AGP Executive Report

Maritime Security: A vessel was reported ablaze nine nautical miles north of Khasab, with the crew’s status unknown. UKMTO advised ships to proceed with caution as the cause remains unclear. Fuel Supply: Oman has temporarily capped refuelling at 30 litres per visit at stations within 50km of border crossings, aiming to ease shortages and long queues; other stations are unaffected. Worker Protection: A new awareness office at Muscat International Airport will provide arriving workers with rights information in 13 languages and links to support services. Government: Sultan Haitham issued decrees amending laws on national symbols and multinational-group taxation, and introducing a law to protect facilities. Oman is also advancing standard government contracts to improve spending efficiency and speed up projects. Investment: Oman signed 28 deals worth more than RO304 million, while officials called for a regional economic and security pact between Iran and Gulf states. Consumer Protection: Misleading health advertisements could bring fines of up to RO1,000, licence suspension or cancellation.

Regional Diplomacy: Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi renewed his call for an inclusive Gulf security pact involving Iran, Iraq and Yemen, saying regional stability requires dialogue and cooperation. Investment: Oman signed 28 agreements worth more than RO304 million ($790 million) for projects across industrial cities and economic zones, including steel, food production and logistics. Travel: The EU has deferred immediate visa-free Schengen access for Omanis and citizens of four other Gulf states; any exemption still depends on security, technical and legal assessments. Business: Qatar’s Snoonu has expanded its services to Muscat, its fifth Omani governorate in five months. Consumer Affairs: Retailers must display original and discounted prices clearly and obtain licences before advertising sales; repeat violations can bring doubled fines.

Investment: Oman signed 28 agreements worth more than RO304 million to launch or expand projects across its economic and industrial zones, spanning manufacturing, food processing and logistics. Innovation: The new Oman Makers Centre in Muscat will support entrepreneurs and local industry with digital manufacturing facilities, while Phaze Ventures has secured over $40 million in commitments for AI and deep-tech funds targeting more than $75 million. Regional Security: Oman has called for Gulf states, Iraq and Iran to unite under a security pact as conflict disrupts shipping and energy markets. Trade: Oman and Jersey signed an agreement to prevent double taxation and support investment between the two jurisdictions.

Oman–UK ties: Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr met UK Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle in London, following last week’s state visit by Sultan Haitham. Oman’s embassy in Washington also launched an initiative to connect Omani and US space companies. Mining and investment: Oman unveiled three mineral concession areas spanning 2,062 square kilometres, targeting investment from exploration to processing. Government projects: Updated contracts remove the 5% retention to ease contractors’ cash flow, while requiring recovery plans for projects 5% behind schedule and allowing eligibility reviews at 15%. Regional diplomacy: Sayyid Badr called for an inclusive non-aggression pact among Gulf states, Iraq and Iran, urging the region to take greater responsibility for its security. At home: Municipal Council voting is set for December 20 abroad and December 27 in Oman. Excavations in Ibri uncovered burial remains and artefacts dating to the third millennium BC.

Mining: Oman has opened three concession areas covering 2,062 sq km, inviting investment in minerals including copper, gold, nickel and manganese. Energy: PDO awarded five-year hoist contracts to two Omani companies for 15 units, with six to be assembled locally. Government Contracts: Oman removed the 5% retention requirement and introduced tighter measures to address project delays and boost local participation. Elections: Municipal Council voting is set for 20 December abroad and 27 December in Oman; a royal decree also establishes rules for women’s designated Shura Council seats. Public Finance: Applications for Oman’s OMR150 million sovereign sukuk reached OMR273.17 million, with an average accepted profit rate of 4.82%. Heritage: Excavations in Ibri uncovered third-millennium BC tombs, pottery, metal tools and beads, offering clues to Oman’s ancient regional ties. Regional Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi called for a Gulf non-aggression pact as Oman continues diplomatic efforts to promote regional security.

Oman’s Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi called at Cambridge for a regional security pact involving Gulf states, Iran and Iraq, saying Oman will keep working to build trust and prevent conflict. Youth and Jobs: Omani Youth Day celebrations featured seven new agreements, including RO20 million from OQ to fund Muscat’s Youth Centre. Officials say young people are central to Oman’s development. Energy and Industry: Oil production rose 12.3% to 305.14 million barrels in January–September, while exports increased 2.5%. PDO also launched AI and digital-twin projects to automate production, and a proposed RO4.6 million tissue plant in Suhar aims to produce 20,000 tonnes a year. Cost Pressures: Import prices rose 11.7% year on year in the second quarter, driven partly by a 45.5% jump in mineral fuel costs. Weather: Hail, heavy rain and strong winds hit parts of Oman; authorities urged caution near wadis and on mountain roads.

Gulf Security: Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi is due to outline a new approach to Gulf security in a speech at Cambridge. The address comes as authorities investigate a projectile strike that disabled a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz on October 23; its crew are safe. Digital Economy: Petroleum Development Oman has launched an autonomous production programme, digital-twin project and AI tools to improve safety and efficiency. Separately, an Oman-led consortium plans a $3 billion, 400-megawatt AI data centre. Social Progress: Oman’s pension system rose nine points in the 2026 global index, moving from C+ to B and ranking 21st among 55 systems. A Tamkeen partnership will train 45 Omani women from low-income families in beekeeping and honey production to support self-employment. Youth and Culture: Oman marks Omani Youth Day today, while 50 students from 16 countries have begun Arabic studies at the Sultan Qaboos Institute in Manah.

Satellite Connectivity: Oman’s MBSat has partnered with ST Engineering iDirect on ground systems for its sovereign satellite network, with services planned for 2027. Economic Outlook: An IMF staff mission is in Oman for Article IV consultations as import prices rise 11.7% and energy costs add pressure. Digital Oman: A national survey found 43% of Omanis have used AI tools; users report time savings, while privacy and accuracy remain concerns. Youth and Culture: Oman marks Omani Youth Day, with young people aged 18–29 making up about 52% of the country’s youth population. The Sultan Qaboos Quran competition has drawn 2,214 contestants. Travel and Security: Omani travellers face disruption from widespread Saudi flight cancellations, while reduced Hormuz traffic and renewed regional threats keep pressure on shipping and aviation. Check airline updates before travelling.

Economic Review: An IMF staff mission began Article IV consultations in Oman on Sunday, meeting government and private-sector officials through November 8 to assess the economy, reforms and Oman Vision 2040. Import prices rose 11.7% year on year in the second quarter, driven by a 45.5% jump in mineral-fuel costs. Investment and Technology: Oman and the UK are advancing a Salalah AI data-centre project valued at about $1.3 billion. Nama Electricity Distribution plans to use data and AI to improve network reliability, while Omani firm Etco Space signed a UK partnership to develop satellite and Earth-observation capabilities. Trade and Energy: Oman Investment Authority is leading a $500 million fund focused on Central Asia and the Caucasus. OQEP is expanding its portfolio at home and abroad, targeting production of 300,000 barrels of oil equivalent a day by 2030. Regional Diplomacy: Oman and Iran are discussing arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz amid renewed regional tensions. Asyad Group will host a maritime resilience forum in Muscat on October 27–28, focused on shipping disruptions and supply-chain security. Youth: Oman marks Youth Day on Monday; citizens aged 18–29 made up 52% of the country’s 1.04 million young people in 2025.

Salalah Connections: Air Astana has launched direct flights from Almaty and Astana to Salalah, with the inaugural services full. The routes are expected to support tourism and trade. AI Investment: A consortium led by Oman’s Mubbadrah plans a $3 billion data centre campus with up to 400 megawatts of capacity. Separately, UK developer Yamna is advancing a proposed $1.3 billion digital project in Salalah. Overseas Fund: Oman Investment Authority is assembling a $500 million fund for Central Asia and the Caucasus, targeting sectors including logistics, renewable energy and agriculture. Energy and Infrastructure: OQ Exploration and Production aims to reach 300,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2030, while India’s KEC International has won an Oman 400-kilovolt transmission-line order. Trade and Jobs: Oman is arranging meetings in Kazakhstan to help exporters find buyers; Musandam reported 741 job placements this year and a 9.7% fall in jobseekers. Maritime Security: A projectile strike set a tanker ablaze off Oman’s coast, underscoring risks to shipping as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz persist.

Diplomacy and Security: Oman continues to back dialogue with Iran despite regional tensions, while Tehran has reportedly drawn up plans to target undersea cables in the Gulf if war resumes. Iran has also threatened to bar US warships from the Gulf, raising concerns for shipping near the Strait of Hormuz. UK Partnership: Oman and the UK are advancing plans for a Salalah AI data centre, with more than £1 billion expected for its first phase. Oman’s satellite company has also partnered with ST Engineering iDirect to develop communications services, targeted for launch in 2027. Trade and Investment: Oman Investment Authority is leading a proposed $500 million fund for Central Asia and the Caucasus. Omani exporters will meet businesses in Kazakhstan to seek new markets, while direct charter flights from Kazakhstan to Salalah aim to boost Dhofar tourism. Economic Outlook: Profits at Muscat Stock Exchange-listed banks rose 8.1% to OMR455 million in the first nine months of 2026. Import prices were up 11.7% year on year in the second quarter, led by higher fuel costs. An IMF mission begins Article IV consultations in Oman on Sunday. Public Services: A national survey is gathering citizens’ views on governorate services, including public health, markets, parks and e-services.

UK-Oman Ties: Sultan Haitham’s state visit produced a deeper partnership spanning defence, trade and technology, including a £1-billion-plus AI data centre planned for Salalah. The countries also agreed to expand investment and security cooperation. Digital Economy: Oman has launched the second phase of its digital economy programme, with 84 initiatives planned through 2030 and a target of 3,000 jobs a year. Regional Risks: Iran says it has plans to target Gulf undersea cables if war resumes, while rising fears of renewed strikes have pushed oil prices higher and increased pressure on shipping routes. Jordan Attack: Oman condemned the deadly shooting at a church funeral in Karak and expressed condolences to Jordan and the victims’ families.

Oman–UK Ties: Sultan Haitham has concluded his historic state visit to Britain, with the two sides signing letters of intent on space and AI in education. King Charles praised Oman’s efforts to keep the Strait of Hormuz open. Digital Economy: Oman’s second-phase programme through 2030 targets RO300 million in technology investment, a $3.9 billion GDP contribution and 3,000 jobs a year. Economic Outlook: The IMF expects Gulf economies to contract sharply this year, but says Oman is an outlier, supported by earlier reforms and less exposure to the conflict. Dhofar Roads: Police announced a partial closure on the Salalah–Taqah–Mirbat road on Saturday morning for the Ironman cycling race.

Oman–UK Relations: Sultan Haitham has concluded his state visit to Britain, with UK officials highlighting stronger partnerships in trade, renewable energy, strategic minerals, AI and space. Britain also praised Oman’s mediation efforts and role in keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. Maritime Security: A tanker was struck by a projectile off Oman’s coast, according to UKMTO, amid rising threats to shipping across the region. Digital Economy: Oman’s new programme targets RO300 million in technology investment and 3,000 jobs a year, with a goal of lifting the sector’s GDP contribution to RO1.5 billion by 2030. Economic Outlook: The IMF expects regional economies to contract in 2026, but Oman is the exception among GCC states. Ports: Oman handled about 146 million tonnes of cargo in the first eight months of the year, up 62.3% year on year.

Oman–UK Ties: Sultan Haitham has concluded his state visit to Britain, thanking King Charles for the welcome. The visit brought new cooperation plans in space and AI education, and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham praised Oman’s mediation efforts and work to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Regional Security: A tanker was struck by a projectile in the Gulf of Oman, according to UK maritime authorities, as attacks and threats to shipping drive fresh concern over energy supplies. Digital Economy: Oman launched the 2026–30 phase of its national programme, targeting RO1.5 billion in GDP contribution, RO300 million in technology investment and 3,000 jobs a year. Investment: UK-backed Yamna is preparing a proposed data-centre deal in Salalah, with first-phase investment expected to exceed £1 billion; construction plans are not yet confirmed. Adani Ports also set up a wholly owned Omani subsidiary. National Day: Oman’s public holiday will fall on November 25 and 26, creating an extended break with the weekend.

Maritime Security: A tanker was hit by a projectile about 11 nautical miles west of Bukha, Oman. Its crew were safe and a fire was extinguished, as attacks on Gulf shipping push Brent above $110 a barrel. Oman-UK Ties: During Sultan Haitham’s state visit, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham praised Oman’s mediation in the Iran conflict and agreed on the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Oman and the UK also signed letters of intent on space cooperation and AI in education. Trade and Investment: Cargo handled at Oman’s ports reached 146 million tonnes in the first eight months of the year. Separately, Oman has ended the Salalah port concession, with about $200 million in equipment unresolved. Oman Air also signed a deal aimed at bringing 30,000 Indonesian visitors to Salalah in 2027.