of Oman's banking customers have immediate access to the platform from launch.

Apple Pay's arrival in Oman follows the earlier launch of Samsung Pay in the country, significantly expanding mobile payment options for Omani consumers. The dual availability of the world's two largest mobile wallet platforms is expected to accelerate the shift from cash and physical card payments to contactless mobile transactions.

The launch comes at a time when Oman's Central Bank has been actively encouraging digital payment adoption as part of the Sultanate's economic modernisation agenda under Oman Vision 2040. The availability of globally recognised mobile payment platforms supports these objectives by providing consumers with convenient, secure alternatives to cash.

Consumer expectations for mobile payment capabilities have been rising steadily across the Gulf region, and Apple Pay's entry into Oman brings the Sultanate closer to parity with the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where mobile wallets are already widely adopted.