In Muscat, people vouch for app-based services

The company has a customer base of over 10,000 customers in less than four months.

Markeetex is the country’s first online hypermarket service operating within Muscat City, enabling consumers to place orders through a mobile app and get the delivery within 60 minutes.

Sara al Shidani, market analyst, Markeetex, said the company is fully owned by Omani investors. It ensures goods are delivered within 60 minutes.

Talabat is one of the leading online food delivery platforms in the Middle East which enables customers to order a variety of cuisines from international and local restaurants in Muscat.

There are several app-based services like Otaxi, Mwasalat, Marhaba (for taxis).

“These services are important for Muscat especially during summer. With Google Maps, it is easy to share location and addresses to the delivery person,” said Laila, who uses these services for ordering food both at home and work.

Rajeev, sales executive with a distribution company, feels such online services have advantages but he doubts whether customers have enough confidence.

“People have been ordering food directly from restaurants and groceries on phone for years. But that is based on a personal rapport developed over a period of time. Online shopping is a product of technology evolution and in a city like Muscat, arranging logistics need a lot of investment and effort.” There could be skeptical views, but something like a quick vehicle recovery service following a breakdown will be always welcome.

“In Oman, not all the helpline numbers are convincing enough. But apps can solve this problem. It’s a welcome sign,” said Ganesh Ramumurthy, who faced a car breakdown recently.