Omans consumer electronics devices market, defined as the addressable market for computing devices, mobile handsets and video, audio and gaming products, is forecast at US$480.0mn in 2010. This is expected to increase to US$593.2mn by 2014, driven by new technologies and the growing popularity of digital lifestyle products such as LCD TV sets, feature-rich notebook computers and digital cameras, as well as other key product groups.

Spending is expected to pick up again after 2010, as new technologies and features – such as higher capability netbooks, light emitting diode (LED) TV sets and feature-rich smartphones – and the rollout of 3G services act as demand drivers. However, growth is forecast to remain below pre-credit crunch levels in 2010-2014, as consumers feel the effect of the regional property slump and credit tightening. An evolving retail landscape will help to stimulate sales, with a growing population attracting more large electronics retailers to the market.

Computers

Computer hardware accounted for around 36% of Omani consumer electronics spending in 2009. BMI forecasts Omans domestic market computer hardware sales (including notebooks and accessories) of US$170.9mn in 2010, up from US$162.7mn in 2009. Computer hardware compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the 2010- 2014 period is forecast at about 7%, with growth drivers including the governments Towards Digital Oman strategy. Wireless capabilities will boost demand for PCs, stimulated by new infrastructure investment.

AV Devices

Audio and video (AV) devices accounted for about 30% of Omani consumer electronics spending in 2009. Omans addressable AV device market is estimated at US$144mn in 2010. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4% between 2010 and 2014, with growth drivers including LED TV sets and Blu-ray disc players.

Mobile Handsets

Mobile handset sales accounted for around 34% of Omani consumer electronics spending in 2009. Omans market handset sales are expected to grow to US$199mn by 2014 as mobile subscriber penetration reaches177%. There will be growing demand for 3G handsets, which could account for about 10% of Omans handset sales in 2010. Oman is in the regional vanguard of the mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) trend, following the launch of a third virtual operator, which could lead to a more segmented handset market.