Traditional Omani Games: The 2026 Traditional Omani Games Season kicked off in Salalah at Al Dahariz Beach, running alongside Khareef Dhofar and bringing visitors closer to local heritage through sports, mini exhibitions, and even VR experiences for children. Khareef Festival Culture: Taqah Festival 2026 opened with a 15-day programme of markets, folk arts, theatre, family contests, and activities designed to help local producers benefit from longer stays and more spending during peak tourism. Youth & Community Development: Oman’s youth-focused momentum continues with sports and community initiatives, including a Muscat programme for Omani Women’s Associations that wrapped up, reflecting growing lifestyle and wellbeing culture. International Cultural Exchange: Holcim UAE and Oman selected Shevyn Marshall to represent the country at the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, spotlighting youth leadership themes like gender-based violence safety and future work. Education & Mobility: A Fulbright scholar story highlights how academic exchange keeps building bridges—this time with a retired University of Arizona professor heading to Kyrgyzstan for his sixth Fulbright. Diplomacy & Oman Links: Switzerland appointed Dr Thomas Oertle as ambassador-designate to Ghana, Benin and Togo after serving as Switzerland’s Head of Mission in Muscat, underscoring Oman’s role in international cooperation networks.