AGP Executive Report

Oman in Global Science & Health: Oman signed a scientific and technical cooperation deal with CERN in Geneva, opening paths for Omani scientists and students in high-energy physics, computing and AI. It also took part in WHA79, stressing stronger health emergency readiness and digital systems. Digital Push at Home: Oman’s government is rolling out AI support for public services using the local “Mueen” language model, aiming to cut routine work and speed up official communication. Sustainability Spotlight: Oman Botanic Garden earned LEED Platinum for four facilities, while Oman Sustainability Week saw new energy-efficiency agreements for government buildings and a green data-centre development pact. Regional Sports: Oman’s athletics team returned from the GCC Games to a heroes’ welcome after a medal haul, and the Gulf Cup draw set Oman in a tough Group A with Saudi, Iraq and Kuwait. Cybercrime Crackdown: Interpol’s “Operation Ramz” arrested 201 people across MENA for phishing and malware scams, with Oman among participating countries.

Consumer Watch: Oman’s Consumer Protection Authority pushed back on social-media claims of sharp building-material price hikes, saying the increases being shared are inaccurate and citing smaller moves for iron (about +12% from February to May) and cement (+18%), while warning suppliers against exploitation and saying it has already acted against violating establishments. Middle East Markets: Gulf equities slid again, with Dubai’s main index falling for a seventh straight session as investors weighed regional security risks after drone incidents near the UAE’s Barakah plant. Iran-US Tension: US President Donald Trump said he postponed a “very major” planned attack on Iran after Gulf leaders asked for more time for talks, while insisting the US remains ready for a large-scale assault if no deal comes. Hormuz Trade Shift: With the Strait of Hormuz crisis dragging on, UAE firms are accelerating plans to reroute exports via Fujairah and build more bypass capacity. Oman Tech Push: Omantel’s Otech says Oman’s AI growth is moving from apps to local cloud, data centres, cybersecurity and AI computing infrastructure.

Middle East Tension: Trump says he’s holding off a planned strike on Iran after Gulf leaders asked for more time, but warns the US is ready for a “large scale assault” if peace talks fail. Oil Watch: The IEA chief warns commercial oil inventories are being drained fast, leaving only weeks of buffer as Hormuz disruption keeps prices jumpy. US-Iran Diplomacy: Iran says it sent revised peace terms via Pakistan and is also discussing a mechanism for Strait of Hormuz navigation with Oman. Sanctions Fallout: India’s Adani Enterprises will pay $275m to the US Treasury to settle alleged Iran sanctions violations, while the US also moves to dismiss related fraud charges. Oman Spotlight: Oman presents a comprehensive health-systems vision at the 79th World Health Assembly, and Oman Sustainability Week continues to push clean-energy and blended-finance momentum. Sports: Nepal beat Scotland by six wickets in League 2, climbing to fifth.

Oman Economy & Finance: The Oman Investment Authority says it expects nearly OMR 3 billion profit in 2025, with a 14.6% return on investment, after executing 24 exits worth over OMR 2.8 billion. Energy & Industry: Nama and O-Green signed a 2.7 GW continuous renewables deal across Mahout and Duqm, aiming for around-the-clock clean power. Gulf Security & Shipping: Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz keep oil markets jumpy as Trump warns Iran the “clock is ticking,” while Iran pushes new pressure points—now including talk of charging fees for subsea internet cables. Regional Diplomacy: Oman condemned the drone strike that hit the UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant, calling it a hostile and escalatory act and urging dialogue. Sports: Bahrain surged at the GCC Games with a big athletics haul, while Oman’s athletes continue to chase medals. Eid Timing: Dar al-Ifta confirmed Dhul Hijjah begins May 18 and Eid al-Adha is May 27.

Seeb’s Challenge: HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said says Seeb Club’s recent domestic and continental success is built on patience and a long-term project—but staying on top is “the real challenge,” demanding stronger admin, finance, tech and fan support. Oman Trade & Logistics: Sharjah launched an integrated logistics corridor with Oman, with first shipments moving from Port Khalid to Sohar Port via Khatmat Malaha, aiming to keep supply chains moving through land-sea integration. Eid Al Adha Calendar: Oman has confirmed Dhul Hijjah starts Monday, May 18, with Eid Al Adha on Wednesday, May 27. Prices & Daily Life: Oman’s inflation hit 3.2% in April, with vegetables up 25% driving much of the rise. Renewables Push: Nama Power and O-Green awarded a 2.7GW continuous renewable energy Power Purchase Agreement for Mahout and Duqm, combining wind, solar and battery storage. Green Corridor in the UAE: Dubai Customs says its Oman-linked Green Corridor is sustaining trade flows despite disruptions.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: India has told the UN that targeting commercial shipping and endangering civilian crews is “unacceptable,” after an India-flagged vessel was attacked off Oman earlier this month; the UN meeting also comes as Iran pushes a controlled shipping plan and the US says it has redirected dozens of ships to enforce its blockade. GCC Games Doha 2026: Qatar keeps stretching its lead, hitting 96 medals overall, while Oman climbs with more podium finishes and is now in the medal race. Oman Homes & Comfort: A local lifestyle feature highlights how Oman residents are making “smart small spending” changes—materials, lighting, and layout tweaks—to improve everyday comfort. Oman Safety Alert: Royal Oman Police reported four deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning inside a running vehicle, urging people not to sleep in cars with engines on. Energy & Industry Shift: Separate coverage points to Oman’s next economic pivot—electricity and power projects—signalling a move from exporting energy to building industry around it.

Carbon Monoxide Tragedy: Royal Oman Police say four Asian nationals died after inhaling carbon monoxide inside a vehicle in Al Musannah while the engine was running, urging people never to sleep in enclosed spaces with engines on. Hormuz Pressure: US Central Command says it has redirected 78 ships and disabled four to enforce its blockade, while Iran-linked shipping continues to find ways through the Strait of Hormuz as tensions keep spiking. Diplomacy, Yemen: UN chief António Guterres praised Jordan for helping broker a deal to release over 1,600 Yemeni detainees, with Oman and Switzerland hosting earlier rounds. Oman Economy & Finance: Oman’s insurance sector posted growth in 2025, and MSX-listed firms reported higher first-quarter profits, even as the main index dipped below 8,000 points. Local Life: Oman’s youth-led tourism projects in Al Jabal Al Akhdar are drawing visitors, pairing heritage with small business initiatives.

UN Yemen Talks: The UN says a deal reached in Amman will see the release of more than 1,600 Yemen detainees, with António Guterres urging quick implementation with the ICRC so families can reunite. Strait of Hormuz Pressure: Fresh maritime incidents keep the spotlight on the Gulf of Oman and Hormuz—an Indian cargo ship reportedly sank off Oman after a suspected drone attack, while a separate vessel was seized near the UAE and is said to be headed for Iranian waters. Diplomacy vs Deadlock: Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi again blamed “lack of trust” for stalled talks with the US, while Trump and Xi’s recent meetings still leave the wider war-risk unresolved. UAE Energy Workaround: The UAE is accelerating pipeline construction to double crude export capacity via Fujairah, aiming to reduce reliance on Hormuz. Oman-Linked Spotlight: India and Oman co-hosted a UN event on INSV Kaundinya, highlighting shared maritime heritage. Sports (GCC Games): Bahrain and Oman open their volleyball medal bid in Doha, with Bahrain chasing momentum after a big medal haul.

Strait of Hormuz Flashpoint: Iran and the U.S. traded sharper words as tensions spiked again—reports say a ship was seized near the UAE and another sank off Oman, while Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi said Tehran has “no trust in Americans” and insists Hormuz is open only for vessels not linked to countries fighting Iran. U.S.-China Diplomacy: After Trump’s summit with Xi, both sides said the strait must remain open, but no concrete deals were announced as talks with Iran stay stalled. Gulf Energy Workarounds: The UAE moved to reduce Hormuz dependence, fast-tracking a West-East pipeline to double export capacity via Fujairah by 2027. Oman Health: Khoula Hospital launched a Spine Endoscopy System and signed funding for cochlear implant surgeries. Markets: Qatar’s QSE slid on cautious sentiment and oil-linked worries, while India’s markets dipped as crude prices rose.

Strait of Hormuz Pressure: Trump says his patience with Iran is “running out” after talks with Xi, with both sides reiterating the strait must stay open and Iran must never get nuclear weapons—yet shipping risks are rising again after a ship was seized near the UAE and another Indian-flagged vessel sank off Oman. Maritime Tensions: India condemned the Oman attack and said all 14 crew were rescued by Oman’s coast guard, while reports also described “unauthorised personnel” boarding a ship near Fujairah and steering it toward Iran. Market Jitters: Oil climbed on renewed fears of attacks and seizures, and Asian stocks mostly retreated as investors weighed inflation worries and the Iran-war outlook. Oman in Focus: Oman’s Nama Water Services is pushing aquifer storage and recovery to bolster water security, while OCCI is in Russia’s Kazan forum to deepen trade links. Diplomacy: Iran’s Araghchi met Modi and Jaishankar in Delhi for security and BRICS talks as efforts to de-escalate remain stalled.

Strait of Hormuz Shock: A fresh wave of attacks has hit Gulf shipping, with an Indian-flagged cargo vessel reportedly sinking off Oman after a suspected drone/missile strike, while another ship anchored near Fujairah was seized by “unauthorised personnel” and is now heading toward Iranian waters. UAE–India Solidarity: The UAE condemned the attack on the Indian vessel and backed steps to protect Indian maritime interests, as India called the incident “unacceptable” and said all 14 crew were rescued by Oman’s coast guard. Diplomacy vs. Disruption: As US President Trump met China’s Xi in Beijing, world leaders reiterated calls for Hormuz to stay open, but shipping risks remain high. Oman Energy Moves: Oman’s Nama Power and Water Procurement Company has launched a tender for consultancy on up to 2.8GW gas-fired IPPs, while OQEP reported RO 71.9m Q1 profit despite weaker oil prices. Local Watch: Oman urged citizens not to panic-buy fuel amid West Asia tensions.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi rejected claims of obstruction, saying Tehran has “created no obstacles” and blaming the US for a blockade—while shipping disruptions and rare tanker transits keep the chokepoint in the spotlight. BRICS Diplomacy: Foreign ministers are set to meet in Delhi amid the West Asia crisis, with Hormuz and energy security expected to dominate talks as Iran’s Araghchi arrives for a three-day visit. Markets Watch: Muscat Stock Exchange fell 1.28% to close at 8,178.76 points, with trading value down to about 39.1m OMR. Oman Local News: An ambulance crash in North Al Batinah killed the driver and injured crew members during an emergency response. Project Pipeline: Oman is expected to award the Salalah New Smart City design consultancy tender in Q3 2026, with completion targeted for Q4 2030. Regional Business: Joyalukkas launched a “Biggest Jewellery Sale” with 40% off making charges across showrooms including Oman. Culture: Qatar’s Doha International Book Fair opens today, billed as its biggest edition yet.

Gulf Tensions: The U.S. enforced blockade measures against two Iranian-flagged, unladen tankers trying to reach an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned any attack on its vessels would trigger a “heavy assault” on U.S. bases and ships—raising fresh doubts over a fragile ceasefire. Shipping & Energy: Iran says it is working with Oman on a new “protocol” for merchant-ship passage through the Strait of Hormuz, including service fees, as oil markets stay jittery and OPEC reports output has fallen sharply since the war began. Oman & Region: Oman opened its campaign at the GCC Games in Doha with two taekwondo bronze medals, and the Gulf Railway project hit 50% completion with full operation targeted for 2030. Oman Economy & Policy: Oman unveiled an updated net-zero strategy and a carbon market framework, while Oman Broadband signed fibre-optic deals for residential “Sorouh” projects. Culture & Sports: Doha’s book fair opens Thursday with record participation, and Oman’s beach soccer team climbed into the world’s top 10.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran’s top adviser likened the waterway to an “atomic bomb” as the US struck two Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman and warned the blockade is still in force, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard issued a fresh threat of “heavy assault” if attacks hit Iranian vessels. Diplomacy vs Pressure: Iran says it won’t enter a second round of talks with the US unless five conditions are met, including sanctions relief and recognition of its sovereignty over Hormuz—while Washington keeps tightening economic pressure. Oman Economy & Industry: Duqm’s steel push gets a carbon recycling feasibility study for low-emission production; be’ah unveiled industrial investment opportunities; Bank Nizwa appointed Tariq Atiq as CEO. Finance & Markets: Muscat’s index slipped 0.21% as trading value rose; Oman’s banking and industrial momentum continues in parallel. Trade Deal Watch: India-Oman FTA is set to start June 1, with duty-free access for most Indian exports. Sports: GCC Games Doha opened with Qatar’s swimmers grabbing early gold, while Oman’s athletes begin medal bids.

Strait of Hormuz tensions: A fragile US-Iran ceasefire is under strain as the US struck two Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman while Iran warned any attack on its vessels would trigger a “heavy assault” on a US base. Sanctions pressure: Washington also expanded Iran-linked oil sanctions, targeting firms in Hong Kong, the UAE and Oman accused of helping ship Iranian crude to China. Oman diplomacy: Oman is in the middle of the wider push for de-escalation, with talks and calls involving regional partners as maritime navigation risks keep rising. Local economy: Oman’s Ministry of Housing signed 182 usufruct contracts worth over RO 37.8mn during the Oman Real Estate Expo, including health and SME industrial projects. Health breakthrough: UMC in Oman carried out the first locally assembled CAR-T cell therapy using immune cells collected in-country. Weather: NCM forecasts clear skies and around 42°C across the UAE.

US-Iran Hormuz Flashpoint: Iran’s top adviser likened the Strait of Hormuz to an “atomic bomb” as the US kept up strikes and blockade enforcement, disabling two Iranian-flagged unladen tankers in the Gulf of Oman and warning of continued action if attacks resume. Sanctions Tighten: Washington also hit 12 individuals and entities over alleged IRGC-linked oil shipments to China, including a company based in Oman, as Trump prepares to meet Xi. Talks at an Impasse: Trump said Iran’s latest response was “totally unacceptable” and the ceasefire is “on life support,” while Iran says its proposal was “reasonable and generous,” with sovereignty over Hormuz at the core. Oman in the Wider Mix: Oman is among the Gulf states facing the fallout—shipping risk, higher oil costs, and tighter sanctions—while regional traffic is being rerouted and logistics plans are shifting. GCC Spotlight: Doha’s GCC Games opened with a major ceremony at Al Shaqab, with Oman’s Olympic leadership among the attending officials.