AI & Markets Mood: US futures slid as fears grew over an AI development slowdown, while oil jumped after a Saudi pipeline shutdown and delayed Iran-Gulf talks. Oman Tech & Youth: Oman announced winners of the “Engineer it with AI” competition, with 25 teams and 100 participants, as the national AI programme pushes practical youth projects. Culture & Media Awards: Dragons of MENA named inaugural winners across six MENA markets, including Oman-linked work, spotlighting regional creative communications. Education & Safety: Oman reported 22,242 school buses nationwide and new coordination steps to keep student transport safer and better monitored. Heritage & Tourism: Al Dakhiliyah continues rehabilitating historic quarters to boost year-round tourism, investment, and cultural activities. Learning Quality: Oman Authority for Quality Assurance of Education launched its 2026–2030 strategic plan to strengthen teaching quality and institutional culture. Esports Push: Oman’s Culture Minister met the Global Esports Federation to grow the esports ecosystem and support local talent. Inflation Watch: Oman’s August inflation hit 3.4%, driven mainly by transport and food prices. Travel Advisory: Oman urged citizens and students traveling to India to secure full-coverage health insurance. Geology Spotlight: Oman’s Omani Geological Heritage Exhibition opened in Jabal Akhdar, adding new geopark corners and job-focused themes.