AGP Executive Report

Oman–Russia Cultural Diplomacy: Oman has wrapped up its first-ever official pavilion at the Moscow International Book Fair, spotlighting Omani culture, history and heritage through ministries and Sultan Qaboos University, with strong interest from researchers, students and visitors. Tourism & People-to-People Ties: Oman says Indian tourist arrivals rose 11% in 2025 (6.94 lakh visitors), with 3.81 lakh arrivals in Jan–Jun 2026, driven by better air links to Muscat and expanding routes to Salalah. Education Reform for the New Year: 876,117 students began the 2026/2027 academic year across 1,298 schools, as the Ministry of Education pushes innovation and AI, plus new infrastructure and lab upgrades. Leadership Abroad: The Royal Academy of Management and the Ministry of Education launched The Zad Initiative to prepare Omani students for studying abroad with cultural identity, practical skills and leadership readiness. Arts & Entertainment: Indian rap pioneer Baba Sehgal will perform live in Muscat on Oct 29 at Sheraton Oman Hotel, blending rap and comedy for fans across generations. Sport in the Spotlight: The Salalah International Cycling Tour kicked off in Dhofar, while Oman’s beach soccer team faces tight preparation ahead of the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup in Thailand.

Oman Education: Oman’s new academic year opens with 876,117 students returning to school, as the Ministry of Education rolls out reforms across curricula, vocational learning, digital tools and AI. Sports & Youth: Oman’s beach soccer team is under pressure to start preparations for the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2026, with a tight camp schedule ahead of the November event. Dhofar on the Move: The Salalah International Cycling Tour kicks off in Dhofar, blending international competition with tourism promotion, starting with the Dhofar Classic and multi-stage routes. Culture Infrastructure: Structural steelwork is nearing completion for the Sayyid Tarik bin Taimur Cultural Complex in Muscat, including a national library, archives, theatre and cultural plaza. Community & Business: A CSR focus in Oman is shifting from donations to measurable, long-term value—especially through training and support for local SMEs. Diplomacy & Links: President Paul Kagame is set to visit Oman for talks aimed at deepening Rwanda–Oman cooperation in trade, aviation, logistics, digital tech and investment. Legal Life Tips: Oman’s bequest (wasiya) rules are explained under the Personal Status Law, covering limits, forms, acceptance and enforcement. Learning & Skills: UTAS welcomes 10,563 registered students for 2026/2027, with strong demand in business, engineering and computer science.

Dhofar Culture & Sports: The Salalah International Cycling Tour kicked off in Dhofar with 95 riders from 28 countries, aiming to spotlight Oman’s landscapes and culture while building local cycling talent. Cultural Infrastructure: Structural steelwork has reached substantial completion on the Sayyid Tarik bin Taimur Cultural Complex in Muscat, including a national library, archives, theatre and cultural plaza. Khareef Dhofar Economy: Khareef Dhofar Season 2026 is set to wrap soon after 300+ events, with authorities highlighting strong visitor numbers and a boost for youth projects and SMEs. Community & Lifestyle: Muscat Municipality is turning parks into open-air gyms, adding free outdoor fitness areas to make active living easier for everyone. Oman-India Business: Oman–India Business Forum 2026 is scheduled for Sept. 9 to leverage CEPA and open new trade, services and investment opportunities for Oman’s private sector. Oman-UK Diplomacy: Buckingham Palace announced Sultan Haitham’s state visit to the UK (Oct. 20–22), underscoring UK-Oman ties amid regional tensions. Migration & Work Enforcement: Reports say Oman and other Gulf states have intensified deportations of foreign workers in 2026, including enforcement actions affecting Ethiopians, Ugandans, Nigerians and Kenyans.

Oman–UK Cultural Diplomacy: Sultan Haitham bin Tariq will visit Britain for a state visit hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle (Oct 20–22), spotlighting ties across defence, trade, education, culture and Oman’s mediation role. Oman’s Cultural Infrastructure: Structural steelwork has reached substantial completion on the Sayyid Tarik bin Taimur Cultural Complex in Muscat, a RO 147.8m project set to house the national library, archives, theatre and cultural plaza. Khareef Dhofar Economy & Youth: Dhofar’s Khareef Season 2026 wraps up after 300+ events, with a strong push for youth projects and SME marketing, while visitor spending boosts local restaurants and car rentals. Muscat Lifestyle & Fitness: Muscat Municipality is turning parks into open-air gyms, offering free outdoor workout areas across the city. Skills for Tomorrow: As the new academic year begins, Oman-focused coverage stresses that degrees matter, but practical skills, communication and AI-enabled thinking will shape future work. Learning & Innovation: Omantel Innovation Labs and Riyada backed the Salalah AI Hackathon 2026, bringing together 60 participants to tackle real-world challenges with AI. School Beach Games: Muscat Education Directorate won beach volleyball and beach handball titles at the School Beach Games finale in Salalah.

Oman–UK Cultural Diplomacy: Sultan Haitham bin Tariq will visit Britain from Oct 20–22 for a state visit hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, spotlighting ties across culture, education, defence and Oman’s regional mediation role. Major Cultural Infrastructure: Structural steelwork for the Sayyid Tarik bin Taimur Cultural Complex in Muscat has reached substantial completion, with a national library, archives, theatre and cultural plaza planned on a 400,000 sq m site. Green Mobility in Salalah: Hyundai Motor Group signed an MoU with Oman’s transport and energy partners to accelerate green public transport, including plans for hydrogen and electric charging infrastructure and Oman’s first hydrogen-powered city bus. Khareef Dhofar Economy & Youth: Khareef Dhofar Season 2026 is set to close after 300+ events, with authorities highlighting visitor spending, SME promotion and youth projects across Dhofar. Muscat Sports Spotlight: Muscat Directorate won beach volleyball and beach handball titles at the School Beach Games in Salalah, capping a strong run at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex. Learning & Skills Push: Omantel Innovation Labs and Riyada backed the Salalah AI Hackathon 2026, bringing together 60 participants across 22 teams to turn real-world challenges into AI ideas. Outdoor Fitness for All: Muscat Municipality is rolling out free open-air gyms in parks and along beaches, aiming to make active living easier for residents.

Oman-UK Diplomacy: His Majesty Sultan Haitham will make a state visit to Britain from October 20–22, with Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace hosting talks expected to cover defence, trade, investment, education, culture and Oman’s mediation role. Cultural Infrastructure: Mace Consult says it is supporting delivery of Muscat’s Sayyid Tarik bin Taimur Cultural Complex, providing project leadership and delivery assurance for a major culture and community destination. International Culture Spotlight: Oman takes part with an official pavilion at the Moscow International Book Fair, presenting Omani identity and publications and strengthening cultural links with Russia and beyond. Dhofar in Focus: Khareef Dhofar Season 2026 wraps up after 300+ events, with a push for youth projects and SME marketing of Omani products. AI Entrepreneurship: Omantel Innovation Labs and Riyada hosted the Salalah AI Hackathon 2026, bringing together 60 participants to turn real-world challenges into AI ideas. Accessibility & Inclusion: Volunteers in Dhofar say deaf residents still struggle to access sign-language interpreters at events and public services, citing interpreter shortages and uneven on-site support. Sports & Youth: The School Beach Games Championship concludes in Dhofar, while Oman’s Firas al Hinai debuts at the Brics Skate Cup in Russia. Travel Advisory: The US State Department updated its Oman travel advisory, warning of terrorism and the risk of armed conflict amid regional tensions.

Oman Culture & Lifestyle: Oman is set to make a cultural splash at the Moscow International Book Fair with an official pavilion, spotlighting Omani identity through literature, history, knowledge and tourism, and featuring contributions from Oman’s culture, heritage and education institutions. Arts & Community: Muscat’s Royal Opera House marks its 15th anniversary season for 2026–2027, while Dhofar’s Khareef Season 2026 wraps up with 300+ events that also boosted youth projects and SME marketing. Sports & Youth: Dhofar’s School Beach Games Championship heads into its closing stages in Salalah, and Oman’s skateboarder Firas al Hinai makes the Sultanate’s Brics Skate Cup debut in Russia. Accessibility & Inclusion: In Salalah, volunteers say deaf residents still struggle to get sign-language interpreters at conferences and public services, pointing to a shortage and uneven on-site support. Culture Infrastructure: Mace Consult continues delivery support for Muscat’s Sayyid Tarik bin Taimur Cultural Complex, positioning it as a major destination for culture, learning and community life. Travel Safety: The US State Department has updated its travel advisory for Oman, citing risks of armed conflict and terrorism and warning that attacks can occur with little notice.

Oman Travel Advisory: The U.S. State Department kept Oman at “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” warning of a risk of armed conflict and terrorism, plus possible drone and missile attacks with little notice. Cultural Diplomacy: Oman is taking part in the Moscow International Book Fair with an official pavilion, showcasing Omani literature, heritage and tourism links. Literary Ties: Oman was named guest of honor at the 27th Baghdad International Book Fair, highlighting shared cultural connections between the two countries. Dhofar Khareef Wrap-Up: Dhofar’s Khareef Season 2026 is ending after 300+ events, with a strong push for youth projects, Omani products and SME marketing. Muscat Urban Life: Muscat Governorate has started field work on Oman’s National Addressing Project, with street sign installation underway and pilot areas already over 80% complete. Arts & Creativity: Young Omani artists are gaining visibility through portraiture, Arabic calligraphy and mixed traditional-meets-modern approaches, exploring identity and memory. Education & Innovation: Oman’s Research and Innovation Authority shortlisted projects for Berlin’s “Falling Walls Lab,” including work on medical education access and chemotherapy-related hair loss. Sports Spotlight: Oman is listed among Asian Games 2026 cricket qualifiers, with Bangladesh naming Litton Das as captain for the men’s tournament.

Oman in Culture Abroad: Oman is taking part in an official pavilion at the Moscow International Book Fair, aiming to boost Omani literature, heritage and tourism visibility and open new cultural and academic cooperation. Muscat Urban Life: Muscat Governorate has started field work on Oman’s National Addressing Project, with over 80% of street naming and verification completed in pilot areas and signboards being installed to link addresses to accurate coordinates. Big Cultural Build: Mace Consult is supporting delivery of Muscat’s Sayyid Tarik bin Taimur Cultural Complex, including the National Library, National Archives and National Theatre, as the project advances through design-and-build milestones. Education & Youth Services: Oman’s Education Ministry says technical issues affecting the student transfer service are being fixed, with more than 12,000 transfer transactions completed during the day. Arts & Performing Arts: Royal Opera House Muscat has unveiled its 2026–2027 15th anniversary season, featuring 28 shows across opera, Arab music, concerts, ballet, jazz and family programming. Local Talent Spotlight: Young Omani artists are gaining momentum by blending traditional techniques with modern tools, from portraiture and calligraphy to new visual identities. Sports & Community: Oman’s participation and development efforts also show up in culture-adjacent life, from Muscat’s growing events calendar to youth-focused programmes.

Muscat Addressing Push: Muscat Governorate has started field work on Oman’s National Addressing Project, with over 80% of street naming and address verification done in pilot areas and signboards now being installed, aiming for unified addresses tied to accurate coordinates. Culture & Arts Calendar: Royal Opera House Muscat unveiled its 2026–2027 15th anniversary season with 28 shows across 43 nights, plus education and community outreach. AI Meets Cinema: Muscat launched the Muscat AI Film Festival (MAIFF), opening submissions Sept 5, with labs in October and public screenings in November at VOX Cinemas. Innovation Spotlight: Research and Innovation Authority shortlisted Oman’s projects for Berlin’s Falling Walls Lab, including wins for medical education access and chemotherapy-induced hair loss solutions. Sports & Community: Oman Association for Children with Disabilities welcomed 361 children for the 2026–2027 rehabilitation year, while a Bait Al Zubair Museum event revived memories for elderly women through movement and traditional crafts. Education Services: Oman’s Education Ministry says technical issues affecting the student transfer portal are being resolved, with 12,000+ transfers processed during the day. Regional Ties: Oman and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed deepening bilateral cooperation after a private fraternal visit by Sultan Haitham to Saudi Arabia.

Oman Education & Youth: The Ministry of Education says technical issues affecting the electronic student transfer service are being fixed, with over 12,000 transfer requests completed as teams restore stability and improve the user experience. Performing Arts: Royal Opera House Muscat unveiled its 2026–2027 15th Anniversary Season, with 28 shows across 43 nights from October to May, spanning opera, Arab music, concerts, ballet, jazz, world music and family programmes plus education outreach. Culture & Heritage Building: Mace Consult is supporting delivery of Oman’s flagship Sayyid Tarik bin Taimur Cultural Complex in Al-Seeb, including the National Library, National Archives, National Theatre and Cultural Plaza. Film & Creativity: Muscat launched the Muscat AI Film Festival (MAIFF), opening submissions Sept 5, with creative labs in October and public screenings in November. Community & Inclusion: Oman Association for Children with Disabilities welcomed 361 children for the 2026–2027 rehabilitation year across eight centres, focusing on rehabilitation, education and empowerment. Sports & International Presence: Omani refereeing duo Sultan and Salim al Siyabi were selected for the IHF Women’s Trophy in Tashkent, while Oman Racing by Century Motorsport secured a top-five finish at Nürburgring. Energy Transition in Dhofar: The Salalah Engineering Forum opened with a focus on clean energy infrastructure, renewable integration, grid resilience and low-carbon hydrogen.

Royal Opera House Muscat: ROHM has unveiled its landmark 2026–2027 15th anniversary season, with 28 shows across 43 nights from October 2026 to May 2027, spanning opera, Arab music, concerts, ballet, jazz, world music and family performances, plus an anniversary exhibition and education/community outreach. Sports & community: Oman Football Association launched a new fan-engagement strategy for the 2026–27 Jindal League, aiming for fuller stands and stronger club-community links, with RO 132,500 in attendance and fan excellence awards. Youth & education: Oman Association for Children with Disabilities welcomed 361 children to its 2026/2027 rehabilitation year across eight centres, focusing on rehabilitation, education and empowerment. Health training: Oman Medical Specialty Board inducted 388 doctors and nurses into specialised training programmes for 2026/2027, strengthening advanced medical education for Oman’s healthcare needs. Culture & literature: Omani writer Al-Khattab Al-Mazrouei’s short-story collection “Mango Girl” explores place and memory through 16 tightly written stories. Road safety: A commentary highlights how Oman’s role as a logistics hub makes responsible driving urgent, pointing to accident patterns and recent tragedies.

Disability Support: Oman Association for Children with Disabilities welcomed 361 children to start the 2026/2027 rehabilitation year across eight centres, with programmes focused on skills, independence and family support. Workplace Culture: Yango Group expanded Great Place to Work certification from 9 to 17 countries in 2026, including Oman, with strong employee feedback on fairness and welcome. Sports & Community: Oman Football Association rolled out a new fan-engagement strategy for the 2026-27 Jindal League, aiming for fuller stands and stronger club-community ties. Arts & Theatre: Oman Theatre Association opened registration for the inaugural Muscat Theatre Festival in December, giving groups, universities and colleges a national stage. Education & Innovation: Indian School Al Ghubrah launched “The Forum,” an innovation hub to help students turn ideas into prototypes and real solutions. Learning for Life: Oman’s lifelong learning survey began in Muscat, Nizwa and Sur, interviewing 1,200 citizens to map access, participation and skills. Health Training: Oman Medical Specialty Board inducted 388 doctors and nurses into specialised programmes for 2026/2027. Heritage & Language: A historian highlighted how Oman’s dialects reflect the country’s historic trade links and the spread of Arabic loanwords across the region. Local Development: Rustaq continues a push to upgrade infrastructure and tourism services, building on heritage, springs and mountain trails.

Oman Healthcare Policy: Oman’s Ministry of Health added “death cases for Omanis” to fee exemptions, bringing the total exempt groups to 18. Medical Training: 388 doctors and nurses joined Oman Medical Specialty Board specialised programmes for 2026/2027, strengthening advanced local training. Tourism & Heritage: Rustaq is pushing major road, parks, and tourism-site upgrades to boost its historic appeal and visitor services. Regional Water Focus: A two-day UN-backed symposium on water sustainability and climate change opens in Salalah, spotlighting aflaj protection, desalination, reuse, and modern monitoring tools. Skills for Industry: Oman’s manufacturing push links technical and vocational education to future workforce needs, with training aligned to evolving sector skills. Culture & Community: Oman Theatre Society opened entries for the inaugural Muscat Theatre Festival, aiming to spotlight group theatre and new scripts. Middle East Tensions: Iran’s supreme leader urged Gulf unity against the US and Israel as Hormuz-related clashes and missile incidents keep regional pressure high. Global Context: Kuwait topped Arab and Gulf states in the 2026 Global Prosperity Index, ranking 50th worldwide. Heat & Work Safety: A report warns farm workers face a dangerous mix of extreme heat and pesticide exposure, raising calls for stronger protections.

Lifelong Learning Survey: Oman’s NCSI is rolling out a nationwide survey to map lifelong learning access, participation and skills in Muscat, Nizwa and Sur, using telephone interviews with 1,200 Omani citizens aged 18+. Theatre & Arts: Oman Theatre Society opened registration for the inaugural Muscat Theatre Festival, inviting Omani theatre groups, universities and colleges to compete in group theatre this December. Rustaq Makeover: Rustaq is pushing ahead with major development projects, including 40km of internal roads (33km done), culverts, a city walk, new gate works and neighbourhood parks. Dhofar Investment Push: Oman’s “Invest in Oman” platform lists five Dhofar opportunities worth about OMR1.95bn, led by Future Salalah City (OMR1.9bn) plus urban, ecotourism and marine tourism projects. Water & Climate Talks: A UN symposium on water sustainability opens in Salalah, focusing on floods, drought, salinity, aflaj protection, desalination, reuse and water-tech innovation. HSE in Oil & Gas: Oman’s energy ministry is strengthening health, safety and environment standards across the sector with updated legislation, tighter oversight and improved emergency preparedness. Global Spotlight: Nepal’s flash floods have rescued 261 foreign tourists (including one from Oman) while 320 remain unaccounted for.

Oman Energy & Minerals: Oman is tightening health, safety and environment (HSE) rules across the oil and gas sector, with updated legislation, stronger oversight, risk management and emergency preparedness aimed at protecting workers and the environment. Dhofar Investment Push: Through the “Invest in Oman” platform, Oman has unveiled five investment opportunities in Dhofar worth about OMR 1.95 billion, including Future Salalah City and new ecotourism projects. Water & Climate Focus in Salalah: A UN water symposium on sustainability and climate change opens in Salalah, spotlighting flood/drought risks, desalination, reuse, aflaj protection and modern tech for water planning. Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: Iran says an Oman-linked Hormuz understanding is reached but won’t take effect until US commitments are met, as regional talks continue to ease tensions around the vital shipping route. Human Stories Beyond Oman: A cargo ship captain recounts a long ordeal in the Strait of Hormuz, while Pakistan reports thousands of deportations tied to Gulf job dependence. Culture & Lifestyle: UAE’s Adihex exhibition returns with falconry and equestrian traditions drawing large crowds.