Coffee culture in Oman is becoming more and more widespread. If a cup of coffee used to be a symbol of family comfort and relaxation at home, now going for a coffee is more about social interaction and meeting new people outside the home in a cozy coffee shop. That is why young people in Oman are spending more and more time in such establishments, socializing and getting to know each other.
According to research, the coffee market in Oman is growing by 5-7% annually, which leads to an increase in demand for qualified specialists. This is also evidenced by the data of large employment platforms such as Layboard. It is expected that by 2025, the barista profession will become one of the most popular in the hospitality industry in Oman. This surge in demand is due to the country’s growing middle class, urbanization, westernization, increased tourist flows, and the popularization of coffee as part of a modern and healthy lifestyle.
The Growing Demand for Baristas: Trends and Prospects for 2025
The popularity of the barista profession has been growing rapidly in recent years. Of course, this trend has not escaped Oman. The country has seen an increase in the number of coffee shops that are popular with both young people and tourists. This was preceded by cultural and economic changes in Oman.
Over the past decade, Oman’s coffee culture has been transformed. Coffee shops have become the center of urban life. The popularity of coffee is quite understandable, as it has a historical background in the country. The Omanis valued coffee as a symbol of hospitality, and the national drink kahwa (coffee with spices, including cardamom, cinnamon, and saffron) was and still is an integral part of any feast. Today, thanks to globalization, traditional coffee has been complemented by modern trends, creating a rich and diverse coffee market. In Oman, you can try many original coffee drinks. In particular, coffee with rose water, cold coffee with spices or nitro coffee.
At the same time, the Omani government does not stand aside and invests in the development of small businesses, which encourages the opening of more and more coffee shops. These factors create a favorable environment for the growth of demand for baristas in Oman. Prospects for 2025 are optimistic: many experts predict further growth in demand for baristas.
Omani cities, in particular Muscat, have become centers of prosperity for coffee shops that combine luxurious design, hospitality, and first-class quality of drinks. In 2024, the annual revenue from the coffee industry in Oman was estimated at tens of millions of dollars. This figure is expected to grow by another 15-20% by 2025.
The coffee business in Oman is profitable but competitive. Coffee shop owners can earn up to 30-40% of their profits from the sale of drinks, and investments pay off within 2-3 years. The average bill for coffee in Oman ranges from 2 to 5 Omani riyals ($5-13), and in premium establishments it is even higher. Therefore, it is clear that the barista job in Oman is very popular and profitable if you realize yourself in this profession.
Barista Salaries in Oman: Projections for 2025
The salary of a barista in Oman depends on many factors. In particular, the level of qualification, experience, and place of work. As of 2024, beginner baristas can expect to earn between 250 and 350 Omani rials ($650-910), while experienced professionals will earn between 400 and 600 rials ($1,040-1,560).
It is expected that in 2025 the salary of qualified baristas will only increase. The high demand for professionals with specialized skills such as latte art or knowledge of alternative brewing methods will contribute to the increase in barista salaries. Experienced baristas with a large portfolio, who can also train other employees, will earn up to 800 rials ($2,080) in the future.
At the same time, many employers in Oman offer additional benefits for their employees. These include free accommodation, meals, health insurance, and paid vacation. These benefits make barista job in Oman especially attractive for foreign professionals.
Employer Requirements: What Qualities Make a Great Barista?
The job of a barista requires not only technical skills but also certain personal qualities. Modern employers in Oman place high demands on candidates, especially in the face of growing competition in the industry.
First and foremost, candidates are expected to be skilled in making different types of coffee, know the varieties of coffee beans and be able to work with professional equipment. These are the main requirements for all candidates. Experience in the hospitality industry is also a significant advantage. So are training certificates and completed courses.
Communication and customer service skills are also important. A barista is not only a coffee specialist but also the face of the cafe. Employers value the ability to interact with customers, anticipate their preferences, and create a welcoming atmosphere.
Working in a coffee shop, especially during peak hours, can be challenging. Baristas must remain calm, act quickly, and work effectively under pressure.
The coffee industry is rapidly evolving, with new technologies and recipes emerging all the time. Successful baristas should be eager to learn and constantly improve their skills. For example, Nitro coffee is gaining popularity in Oman. This is a new and exciting trend in the coffee industry. Nitro coffee is cold coffee enriched with nitrogen gas. The drink is prepared using a special technology: first, cold brew is brewed (a cold brewing method in which ground coffee is infused in cold water for 12-24 hours). Then the finished drink is saturated with nitrogen through a special dispenser. Nitrogen gives the coffee a special texture reminiscent of beer with a light creamy foam. At the same time, Nitro coffee does not contain milk or cream, so it is chosen by those who prefer a natural taste.
In Oman, where there is a large population of tourists and expatriates, fluency in English is essential for communicating with customers. Employers also often pay attention to the appearance and presentation of candidates, as baristas represent the café to its visitors.
Conclusion
Working as a barista in Oman is becoming an increasingly attractive career choice. It offers excellent growth opportunities and competitive salaries. The growth in the number of coffee shops and cultural changes ensure a high demand for qualified specialists. However, success in this profession requires compliance with modern employer standards and a willingness to continuously learn. By 2025, barista work in Oman promises to be one of the most attractive and dynamic career paths in the hospitality industry.
