Wednesday 16 / July / 2025
Arctic Star Company, represented by the "Hi Shopping" application, celebrated the official launch of its operations in the Sultanate of Oman at the Grand Millennium Hotel in Muscat. The ceremony was held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Omar bin Ali Al-Junaibi, Member of the Shura Council representing the Wilayat of Bahla, and was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, alongside a large gathering of guests exceeding 1,000 attendees. The event also welcomed prominent public figures, social media influencers, and a group of major investors from China, Taiwan, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates.
This event marked a significant step in strengthening cooperation between consumers in Oman and local merchants. The "Hi Shopping" app serves both parties by offering a fully integrated digital shopping experience through its dedicated online platform. The grand event featured massive raffles, awarding luxurious prizes including several Geely cars, dozens of smartphones — particularly the iPhone 16 Pro Max — and a wide range of electronic and household appliances such as washing machines, electric ovens, blenders, microwaves, and more. The evening also included a lively entertainment program filled with artistic performances and surprises.
In his speech during the ceremony, Sheikh Hamad Al Ghois Al Suwaidi, Chairman of Hi Shopping, said: “It is a great honor to welcome you all to this special evening where we express our sincere appreciation and gratitude. On behalf of the Hi Shopping team, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion and the Ministry of Labour for their kind support and vital role in our journey and progress.”
He added: “Since our official launch on January 26 in Oman, we have achieved significant growth thanks to our audience. The number of active users has surpassed 30,000, and the number of registered merchants has exceeded 2,000. These achievements could not have been reached without your cooperation and trust.”
Al Suwaidi emphasised: “Our vision goes beyond traditional e-commerce. At Hi Shopping, we are building a comprehensive super app that integrates shopping, digital services, and e-payment into one seamless experience. We aim to become a gateway to smart digital living in Oman and across the region.”
During the event, it was highlighted that Hi Shopping offers a unique and distinguished online shopping experience that is user-friendly and aligned with the digital era, where electronic platforms have become the norm. It was noted that Hi Shopping is not just an app — it aspires to become a regional hub for digital commerce. Every aspect of the app is designed to deliver mutual benefit and ensure a rewarding and enjoyable shopping experience that drives fast growth and returns for all participants.
The business model of Hi Shopping is based on three core elements:
1. Localised digital experiences tailored for each country, recognizing that every market is different.
2. Smart payment systems, specifically point-based payments.
3. A profit-sharing model that ensures benefits are distributed fairly so that everyone — not just the platform — gains.
As for why the journey began in the Middle East, they explained: “We chose this region because of its strong emphasis on shopping, its high levels of technology and internet adoption — which exceeds 92% — and the growing use of electronic devices and smartphones. Moreover, countries in the region have made great strides in digital transformation, making our work much more efficient. Oman and Saudi Arabia, in particular, are among the best models in this regard.”
