AGP Executive Report

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran’s IRGC says it is setting a “prohibited/no-shipping” maritime zone stretching from Chabahar into parts of the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, warning vessels will face sanctions without coordination. Maritime Disruptions: UKMTO reported merchant ships in the northern Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman were hit by “disabling fire,” while a separate report said a tanker near the UAE saw another vessel listing at anchor after a possible projectile strike. Oil Shock for Oman and Region: Brent surged above $100 a barrel for the first time since July as the US destroyed five Iranian tankers and Iran retaliated with strikes near US-linked targets in Jordan; analysts warn the supply-risk premium is growing. Oman Digital Legal Training: Oman’s Ministry of Justice and Omantel signed an agreement to build “Itqan,” a digital platform to train and qualify lawyers and legal advisors nationwide. Oman Vision 2040: The Ministry of Economy held the fourth annual meeting of Oman Vision 2040 implementation follow-up offices, focusing on communication and integration. Heritage Push: Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism floated a tender to prepare a UNESCO nomination dossier for the “Salut: Iron Age Settlement” site in Bahla.

US-Iran Escalation: The US says it destroyed five IRGC-linked Iranian crude tankers after Iran twice tried to hit a US Navy warship with ballistic missiles; Iran retaliated by firing missiles toward a US base in Jordan, while also warning tankers in Kuwaiti and Bahraini ports could be targeted. Regional Spillover: Iran-backed Houthis struck multiple Saudi cities, wounding at least 73 and hitting energy infrastructure, as explosions were also reported around Iran’s Kharg Island and the Gulf of Oman port of Jask. Oil Markets: Brent pushed back toward $100 amid supply fears, with analysts warning prolonged disruptions could lift prices further. Oman Diplomacy & Culture: Oman welcomed a joint European statement rejecting Israeli settlement expansion and highlighted its cultural presence at the Embassy Festival in The Hague. Oman Business & Policy: Oman named a new ambassador to Kuwait, set EV charging fees from Oct 1, and reported progress on logistics and digital services. Weather: Oman’s NCM forecast Wednesday clear to partly cloudy skies with light to moderate winds.

Oman’s Telecom Growth: Mobile subscriptions in Oman rose 1% to 8,435,420 by end-July 2026, with postpaid up and prepaid down, while IoT/M2M and FTTH/B fixed internet also grew. Logistics Oversight: Oman’s Shura Council Economic and Financial Committee heard updates from C. Steinweg Oman on real-world progress and challenges in implementing the Sultanate’s Logistics Strategy (SOLS 2040), focusing on Sohar Port shipping and re-export activity. E-invoicing Prep: As mandatory e-invoicing for firms above OMR 5m in annual supplies approaches in April 2027, experts say the main risk is late operational and tech readiness, not awareness. Oman-Rwanda Ties: Oman and Rwanda announced plans to open resident embassies, set up a joint committee and business council, and expand cooperation across investment, transport, energy, mining, tourism, logistics and communications. Air Connectivity: SalamAir opened ticket sales for Muscat–Baghdad–Copenhagen flights starting Nov 15, boosting links between Oman, Iraq and Northern Europe. Regional Shockwaves: Oil prices stayed near $100 as Middle East tensions flared, with Yemen’s Houthis claiming strikes on Saudi energy facilities and markets reacting.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran says it’s finalising a deal with Oman for a temporary “safe route” for tanker traffic, with details expected to be registered with the IMO soon, as Tehran also plans a new exclusion/restricted zone and shipping corridor maps; the US and Iran keep trading strikes, and shipping traffic through the strait has fallen to the lowest levels since May. Oman’s Role in Maritime Safety: Oman Navy says it rescued 16 crew members from the Saudi-flagged Sidr tanker after an Iran attack, with two sailors reported killed. Oil and Markets: Brent stays near $97 as traders price in prolonged disruption; analysts at Goldman and Rystad warn there’s room for crude to rise further if the US-Iran conflict drags on. Oman Economy and Trade: Oman reported a 4.7 billion riyal merchandise trade surplus by end-June, up 51%, driven by higher oil and gas exports. Business and Trade Facilitation: Oman’s DGFT launched an Open API facility to streamline Certificates of Origin applications, cutting duplicate data entry and errors. Diplomacy: Sultan Haitham hosted Rwanda President Paul Kagame in Muscat, with talks spanning mining, renewables, logistics and healthcare.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran says it will announce a new “restricted/prohibited” maritime zone and new shipping corridor, while the US denies Tehran’s claims of striking an unmanned US vessel and keeps warning of tougher responses—shipping traffic is down sharply and oil risk premiums are rising. Oman-Hormuz Talks: Iran says negotiations with Oman on temporary safe routes are in the final stage, with plans to register the agreement with the International Maritime Organization. Energy & Prices: Oman’s official oil price for November rose to $104.54 a barrel as Middle East supply disruption fears linger; Opec+ kept October output steady amid the escalation. Regional Security Support: Oman’s Maritime Security Center wrapped up assistance after an attack on the Saudi-flagged tanker SIDR off Musandam, evacuating 16 crew. Trade & Economy: Oman recorded an OMR4.7bn trade surplus by end-June 2026, up 51% year-on-year, driven by higher oil and gas exports. Environment & Society: Oman marked International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, linking cleaner air to climate action. Business & Tech: India’s DGFT opened direct digital certificates of origin via exporters’ software; Oman also discussed expanding economic zone and free-zone cooperation with China. Humanitarian & Culture: Oman Charitable Organization and the Red Cross discussed steps toward recognition in the Red Crescent movement, while a Bahla forum promoted conservation of traditional crafts.

Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Iran says it struck an unmanned US vessel trying to enter the Strait, calling it a “total lie” claim by the US Central Command. Iran’s top negotiator also warned of a new “restricted/prohibited” maritime zone beyond Hormuz and promised “faster, more intense and more painful” retaliation. Shipping Impact: Kpler data show Hormuz traffic at the lowest since May after US and Iranian strikes on tankers, with only a handful of ships passing on some days. Oil Market Watch: OPEC+ kept crude output unchanged for October despite the war-driven uncertainty, with Brent hovering near $100. Oman Diplomacy: Sultan Haitham spoke by phone with France’s Macron on strengthening regional security pillars, and Oman signed its participation contract for Expo 2030 Riyadh. Local & Regional Life: Dhofar’s second International Film Festival opened in Salalah with films from 16 countries; Oman’s seasonal temperatures are easing into autumn; a new olive press opened in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar; and Oman joined GCC Health Ministers talks in Manama.

Oman–India Tourism Boom: Oman welcomed about 6.94 lakh Indian visitors in 2025, up 11%, and logged 3.81 lakh arrivals in the first half of 2026, as air connectivity and growing interest in family, luxury, adventure and MICE trips drive demand. Oman at Moscow Book Fair: Oman wrapped up its first-ever official pavilion at the Moscow International Book Fair, spotlighting Omani culture, heritage and academic work and drawing strong interest from researchers, students and visitors. OPEC+ Oil Policy: OPEC+ kept its October output plan unchanged, including Oman among the core producers, while the Iran-related Strait of Hormuz disruption continues to limit how much the group can influence real market flows. Foreign Affairs: Oman’s Foreign Minister received credentials for Indonesia’s ambassador-designate, underscoring continued diplomatic ties. Local Agriculture Upgrade: A new modern olive press opened in Al Jabal Al Akhdar to boost local processing, with capacity of 1.2 tonnes per hour and support for about 500 farmers. Regional Security Shock: US and Iran traded strikes in the Gulf and Hormuz area, with CENTCOM saying it disabled or destroyed three IRGC-linked tankers after missile attacks on US warships, while Iran warned of further retaliation. Aviation Recognition: Muscat and Salalah airports won nine Airport Service Quality awards for passenger experience and service quality.

US-Iran Maritime Escalation: The US military says it struck three Iranian oil tankers after Iran’s IRGC launched ballistic missiles at US Navy warships, with CENTCOM warning it could “destroy Iran’s limited and exposed oil fleet” if attacks continue; it said two tankers were permanently disabled near Kharg Island and Jask, while an unladen tanker in the Gulf of Oman was completely destroyed. Iran Condemns Strikes: Iran’s Foreign Ministry called the attacks a “war crime” and a violation of the UN Charter, warning of consequences. Shipping Disruption Alerts: UKMTO reported several vessels in the northern Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman were subjected to “disabling fire,” advising mariners to stay alert. Oman Business & Energy: Oman’s Al Mazunah Free Zone says it localised four projects in H1 2026, lifting cumulative investment to RO141m, while Oman continues pushing green hydrogen and logistics decarbonisation. Sports: Oman’s beach soccer team faces a tight build-up for the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2026, with preparations starting in early October.

Oman-Rwanda Diplomacy: President Paul Kagame will visit Oman on 7-8 September, as Muscat and Kigali reaffirm plans to deepen cooperation across political, economic and investment areas. Investment Push: London will host “Live Oman” from September 21 to showcase urban projects and free-zone opportunities to UK and international investors. Green Hydrogen Moves: OQ Alternative Energy and Asyad signed an MoU to explore using green hydrogen in Oman’s transport and logistics sector, linking production to real-world demand. Free Zone Growth: Al Mazunah Free Zone says it localised four projects worth over OMR620,000 in H1 2026, with cumulative investment now above OMR141 million. Business & Markets: MSX market capitalisation rose to OMR38.9bn, up about OMR600mn for the week, as trading value and transactions jumped. Tourism Snapshot: Oman’s classified hotel sector saw guests and revenues fall by mid-year, with occupancy down to 45.8%. Health Milestone: Oman carried out its fourth heart transplant, saving four lives from one brain-dead donor. Regional Security: The US approved possible F-16 sustainment support for Oman, while Iran-linked shipping risks continue to dominate Gulf headlines.

Green Mobility in Oman: Hyundai Motor Group signed MOUs with Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology to back smart-city and low-emission transport under Vision 2040, including a pilot hydrogen-powered city bus in Muscat and ultra-fast EV charging plans. Hydrogen Bus Pilot: The 24-seat ELEC CITY fuel-cell bus will be run by Mwasalat, with passenger service targeted for Q3 2026. Regional Awards: Bahrain won two innovation awards at the Gulf Green Mobility Forum in Salalah, including Sustainable Organisation and Leading Woman in Mobility. Weather Watch: Heavy rains and strong winds hit parts of Al Dhahirah, Al Sharqiyah North and Al Dakhiliyah, with wadis flooding and more scattered rain expected. Diplomacy Under Strain: Oman’s foreign minister warned the world is sliding toward “gunboat diplomacy” as international law is sidelined. Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Oman reportedly rejected Iran’s proposal to jointly charge fees for Hormuz passage, amid wider US-Iran escalation. Transport Deal: His Majesty Sultan Haitham ratified the Oman-UAE $2.5bn Hafeet Rail railway agreement linking Sohar to the UAE network.

Strait of Hormuz Security: US VP JD Vance again downplayed the Iran conflict as “not a war,” while Iran fired at Kuwait and shipping risks kept pressure on the corridor. Oman’s Role in Diplomacy: Oman is highlighted as a “constructive neutrality” state, pushing dialogue to keep navigation open amid rising legal and multilateral strains. Omani Mobility Push: Hyundai Motor Group signed MOUs with Oman’s transport ministry and Oman Oil Marketing Co. to introduce the country’s first hydrogen city bus and expand ultra-fast EV charging. Cultural Infrastructure in Muscat: Structural steelwork is substantially complete for the Sayyid Tarik bin Taimur Cultural Complex, including a national library, archives, theatre and cultural plaza. Local Environment Cleanup: Ghana’s government plans to clear decades-old waste heaps at Jamestown and Sodom & Gomorrah—an example of how major urban waste backlogs get tackled. Maritime Safety Incident: Two young Omani men missing after a fishing trip were found safe on the Daymaniyat Islands. Weather Watch: Oman faces hot, dusty conditions with rain chances lingering into Saturday in eastern areas.

Oman-Qatar Business Ties: Qatar’s commerce minister met Omani counterparts in Muscat to push trade, investment and private-sector cooperation, calling for ongoing coordination and visits to deepen “sustainable strategic partnerships.” Renewables Procurement: Oman’s PWP invited bids for legal consultancy on three “Solar 2030” projects totaling 3,000MW, with operations targeted for Q2 2030. Duqm Port Logistics Boost: Duqm Port received a BYD Ro-Ro vessel from China carrying 1,219 vehicles for GCC markets, highlighting the port’s growing capacity and its location outside the Strait of Hormuz. Transport Cooperation: Oman’s Public Works minister discussed Kuwait-Oman transport and logistics collaboration, with a focus on Duqm Port capabilities. GCC Food Security: Oman took part in Bahrain-hosted GCC talks on food security, including plans for strategic storage zones for food, medicine and essentials. Regional Security & Shipping: Oman rejected Iran’s proposal on joint Hormuz fee collection, according to reports, as tensions continue to disrupt maritime routes. CBI Training for Oman: India’s CBI ran an economic-offence investigation course for officers from ITEC member countries including Oman. Weather Watch (UAE): Rain and hail hit parts of Dubai and Al Ain, with further scattered rain expected.

Oman-Qatar Economic Links: Oman and Qatar reviewed ways to expand joint cooperation and investment, with focus on logistics and land and maritime transport, during talks in Muscat between Oman Investment Authority and Qatar’s commerce ministry. GCC Defence Coordination: Oman took part in the 30th meeting of GCC commanders of air forces and air defence in Bahrain, discussing joint action to develop GCC air defence and air force systems. Military Training Spotlight: Sultan Qaboos Military College held a practical live-fire demonstration for officer cadets’ final exercise “Shield 31” at Thumrait. Hormuz Shipping Pressure: Commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz slowed sharply, while Oman resumed talks with Iran on a temporary navigational corridor for vessel traffic. Royal Diplomacy: Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla will host Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq for a state visit at Windsor Castle from Oct. 20–22 amid wider Middle East tensions. Port of Duqm Growth: A BYD Ro-Ro ship carrying about 9,200 vehicles arrived at Port of Duqm, highlighting the port’s expanding vehicle-handling capacity.

Strait of Hormuz Escalation: The US and Iran resumed strikes after a monthlong lull, with Iran reporting missile and drone attacks on US-linked sites in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, while CENTCOM said US strikes targeted IRGC air defence, radar, maritime and mine-laying capabilities—raising fears of wider disruption to the world’s key shipping lane. Shipping and Oil Impact: The US Navy escorted 40 vessels carrying about 18 million barrels through Hormuz, but tanker traffic remains tense as Iranian-owned ships wait at sea under a US blockade; meanwhile, oil prices stayed near highs amid renewed supply risk. Deadly Incident for Seafarers: Saudi Arabia condemned an Iranian attack on Bahri’s supertanker Sidr, killing two Filipino crew members, as another Hormuz security incident left two Filipino seafarers dead. Oman in the Mix: Oman’s role as a logistics corridor is highlighted in reports of ship-to-ship transfers off Oman, and Oman’s oil output rose 11.3% to 233.80 million barrels by end-July. Regional Diplomacy and Business: Oman and Egypt discussed joint industrial zones to deepen economic integration, while Omani participation as guest of honor at Iraq’s Baghdad Book Fair underscored cultural ties. Oman Travel Advisory: The US kept Oman at Level 3 “Reconsider Travel,” citing risks of armed conflict and terrorism, including possible drone and missile attacks.

Fog Harvesting in Dhofar: Oman’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources ministry is rolling out a fog-harvesting project in Dhofar mountains to study using Khareef-season fog as a non-conventional water source, including installing monitoring stations across nine locations. Research & Innovation Diplomacy: Oman chaired the semi-annual meeting of the Federation of Arab Scientific Research Councils, reviewing research awards, Arab researcher networks, and funding for regional scientific programmes. Drones for Medical Supply: Dhofar launched the second phase of the “Sky Bridge” drone initiative, using the 150kg “Sahm” drone to deliver medical cargo from Salalah to Al Halaniyat. COP31 Prep: Oman’s Environment Authority held early workshops to coordinate national teams for COP31 tracks, covering governance, negotiations and media plans. Health Community Event: Oman Cancer Association announced details for its 22nd annual “Walk with Hope” walkathon on 29-30 October at Qurum Natural Park. UN Nuclear-Free Zone: Oman chaired UN talks on building a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other WMDs, focusing on treaty structure and monitoring. Regional Security Shock: US-Iran strikes and retaliations are again rattling markets and shipping around the Strait of Hormuz, with oil prices holding near recent highs and traffic reported to be falling.

Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Iran and the US traded fresh strikes again, after two Saudi-linked tankers were hit near Oman; oil jumped and markets slid as bond yields rose, while Iran’s president said Tehran would return to the June ceasefire if Washington honors its commitments. Oman’s Role in De-escalation: Oman and Iran continue technical talks on managing shipping traffic through Hormuz, with Oman pushing back on Iranian claims about the talks and Saudi-Omani leadership meetings in Jeddah focused on regional security. Regional Diplomacy: Qatar stepped up mediation efforts with Oman and Pakistan, warning against treating any closure of Hormuz as a fait accompli and urging restraint. Oman Local Updates: Muscat Governorate has begun field work on Oman’s National Addressing Project, with street sign installation and verification already underway in pilot areas. Business & Finance: Oman’s central bank raised OMR 26.9mn via treasury bills, while a separate GCC finance story highlighted Shariah approval for early wage access in Saudi. Sports: Oman’s basketball team beat Nepal in Asian Cup qualifiers, while Kuwait qualified despite losing to Bahrain.