AGP Executive Report

Oman Development Plan 2026–2030: LOGIC Consulting outlines Oman’s 11th Five-Year Development Plan, adopted by Royal Decree 1/2026, with four pillars (people and society; economy and development; sustainable environment; governance) and 190 strategic programs aimed at turning Vision 2040 into measurable outcomes. Industrial Growth & Jobs Skills: Oman’s manufacturing push is shifting from building capacity to value addition, tech integration, and upskilling, targeting RO 10.702bn manufacturing contribution by 2040 and RO 5.44bn by 2030. Strait of Hormuz Talks: Iran and Oman discuss a temporary commercial shipping corridor, with Iran saying military vessels would be excluded, while negotiations continue toward a longer-term system. Cultural Spotlight: Kutubna Cultural Center in Dubai hosts “Nothing Worth Mentioning,” a photography exhibition exploring beauty in everyday rituals and small moments. Sports & Community: Oman Triathlon League 2026 kicks off in Bausher with 110+ competitors, adding momentum to local endurance culture.

Strait of Hormuz Talks: Iran says military vessels won’t be allowed through the Strait of Hormuz under a proposed Oman-managed framework, while negotiations continue on a temporary commercial corridor and mine-clearing plans. Oman’s Industrial Push: Oman’s manufacturing sector is shifting toward higher local content, tech integration, and upskilling under Industrial Strategy 2040, with targets to lift manufacturing’s GDP contribution to RO 10.702 billion by 2040. Cultural & Religious Life: Celebrations for Prophet’s Birthday (Mawlid) highlight how Arab and Islamic communities renew bonds through shared spiritual gatherings and recitations. Education & Skills: Registration opens for Oman’s 13th Omani song festival, and Oman’s Arabic teaching institutions welcome new students, reinforcing cultural learning. Lifestyle & Media: Meta reached a major settlement over claims of social media harms to children, including usage limits and nighttime blocks—an issue resonating with families across the region.

Oman Industrial Strategy 2040: Oman’s manufacturing push is moving from just building factories to building an ecosystem—technology, local supply chains, value addition and skills. NCSI data shows manufacturing contributed about OMR 3.7bn to GDP at constant prices by end-2025, and OMR 869m in Q1 2026; the target is OMR 5.44bn by 2030 and OMR 10.702bn by 2040. Non-oil exports rose 1.5% to OMR 2.739bn by end-May 2026, with re-exports up 64.4% to over OMR 1bn. Strait of Hormuz talks: Iran and Oman are negotiating a temporary shipping corridor and a joint mine-clearing plan after risks to tankers near Oman; officials say a full reopening depends on wider conditions. Arabic learning in Oman: The Sultan Qaboos Institute for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers welcomed a new, diverse batch of students for its 63rd course, pairing language study with Omani culture and heritage programmes. Back-to-school culture: Home Centre’s “Home Schools You” campaign runs across Oman and other GCC markets, turning the home into a learning space for parents and children ahead of the new school season.

Oman’s AI push: Oman is moving fast into the AI era, with a new Artificial Intelligence Special Zone in Muscat signaling a shift from waiting for the future to building for it—plus a reminder that education should still nurture human strengths like creativity, empathy, and judgement. Arabic learning with culture built in: The Sultan Qaboos Institute for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers welcomed a new, 14-nationality student batch for its 63rd course, pairing language lessons with Omani heritage and cultural programmes. Dhofar cultural diplomacy: Oman will host an ICESCO delegation in Salalah to run the “Civilisation Bridges” programme, focusing on Dhofar’s heritage, tourism, and institutional cooperation. Heritage research in Dhofar: The 25th Scientific Symposium of the GCC History and Archaeology Association opened in Dhofar with 180+ participants and 30 research papers on Gulf history and culture. Nature reserves update: Oman’s Environment Authority says reserves support research, monitoring, sustainable use, awareness, and ecotourism, with work underway to strengthen management plans and community participation. Sports & health reminder: A fatal collapse of an Indian cricketer in Muscat has reignited calls for medical screening for athletes to catch hidden heart risks. Family planning support: BankDhofar is promoting an Education Savings Plan for school-year preparations, with monthly deposits from OMR 10 and links to child benefits. Youth careers shift: Oman’s youth are increasingly leaning toward flexible, AI-driven career paths as new opportunities reshape how people plan work and skills.

Arabic Learning & Cultural Exchange: The Sultan Qaboos Institute for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers welcomed a new, 14-nationality batch for its 63rd course, pairing language lessons with Omani culture, heritage and traditions. Health & Lifestyle Myth-Busting: A peer-reviewed review challenges the “eight hours” sleep benchmark, finding hunter-gatherer societies without electric light sleep roughly 6.4–7.1 hours. Back-to-School Community Learning: Landmark Group’s Home Centre extends its “Home Schools You” campaign across Oman and other GCC markets, turning the home into a daily learning space for parents and children. Sport & Local Pride: Omani driver Ahmad Al Harthy targets a strong comeback at Nürburgring for GT World Challenge Europe endurance racing after a tough Spa retirement. Cultural Diplomacy in Dhofar: Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism hosts an ICESCO delegation in Salalah to advance the “Civilisation Bridges” programme through heritage, tourism and archaeological site discussions. Nature Conservation Focus: Oman’s Environment Authority runs workshops for biosphere reserve management, including planning and monitoring for Al Jabal Al Akhdar and Al Sareen. Education Savings for Families: BankDhofar promotes its Education Savings Plan, linked to child benefits, to help parents save from OMR 10 monthly toward higher education. Heritage Research Spotlight: The 25th GCC History and Archaeology Symposium opens in Dhofar with 180+ participants and 30 research papers on Gulf history and culture.

Cultural Diplomacy in Dhofar: Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism will host an ICESCO delegation (Aug 25–28) under the “Civilisation Bridges” programme, with site visits and meetings to spotlight heritage, tourism and development, and to deepen intercultural dialogue. Heritage Research Spotlight: The 25th Scientific Symposium of the GCC History and Archaeology Association opened in Dhofar, drawing 180+ participants to present 30 papers on Gulf history and culture. Biosphere Reserve Planning: Oman’s Environment Authority held a workshop for the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme, reviewing management plans for Jabal Akhdar and Al Sareen, including monitoring teams and conservation and eco-tourism proposals. Sports Health Alert: A Muscat cricketer’s sudden collapse and death has renewed calls for medical screening for athletes to detect hidden heart risks. Education Wins in Muscat: Cheltenham Muscat and Downe House Muscat shared strong A Level and GCSE results, highlighting scholarships and student progression. Culture & Learning: Oman experts urged updating children’s literature for the digital age while keeping Arabic language and identity at the centre. Oman Economy Watch: Oman’s July inflation rose to 3.2%, driven mainly by food and transport costs.

Cultural Diplomacy: Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism will host an ICESCO delegation for “Bridges of Civilisation” in Dhofar (Aug 25–28), with site visits and meetings aimed at strengthening intercultural dialogue and heritage partnerships. Heritage & Scholarship: Oman will also host the GCC History and Archaeology Society forum in Dhofar (Aug 24–26), bringing together 180+ researchers for 30 papers, exhibitions, and heritage-focused visits. Lifestyle & Learning: IKEA UAE is launching “The Swedish Test” on TikTok, turning Back-to-School into a pronunciation challenge for familiar and tricky IKEA product names. Education & Culture: Specialists in Oman are calling for children’s literature to evolve with digital life while keeping Arabic language, identity, and emotional wellbeing at the center. Local Arts Abroad: Oman’s Al-Dan Theatre Troupe is taking part in Russia’s International Festival of Chamber Theatre Forms with “A Bite of Bread,” alongside seminars on Omani theatre. Economy Watch: Oman’s inflation rose to 3.2% in July, driven mainly by food and transport costs.

Omani Culture on the Move: Al-Dan Theatre Troupe represented Oman at Russia’s 8th International Festival of Chamber Theatre Forms in Kineshma with “A Bite of Bread,” sharing Omani stage experience through seminars and a small exhibition. Local Arts & Heritage: Oman’s Al-Dan participation adds to a busy week of cultural exchange, while Qatar’s Philatelic and Numismatic Centre also highlighted Oman’s postal history at the Asian Stamp Exhibition in Bandung—showing how heritage collections travel and connect communities. Cost of Living Watch: Oman’s inflation hit 3.2% in July, driven mainly by food (vegetables +19.9%, fruits +15.8%) and transport (+6.5%), with culture and recreation rising more gently (+0.4%). Green Dhofar Push: Oman launched the “Sustainable Dhofar” campaign to back sustainability, innovation, and community participation, linking it to green mobility efforts and the Gulf Green Forum in Salalah. Tourism & Lifestyle: Oman is targeting a doubling of international arrivals, with India as a key source market (over 350,000 Indian visitors in the first half of 2026). Business & Community: AmCham Oman and DHL Express ran SME speed networking to help entrepreneurs build relationships that can turn into clients and partnerships.

Omani Culture on the Move: Al-Dan Theatre Troupe represented Oman at Russia’s Kineshma International Festival of Chamber Theatre Forms with “A Bite of Bread,” sharing Omani stage experience through seminars, a press conference, and a small exhibition. Inflation Watch: Oman’s CPI inflation hit 3.2% in July 2026 (vs July 2025), driven mainly by food and non-alcoholic beverages (+7.3%) and transport (+6.5%); vegetables (+19.9%) and fruits (+15.8%) stood out, while culture and recreation rose more gently (+0.4%). Green Dhofar Push: The “Sustainable Dhofar” campaign was launched to boost sustainability and innovation, inviting youth and national talents to submit ideas via the “Amed” platform, alongside wider green mobility efforts. Tourism & Lifestyle: Oman is aiming to double international arrivals, with India as a key growth market (over 350,000 Indian visitors in the first half of 2026, +26%). Regional Context for Oman: With the Strait of Hormuz still disrupted, Oman and Iran are reportedly discussing a possible return to negotiations on passage arrangements—important for travel and everyday life across the region.

Oman Economy: Oman’s inflation hit 3.2% in July (vs. July 2025), with food and non-alcoholic beverages jumping 7.3% and transport up 6.5%, while housing and utilities fell 0.6%; vegetables surged 19.9% and fruit 15.8%. Culture & Arts: Al-Dan Theatre Troupe represented Oman at Russia’s International Festival of Chamber Theatre Forms with “A Bite of Bread,” including talks on “A Living Wage” and Omani theatre developments. Sustainability in Dhofar: Oman launched the “Sustainable Dhofar” campaign to back green innovation and youth-led ideas, linked to the Gulf Green Forum in Salalah and supported via the “Amed” platform. Tourism & Lifestyle: Oman is pushing marine tourism as a growth engine, with conservation and local value chains highlighted across Musandam and Dhofar. Regional Mobility: Oman’s ties and travel context also show up in wider Gulf shifts, including reports of thousands of Pakistani deportations from GCC states and changing passport access across the region.

Omani Arts on the Move: Al-Dan Theatre Troupe brought its production “A Bite of Bread” to Russia’s International Festival of Chamber Theatre Forms, with seminars and a small exhibition sharing Oman’s theatre experience. Inflation Watch: Oman’s inflation climbed 3.2% in July 2026 (NCSI), led by food and non-alcoholic beverages (+7.3%), with Dhofar among the lowest at 2.1%. Green Dhofar Push: The Ministry of Transport and partners launched the “Sustainable Dhofar” campaign to back youth-led sustainability ideas, innovation, and greener mobility, with submissions via the “Amed” platform. Tourism & Lifestyle: Oman is betting on marine tourism as a diversification engine, highlighting conservation-led experiences across Musandam, Daymaniyat, and Dhofar. Sports for Families: The Oman Triathlon League 2026 kicked off in Bausher with 110+ competitors and a youth race for ages 7–14. Culture, Community, and Travel: Oman targets a big rise in international arrivals, with India driving growth—over 350,000 Indian visitors in the first half of 2026. Regional Reality Check: Amid US-Iran tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, Oman is again mentioned as a key channel in talks, while flight cancellations and disruptions are reported across parts of the UAE.

Green Dhofar: Oman has launched the “Sustainable Dhofar” campaign to back green innovation, sustainability culture, and community ideas, with submissions open via the “Amed” platform. Tourism & culture ties: Oman is pushing to double international arrivals, with India driving momentum—over 350,000 Indian visitors in the first half of 2026. Sports for all: The Oman Triathlon League 2026 kicks off in Bausher with 110+ competitors, plus a youth race for ages 7–14. Women in sport: A women’s karting championship in Muscat draws 225+ participants as part of Active Oman Challenge 2. Arts & heritage: Dhofar’s Khareef season now includes an inaugural Dhofar International Sculpture Festival in Salalah, bringing 15 artists to carve large marble works in public. Education & STEM: Engineering For Kids opens in Muscat to expand hands-on STEM learning for children. Global spotlight: Indian designer Anijo Mathew becomes dean of USC’s Iovine and Young Academy, with childhood ties to Muscat. Food & hospitality: France’s chevalier medal goes to Joumana Dammous-Salamé for decades of work in hospitality and gastronomy across the region.

USC Leadership & Design Education: Indian American Anijo Mathew has been named dean of USC’s Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy, bringing a human-centered design and entrepreneurship focus—and noting he spent part of his childhood in Muscat. Cinema in the Gulf: Film Master LLC is bringing animated adventure “LUMIVIA” to Middle East cinemas, expanding its GCC distribution network that includes Oman. Health & Study Strain: A multicenter study highlights digital eye strain among Syrian medical students, linking screen symptoms to academic pressure and fatigue. Sports in Oman: Oman Triathlon League 2026 kicks off in Bausher with 110+ competitors, while a Women’s Karting Championship in Muscat draws 225+ participants for ages 16–30. STEM for Kids in Oman: Engineering For Kids opens in Muscat via Innovators Private School, aiming to grow hands-on STEM learning for families. Oman–Japan Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi meets Japan’s FM Toshimitsu Motegi, discussing cooperation across education, tourism, maritime safety, and energy. Travel Payments Upgrade: Wizzmoni and Oman Air launch the AI-powered Wizz Voyager multi-currency travel card. Community & Care: Sohar Aluminium, OMIFCO and Al Rahma Association sign support for a sustainable investment building to fund orphan care and social programs. Food Culture Spotlight: Joumana Dammous-Salamé receives France’s Chevalier medal for decades of hospitality and gastronomy work across the region.

STEM for kids in Oman: Engineering For Kids has opened in Muscat, bringing hands-on STEM workshops via Innovators Private School and aiming to spark creativity, problem-solving, and future-ready skills for school-age children. Women in motorsport: More than 225 women are set for a karting showdown in Muscat as part of Active Oman Challenge 2, with events designed for ages 16–30 and both newcomers and experienced racers. Oman hosts major sports event: Oman has been awarded the 2028 Beach Handball World Cup in Dhofar during Khareef Dhofar Season, boosting the Sultanate’s profile as a destination for big international competitions. Local sports calendar: Muscat prepares for the Muscat Grand Prix (World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze) on Sept 5, while Salalah hosts the Khareef Dhofar Open Karate Championship on Aug 21–22 with 160+ athletes. Culture & heritage research: The inaugural “Fig and Olive” forum kicked off in Jabal Akhdar, featuring 25 research papers on history, culture, agriculture, tourism, and investment opportunities tied to local heritage. Youth and innovation: Cyfr Capital completed five Seed Fund investments in Omani startups spanning cars, food delivery, tourism, AI/data, and smart packaging. Diplomacy with a cultural lens: Sayyid Badr met Japan’s foreign minister in Muscat, discussing cooperation across political, economic, cultural, education, and maritime navigation priorities.

Sports & Tourism: Oman has been awarded the 2028 Beach Handball World Cup, to be staged in Dhofar during Khareef Dhofar Season, with 32 teams (men and women) expected and a boost for the governorate’s tourism pull. Local Culture & Heritage: The inaugural “Fig and Olive” Forum kicked off in Jabal Akhdar, bringing researchers to present 25 papers on the region’s history, culture, manuscripts, natural resources, ecotourism, and investment opportunities tied to local agricultural heritage. Education & Youth: Oman’s Higher Education Admission Centre announced offers for 33,031 students in the first 2026/2027 round for General Education Diploma holders, with seats up 17% year-on-year. Community & Lifestyle: ahlibank launched its 2026/2027 “Back to School” initiative, supporting 5,000+ children across Oman with essential supplies. Business & Innovation: Cyfr Capital completed five Seed Fund investments in Omani startups spanning automotive commerce, food delivery, tourism experiences, AI/data, and smart packaging/storage. Air Sports Safety: Oman suspends all paragliding and gliding activities nationwide after a fatal Dhofar accident. Sports Calendar: Muscat Grand Prix (World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze) is set for Sept 5, aiming to put Oman on the international athletics map with around 300 athletes.

Education & Youth Skills: GCC-Stat says Gulf youth are outpacing the world in digital basics and advanced habits like privacy settings and information verification, driven by higher education spending. SME & Business Learning: Muscat Stock Exchange and the Oman Academy for SMEs (Inma) sign an MoU to boost investment awareness and training, while AmCham Oman partners with Yale for executive education access. Higher Education Access: Oman’s Higher Education Admission Centre announces 33,031 offers in the first 2026/2027 round for General Education Diploma holders, with seats up year-on-year. Study Abroad Prep: RAM launches “ZAD” applications (20–27 Aug) to prepare Omani students for the academic and cultural shift of studying abroad. Community & Culture: In Jabal Akhdar, the inaugural “Fig & Olive” forum opens with research on local heritage and development; in Muscat, the Rajasthani Wing marks Teej Utsav with traditional celebrations. Sports & Safety: Oman suspends paragliding and gliding nationwide after a fatal Dhofar accident. Innovation & Startups: Cyfr Capital backs five Omani startups through its Seed Fund, spanning cars, food delivery, tourism, AI/data, and packaging. Port & Economy: Sohar Port and Freezone reports 52% growth in H1 cargo throughput to 52m tonnes.