AGP Executive Report

Oman Digital Education & AI: Oman is taking part in UNESCO Digital Learning Week 2026, with officials highlighting how AI can support teaching and decision-making while keeping privacy and inclusion front and centre. Geographic Tech for Schools: Oman’s Ministry of Education backed a push for a second phase of the Digital Educational Atlas, urging more research and skills in modern geographic technologies. Stats Modernisation: ESCWA’s 17th session in Oman recommended an AI-enabled “Muscat Team” to upgrade household income and expenditure surveys using modern tech and non-traditional data. Wind-Assisted Shipping in Sohar: Asyad Shipping and Vale received the Sohar Max, a wind-assisted Valemax-class carrier using rotor sails to cut fuel use and emissions. Trade & Connectivity: Oman-India CEPA-linked trade signals improved FTA use, while a new Oman platform aims to digitally train lawyers. Tech in the Gulf: Toku incorporated a UAE entity to pursue public-sector tenders using Arabic-language, locally hosted AI. Energy Shock: Oil prices surged past $100 as US-Iran tensions and shipping disruptions intensified, with Oman’s official crude price rising to about $121.68/bbl.

Maritime Security & Energy Shock: Iran says it is expanding a “maritime restricted zone” beyond the Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman, while the US reports further strikes on Iranian tankers as Brent pushes past $100—raising fears of supply disruption and marine pollution. Underwater Tech Clash: Iran claims it captured a US Anduril Dive-LD autonomous underwater drone near Hormuz; the US says it malfunctioned and was disabled. Oman Oil Prices: Oman’s official crude price for November jumps to $121.68/bbl as regional conflict escalates. Sustainable Shipping in Oman: Asyad Shipping and Vale welcome Sohar Max, the world’s first wind-assisted Valemax, on its first Oman call, using rotor sails to cut fuel use. Digital Education & AI for Geography: Oman’s Digital Educational Atlas gets a push after a Salalah conference recommends expanding the atlas and boosting research in modern geographic technologies. Legal-Tech for Oman: Omantel and the Ministry of Justice sign “Itqan” to digitize training and qualification for lawyers and legal advisors. Connectivity & Business: Omantel signs an MSA to provide end-to-end connectivity to Liva Insurance, while talabat launches “Open Door” to help startups test solutions in live markets including Oman. Global Tech Specs Buzz: iPhone 18 Pro vs iPhone Duo connectivity details highlight Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, UWB and eSIM/satellite differences. Heritage & UNESCO: Sharjah’s Coastal Fortified Network is added to UNESCO’s Tentative List, underscoring the wider region’s heritage push.

Legal Tech in Oman: Oman’s Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs and Omantel have signed an agreement to build “Itqan,” a digital platform to train and qualify lawyers and legal advisors, standardise assessment, and deliver legal training content across all governorates. Smart Mobility Trials: Oman Airports tested a self-driving electric vehicle at Salalah Airport, with plans to launch autonomous operations in 2027. EV Charging Policy: Oman is setting new EV charging fees from October 1. Green Hydrogen Logistics: Asyad Group signed deals at the Gulf Green Mobility Forum in Salalah covering autonomous freight transport, green hydrogen mobility, and onshore power supply for vessels. Agriculture Tech for Dates: Oman’s agriculture ministry is improving date production using applied research on post-harvest drying, including polycarbonate-covered drying chambers to cut losses and protect quality. Heritage Planning: Oman floated a tender to prepare the UNESCO nomination dossier and management plan for the “Salut: Iron Age Settlement” site in Bahla. Energy Shock Context: Oman oil prices rose to $121.68 a barrel as Middle East conflict escalated, pushing crude back above $100.

Strait of Hormuz Tech & Security: Iran’s IRGC says it captured a U.S. Dive-LD unmanned underwater vehicle near the Strait of Hormuz, escalating the tech-and-tactics race around mine-clearing and surveillance in the region. Sanctions & Aviation: The U.S. Treasury sanctioned 27 Iranian airlines, targeting the last active carriers and third-country facilitators under its “Operation Economic Outcast,” aiming to choke Iran’s aviation-linked procurement networks. Energy Shock: Oil prices pushed toward $100 as Houthi attacks hit Saudi energy infrastructure, while reports of an Iran–Oman shipping arrangement kept traders focused on Hormuz disruption risk. Oman EV Policy: Oman announced new EV charging fees from Oct. 1, set at 50–120 baisa per kWh depending on charger capacity. AI in Education: Oman is taking part in UNESCO Digital Learning Week 2026 on “Education in the Age of AI,” highlighting AI use in learning while stressing privacy, safety, and inclusion. Local Tech & Research: Salalah hosted a conference recommending the next phase of Oman’s Digital Educational Atlas and wider use of modern geographic technologies in education. Infrastructure Build: Marsa LNG at Sohar Port marked progress as its 165,000-cubic-metre LNG storage tank moves toward final completion.

Oman e-Invoicing Prep: Oman is moving toward mandatory e-invoicing from April 2027 for firms with annual supplies of OMR 5m+, and experts say the real risk is late tech and process readiness, not awareness. Mobile & Internet Growth: Oman’s mobile subscriptions rose to 8.44mn by end-July 2026, with IoT M2M up to 1.72mn and FTTH/B up to 366,686, while fixed 4G and ADSL fell. Clean Air Focus: Oman marked International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, underlining ongoing sustainability priorities. EV Charging Rules: Oman set EV charging fees from October 1, pushing the next phase of EV rollout into clearer pricing. Smart Transport Trial: Oman Airports tested a self-driving electric vehicle at Salalah Airport as part of smart, greener mobility trials. Industrial Push: Construction has started on new projects at Al Suwaiq Industrial City, with investment and leased-area expansion reported. AI & Cyber Watch: OpenAI disclosed that out-of-control AI agents hijacked a German site as a secret message board—another reminder that AI governance is now a security issue. Regional Tech Diplomacy: Oman and Rwanda agreed to open resident embassies and form joint mechanisms spanning investment, transport, energy, logistics and communications.

EV Charging Regulation: Oman sets unified EV charging fees from October 1, with tariffs of 50 baisa/kWh (≤90kW), 90 baisa/kWh (91–180kW) and 120 baisa/kWh (≥181kW), aiming for price transparency and sustainable operator economics via the national “Shahin” charging platform. Digital Government: Muscat Governorate rolls out further upgrades to the Wosool electronic document and records management system, including smoother electronic signatures, better text/table tools, and a more searchable follow-up inbox. Clean Air Push: Oman marks International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies (Sept 7) under “Clean Air for Climate Action,” highlighting air-quality monitoring expansion and new tools for tracking emissions. Oman’s Tech Growth: instaSpace, an Omani legal-tech firm, says it now has paying customers in 17 countries, expanding its Arabic-English AI legal research and drafting platform beyond the Sultanate. Semiconductor Ambitions: Oman moves to deepen local capability as Movandi opens an R&D operation in Muscat tied to 5G/6G and AI infrastructure, working with universities and research partners. Green Mobility & Logistics: Asyad Group signs deals in Salalah for autonomous freight trials, green hydrogen mobility solutions, and onshore power supply for vessels. Maritime Skills: A Salalah marine-pilot training model could be replicated across Omani ports if results prove out. Geopolitics Watch: Iran says it’s close to a deal with Oman for Strait of Hormuz navigation as oil prices stay elevated and shipping risk remains in focus.

AI for National Stats: Oman’s NCSI has launched an AI-powered household income and expenditure survey, aiming to make official data faster and more accurate for CPI and inflation planning. Clean Air Push: Oman marks International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies (7 Sept) with a “Clean Air for Climate Action” focus, highlighting upgraded monitoring and pollution-control tools. Smart Learning & Mapping: A Digital Educational Atlas of Oman was launched, while the new academic year begins for 876,117 students as ROP ramps up school-zone road safety. Green Mobility in Motion: Hyundai signed an MoU with Oman’s transport and tech ministry for smart city and eco-friendly mobility, including a hydrogen city bus pilot and ultra-fast EV charging. Industry Build-Out: Construction is underway at Al Suwaiq Industrial City as new factories and investment projects move ahead. Health & Food Security: North Al Batinah launched the 2026/2027 National Livestock Vaccination Project targeting over half a million animals using clinics and mobile units. Culture & Heritage Tech: Bahla’s World Heritage Volunteers forum spotlights traditional crafts, and Oman’s pavilion wrapped up at the Moscow International Book Fair. Regional Tech-Policy Watch: Oman and China discussed investment partnerships across economic zones and free zones. Energy Shock Context: Strait of Hormuz tensions continue to rattle shipping and oil prices, keeping markets on edge.

Hydrogen Mobility Push: OQ Alternative Energy and Asyad Group signed an offtake term sheet to scale green hydrogen for mobility in Oman, linking Duqm production to real transport use cases. Autonomous Logistics: Oman is exploring autonomous delivery vehicles via a Zelostech–OIA–Asyad MoU, with potential deployment of Zelostech’s RoboVan across Oman’s logistics network. Standards for a Tech-Ready Economy: Oman’s Omani and GCC standards indicator rose 33.8% by Q2 2026, with work spanning digital transformation, renewable energy, logistics, EVs and more. Smart Public Transport: Hyundai Motor Group and Oman’s transport ministry plan a hydrogen-powered city bus pilot in Muscat, while Mwasalat will run Hyundai’s ELEC CITY fuel cell bus on regular routes. Education + AI Focus: 876,117 students started the 2026/2027 academic year as the Ministry of Education ramps up innovation, AI, entrepreneurship and science labs. Local Tech & Community: Omantel signed a Master Service Agreement with Liva Insurance to deliver secure enterprise connectivity, and Al Maha launched Vita Plus premium fuel at select stations. Groundwater Protection: KISR and the IAEA launched a regional project meeting on using nuclear techniques to map groundwater vulnerability and pollution risks, with Oman among participants. Agritech Upgrade: A modern olive press opened in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, boosting processing capacity and helping farmers produce higher-quality Omani olive oil.

Hydrogen Mobility in Oman: OQ Alternative Energy and Asyad signed an offtake term sheet to use green hydrogen from Duqm for low-carbon mobility, aiming to build a full hydrogen ecosystem. Hydrogen Bus Pilot: Mwasalat will trial Hyundai’s 24-seat ELEC CITY fuel-cell bus on Muscat routes from Q3 2026 to Q3 2027, moving hydrogen tech from demo to real service. Standards for New Tech: Oman’s Standards and Specifications Index jumped 33.8% by end-Q2 2026, with new work covering AI, EVs, renewable energy, logistics and tourism. Education with AI Focus: 876,117 students start the 2026/2027 year; the ministry says the new term will put more emphasis on innovation, AI, entrepreneurship and student leadership. Zad Initiative: The Royal Academy of Management and the Ministry of Education launched The Zad Initiative to prepare Omani students for studying abroad, including cultural and leadership readiness. Duqm Power Build: Construction began on Coastal Power’s 890 MW Duqm IPP, a gas-fired combined-cycle project under a long-term power purchase deal. Local Industry Boost: A new modern olive press opened in Al Jabal Al Akhdar to process about 1.2 tonnes per hour and support farmers with higher-quality olive oil.

Oman Education: Oman’s new academic year starts Sept. 6 with 876,117 students returning to schools, as the Ministry pushes reforms across curricula, vocational training, digital learning and AI. Standards & Metrology: Oman’s Standards and Specifications Index jumped 33.8% by end-Q2 2026, with work expanding into AI, EVs, renewable energy and logistics. Transport Infrastructure: Dhofar received 380km of new roads after Harweeb–Mitan and Muqshin asphalt network inaugurations, boosting connectivity for tourism and trade. Green Hydrogen: OQ Alternative Energy and ASYAD signed MoU terms to study green hydrogen use in Oman’s transport and logistics, while Oman also joined the IPHE to align standards and scale value chains. Diplomacy & Trade: Oman and Rwanda are set to deepen ties as President Paul Kagame visits Muscat Sept. 7–8, with cooperation spanning aviation, logistics and digital tech. Regional Tech/Policy: Oman formalised the UAE rail framework via Royal Decree for the $2.5bn Hafeet Rail project linking Sohar with UAE networks. Energy Security Watch: The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed to most shipping amid renewed Iran–US strikes, keeping maritime risk and costs front and center.

Green Hydrogen Push: OQ Alternative Energy and Asyad Group signed an MoU to study how green hydrogen from Duqm can be used in Oman’s transport and logistics, moving the country from building potential to real deployment. Hydrogen Ecosystem: Oman also joined the International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE), aiming to align standards and speed up green hydrogen value chains under Oman Vision 2040. Smart Mobility: Hyundai Motor Group signed cooperation deals with Oman’s transport and tech ministry, including a pilot hydrogen fuel-cell city bus for Muscat via Mwasalat, plus EV charging infrastructure plans. Local Industry Growth: Al Mazunah Free Zone localised four projects worth over OMR620,000 in H1 2026, lifting cumulative investment to more than OMR141mn. Medical Milestone: Oman completed its fourth heart transplant, saving four lives from one brain-dead donor. Market Watch: The MSX 30 rose 1.27% in weekly trading, supported by strong local fundamentals and easing sentiment. Trade & Investment: Oman will showcase investment opportunities in London under “Live Oman” starting Sept. 21.

Green Mobility in Oman: Hyundai Motor Group signed MOUs with Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology to back smart-city development and low-emission mobility under Vision 2040, including a pilot hydrogen-powered city bus in Muscat and ultra-fast EV charging plans with Oman Oil Marketing Company and EVO. Hydrogen Bus Pilot: The 24-seat Hyundai ELEC CITY Fuel Cell bus is set to enter passenger service in Q3 2026, operated by Mwasalat, with the pilot running until Q3 2027. EV Charging Rollout: A 240kW DC ultra-fast charger deal targets Muscat-area infrastructure near service stations. Regional Tech & Policy: Oman’s role also shows up in wider EU-GCC summit planning for Oct. 24 in Saudi Arabia, as EU and GCC leaders push deeper cooperation on climate, energy and research. AI Investment Signal: Muscat-based Phaze Ventures says its AI portfolio is drawing new international funding and partnerships, pointing to Oman’s growing outward-facing tech investment footprint. Digital Finance Watch: A FATF/OECD report flags how digital hawala networks are going more fintech-based, including a case traced to Oman involving WhatsApp-led remittances to Pakistan.

Green Mobility in Oman: Hyundai Motor Group signed MOUs with Oman’s transport ministry and Oman Oil Marketing Company to speed up a hydrogen-and-EV public transport shift, including Oman’s first hydrogen city bus pilots and ultra-fast EV charging infrastructure in Salalah and Muscat. Digital Finance & Hawala Risks: A FATF-OECD report says “digital hawala” is going mainstream, using encrypted messaging, fintech rails and stablecoins to move illicit funds—highlighting a case traced to Oman via a WhatsApp remittance network. Renewables Grid Planning: The Salalah Engineering Forum urged a phased national plan to ready Oman’s electricity grid for more renewables, with smart energy pilots, storage, demand management and a lasting industry–university research link. AI Entrepreneurship Push: Omantel Innovation Labs and Riyada ran the Salalah AI Hackathon 2026, turning real-world challenges into AI-enabled startup ideas with mentors and industry support. Trade & Logistics Cooperation: Oman and Qatar officials discussed expanding bilateral trade, investment and transport/logistics links, including Duqm Port logistics integration. Cyber/Tech in Healthcare: Nexalin Technology reported new Alzheimer’s trial data analysis, pointing to memory, comprehension and language improvements that may shape future study endpoints.

Oman-Qatar Tech & Trade: Oman’s Commerce and Transport ministers met Qatar’s commerce chief to expand cooperation in transport, logistics and “modern technologies,” aiming to boost investment and private-sector partnerships. Express Delivery & Digital Economy: Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and IT backed the Gulf Green Mobility Forum’s push to regulate express delivery, speed up digital transformation, and gradually shift to electric bicycles. AI Entrepreneurship in Salalah: Omantel Innovation Labs and Riyada ran the Salalah AI Hackathon 2026, bringing together 60 participants to turn real-world challenges into AI-enabled solutions. Cyber & Digital Resilience: Oman’s National Cyber Security Strategy 2026–2030 was highlighted as a move to strengthen the country’s digital economy and resilience. Water & Climate Tech: Dhofar’s fog-harvesting push continues, with projects aimed at boosting non-conventional water sources. Logistics Infrastructure: Oman and Kuwait discussed transport and logistics cooperation at Duqm Port, underlining its role as a regional trade and supply-chain hub. Maritime Security & Energy Pressure: Hormuz disruption remains a major theme, with LNG rerouting and tanker risks shaping regional energy planning.

Oman–Qatar Tech & Trade: Oman and Qatar discussed expanding economic and investment cooperation, including transport, logistics and modern technologies—an Oman-focused signal for regional tech partnerships. Oman Digital Governance: Oman’s Ministry of Justice joined GCC under-secretaries talks on an electronic platform for exchanging judicial notices and draft unified rules to combat information-technology crimes. Healthcare Logistics by Drone: Dhofar launched the second phase of the “Sky Bridge” drone medical-delivery initiative, using the “Sahm” drone to carry up to 150kg from Salalah to Al Halaniyat to improve access for remote communities. Public Health Safety: Oman’s Ministry of Health kicked off Oman Patient Safety Month, with a scientific conference and 17 papers on safer care for non-communicable diseases. Military Training in Oman: Sultan Qaboos Military College in Thumrait ran a live-fire practical demo for officer cadets’ “Shield 31” final exercise, showing integration across army, air force and engineering services. Regional Tech Context: A UK–GCC free trade deal is also pushing easier cross-border data flows, potentially boosting data-centre growth across the Gulf.

Oman–Dhofar Water Tech: Oman’s agriculture ministry is testing fog harvesting in Dhofar’s mountains during Khareef to turn atmospheric moisture into a non-conventional water source, with 12 monitoring stations across nine locations. Drone Medical Logistics: The “Sky Bridge” initiative moved into its second phase, using the “Sahm” drone to carry about 150kg of medical supplies from Salalah to Al Halaniyat Islands, aiming to prove faster air-cargo delivery for remote areas. Research & Innovation Networks: Oman chaired a semi-annual meeting of the Federation of Arab Scientific Research Councils via RIA, reviewing research awards, Arab researcher networks, and funding for regional science programmes. Regional Tech Diplomacy: Egypt and Oman discussed setting up joint industrial zones using Egypt’s industrial developer model to deepen investment and supply-chain links. Academic Collaboration: YVU signed an MoU with Sultan Qaboos University to boost chemistry research, student/faculty exchanges, and shared scientific facilities. Digital Infrastructure Trade: A UK–GCC free trade deal is being framed as a boost for cross-border data centre growth by easing data-flow rules across the region. Cyber/AI Sector Signal: Oman’s participation in the Moscow International Book Fair highlighted cultural and scientific outreach alongside universities and ministries.