AGP Executive Report

Wireless Monitoring in Oman: IMI won a contract to deploy 500+ battery-powered triaxial vibration sensors and SolidRed software across two Oman refinery plants, aiming to cut unplanned downtime with continuous condition monitoring via LoRaWAN. Water Security Upgrade: Nama Water Services awarded a 15-year RO878mn performance-based deal to a SUEZ-led consortium to run and maintain Muscat and surrounding regions’ water and wastewater systems for 2.3mn people, including smart meters and desalination upgrades. Aviation Tech for Oman: Thales, with Ankaa, secured Oman CAA work for TRACSIGMA primary and RSM NG secondary surveillance radars to strengthen air traffic safety and resilience. Energy & Grid Planning: Oman is evaluating a 141km subsea cable to link Musandam to the national grid by 2030, boosting reliability for the Hormuz-facing exclave. AI with Data Residency: Google Cloud says Oman firms can use Gemini while keeping data stored locally and processed in the cloud under tailored security controls. AAM Strategy: GUAMobility-led consortium was tasked to design Oman’s National Advanced Air Mobility strategy for safe, phased rollout of next-gen aviation uses.

Water Infrastructure: Nama Water Services awarded a 15-year RO878mn (about $2bn) performance-based contract to a SUEZ-led consortium to run Muscat and parts of North/South Sharqiyah, serving 2.3mn people (43% of Oman’s population) with smart meters, wells, pipelines, and upgrades to desalination and wastewater plants. Energy Storage & Renewables: Oman and France signed agreements in Paris for a 2,000MW Jabal Abyad pumped-hydro project, a 500MW Al Kamil solar IPP, and a 1,000MW digital infrastructure platform to support AI/cloud—major steps for Oman’s energy transition. Grid Resilience: Oman is evaluating a 141km subsea power cable to link Musandam with the national grid, targeting commissioning by 2030 to cut reliance on standalone generation. Digital Supply Chains: Oman’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals launched a digital initiative to modernize energy-sector procurement and contract management, using AI for analytics, risk, and local content tracking across thousands of suppliers and tenders. AI Data Residency: Google Cloud says Omani firms can use Gemini while keeping data stored locally in Muscat and processed in the cloud, aligning AI adoption with data residency rules. Space & Launches: Etlaq signed an LOI with France’s Latitude for an experimental rocket launch from Oman, targeted for late 2027, as Oman pushes toward a regional space hub. Maritime Environment Check: Oman’s Environment Authority confirmed no oil pollution after a vessel ran aground near the Hallaniyat Islands, with monitoring and contingency plans in place. Kid Safety Online: YouTube rolled out supervised kid accounts across MENA including Oman, adding parental controls and limits for Shorts viewing. Autonomous Tech: Saronic launched its 52-foot Mirage autonomous vessel for defense, security and commercial missions, entering on-water trials in Texas.

Space & Industry: Etlaq signed a letter of intent with France’s Latitude for the first experimental Latitude rocket launch from Oman, targeted for late 2027, with work on ground infrastructure, operations and regulatory prep. Energy Digitalisation: Oman’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals launched a digital initiative to digitise energy supply chains, boosting procurement visibility, contract management, local content tracking and governance across a market with thousands of suppliers and hundreds of tenders. Solar Procurement: Nama Power and Water Procurement started an RFQ for two solar projects—Adam Solar (with battery storage) and Sinaw Solar—adding 1,500MW and about $1.03bn total investment. Aviation Safety: Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority launched “Sharaka” to strengthen knowledge exchange via workshops, while the Ministry of Transport signed an MoC with Oman Aviation Academy to upgrade aviation incident and accident investigations. Transport & Connectivity: Oman Air added five new destinations, expanding its network to 49. Education & Research Governance: UTAS Council reviewed progress and policies tied to academic integrity, research ethics and programme development. Health & Pharma: Daewoong signed a deal to supply Envlo diabetes treatment to Oman and other MENA/Africa markets, with launches planned from 2027.

Water & Sanitation Deal: SUEZ and partners (Nama Water Services, National Trading Co, National Energy Center) win a 15-year, €2bn (about RO 900m) performance-based contract to run water and wastewater services for 2.3 million people across Muscat, North Sharqiyah and South Sharqiyah, with a water-loss reduction target. Energy Storage Push: France-Oman ties get a tech boost as EDF Power Solutions signs a framework agreement for the 2,000MW Jabal Abyad pumped-hydro project near Wadi Dayqah Dam—positioned as the Middle East’s biggest pumped-hydro storage. Digital Supply Chains: Oman’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals launches a digital initiative to modernise energy-sector supply chain management, aiming for better procurement efficiency, contract control, transparency, and AI-enabled insights across thousands of suppliers and hundreds of tenders. AI for Innovation: The “Engineer It with Artificial Intelligence” competition returns for a second edition, training teams to build agentic AI solutions from July to September 2026. Aviation Safety Skills: Oman’s transport ministry signs an MoC with Oman Aviation Academy to strengthen aviation incident and accident investigations through training, emergency exercises, and national expertise. Industrial Monitoring: IMI lands a major Oman contract for wireless vibration monitoring—deploying 500+ battery-powered sensors and monitoring software to cut unplanned refinery downtime. Urban Growth in Dhahirah: Al Dhahirah Governorate advances sustainable housing and infrastructure via the “Surooh” Ibri neighbourhood, with the Hay Al Masarat project progressing and adding villas, townhouses, and community facilities.

Oman Energy & Power: Siemens Energy will supply gas-turbine and generator technology plus 20-year maintenance for Oman’s Misfah and Duqm 2.6 GW independent power projects, boosting capacity by nearly 20% and supporting electricity for over 2 million people. Green Industry in Duqm: Meranti Green Steel has appointed L&T for the FEED stage of a 2.5 Mtpa green iron DRI/HBI facility in Duqm’s SEZAD, with offtake volumes earmarked for Thyssenkrupp, INTERFER and Glencore, and support for ramping green HRC in Thailand. Renewables & Storage Deal: EDF Power Solutions and Oman signed renewable and energy-storage agreements in Paris, including a major 2,000 MW Jabal Abyad pumped-hydro project and a 500 MW Al Kamil solar PV IPP. Smart Meter Manufacturing: Oman’s Ectron (NEC) partnered with France’s Sagemcom to localise smart electricity and water meter production in Rusayl, aiming to cut imports and build domestic IoT capability. Water Services Contract: SUEZ and partners won a 15-year, €2bn (about RO 900m) performance-based water and wastewater O&M contract for Muscat and parts of North/South Sharqiyah, including water-loss reduction targets. Cybersecurity for Fintech: OMPAY achieved ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for its digital wallet and business payment services. Innovation Funding: Oman’s Research and Innovation Authority opened registration for the second Innovation Centres Support Programme (July 1 to Sept 1) to back university and college innovation centres. Autonomous Delivery Trial: Malaysia approved Neolix for public-road autonomous delivery sandbox testing in Cyberjaya, with trials expected soon. Telecom Expansion: Zain won a 25-year Syria telecom licence in a $747m bid, targeting commercial launch in Q1 2027. Regional Tech & Trade Context: US and Iran envoys are set to meet mediators in Doha amid ongoing Strait of Hormuz uncertainty, with Oman continuing to back de-escalation and safe passage arrangements.

Oman Digital Finance Security: OMPAY, Omantel’s digital wallet, has earned ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for its wallet and business payment services, underscoring its push to protect customer data as Oman’s payments grow. Oman–France Energy & Tech: EDF Power Solutions and Oman signed major renewable and energy storage deals in Paris, including a 2,000MW Jabal Abyad pumped-hydro project and a 500MW Al Kamil solar PV IPP, while Oman’s Ectron (NEC) partnered with Sagemcom to localise smart meter manufacturing. Smart Cities & Transport in Oman: Oman is sharing smart-city research at the Bahrain Smart Cities Summit, and Karwa Motors with eMushrif signed an MoU to develop smart transportation tools like fleet monitoring and safety tech. Water Infrastructure Upgrade: Nama Water Services awarded SUEZ and partners a 15-year, €2bn (about RO 900m) performance-based water and wastewater contract for Muscat and parts of North/South Sharqiyah, targeting major water-loss reduction. Health Tech Expansion: Aster Al Raffah Walk Again opened a second robotic rehabilitation centre in Sohar, expanding AI-powered neuro-rehab access. Global Tech/Science Watch: A “homebody” Arabian Sea humpback whale, Luban, was tracked on a rare 7,000km round trip to India—new clues for a vulnerable population.

Oman-France Tech & Energy Deals: Sultan Haitham and France’s Macron witnessed 12 agreements at a Paris business forum, spanning logistics, ports and Muscat Metro, plus AI, cybersecurity, aviation, space, renewables and education—pushing Oman’s diversification and tech partnerships forward. Strait of Hormuz Disruption: Shipping stayed cautious as vessels avoided an Omani corridor after renewed US-Iran strikes; traffic through the route remained limited while talks over transit paths were discussed. Oman LNG Export Milestone: Oman LNG loaded its first cargo aboard the “Muscat LNG” vessel, boosting Oman’s LNG export capacity with modern, lower-emissions shipping tech. Hydrogen & Power Storage Push: GUtech unveiled Oman’s first 3D-printed green hydrogen lab in Muscat, while EDF-led plans advanced for a 2,000MW pumped hydro energy storage project to stabilize the grid and scale renewables. Finance Digital Readiness: Al Maha CFO highlighted e-invoicing and tax transformation readiness at Oman’s Future Ready finance and tax forum. Autonomous Tech Abroad: Neolix won Malaysia approval to test autonomous delivery vehicles, signaling growing regional momentum in AI logistics.

Oman LNG Milestone: Oman LNG received and loaded the new LNG carrier “Muscat LNG,” departing on its maiden voyage with the first cargo to global markets—boosting Oman’s LNG export capacity and maritime logistics under Oman Vision 2040. Green Industry Engineering: L&T won a FEED contract for Meranti Green Steel’s 2.5 Mtpa green iron project in Oman, covering detailed engineering for DRI/HBI and setting up the path to a Final Investment Decision. Hydrogen Research: GUtech unveiled Oman’s first 3D-printed green hydrogen lab in Muscat, a hands-on facility for students and researchers to study clean hydrogen tech and safety, with life-cycle impact work built in. Innovation Funding Push: Oman’s Research and Innovation Authority opened registration for the second Innovation Centres Support Programme next Wednesday, targeting public and private higher education institutions via RIMS. Transport Tech & Planning: The Shura Council’s Services and Public Utilities Committee reviewed Mwasalat plans to ease Muscat traffic congestion, including smart initiatives and public transport expansion. Regional Tech Diplomacy: Sultan Haitham’s France visit in Paris included signing 12 agreements/MoUs, including logistics, ports and the Muscat Metro project, plus cooperation framed around economic and scientific collaboration. Strait of Hormuz Watch: US-Iran talks in Doha remain disputed as Iran says no US talks are scheduled, while shipping traffic and risks around the Strait continue to move markets and logistics.

Electric Transport in Oman: Oman Flour Mills received a new electric prime mover, touting up to 70% operational savings and lower noise and carbon emissions, while Sohar Port and Freezone launched 15 smart electric container trucks to cut emissions and boost efficiency in its terminal. Energy Logistics Milestone: Oman LNG marked its first LNG shipment aboard the new “Muscat LNG” vessel, highlighting dual-fuel tech and Oman’s push to strengthen LNG exports under Vision 2040. Strait of Hormuz Tech & Trade Shock: Fresh US-Iran strikes and renewed drone/missile incidents keep pressure on shipping routes near Oman, with reports that the IMO paused evacuations off Oman after a cargo-ship attack—raising uncertainty for regional maritime operations. Oman’s Food Security Research: The Mango Gene Bank at Sohar Agricultural Research Station preserves 252 mango varieties across 708 trees, supporting biodiversity and future breeding for resilient crops. Trusted Digital Services in Oman: Beyond ONE’s “Beyond Transactions, Toward Trust” session at Friendi Pay Oman focused on building everyday confidence in digital payments and locally relevant fintech partnerships. Healthcare Innovation: AB Science completed Step 3 of its Phase 1 study of AB8939 plus venetoclax for high-risk AML, reporting a 67% overall response rate with no dose-limiting toxicities.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Fresh US-Iran strikes and drone/missile attacks on Gulf states are rattling the fragile ceasefire, with Brent slipping below $72 and Oman warning there will be no return to the pre-war status quo—potentially paving the way for transit fees or de-pollution charges. Local Transport Decarbonisation: Oman is pushing electric freight, with electric prime movers for Oman Flour Mills and electric container trucks launched at Sohar Port to cut emissions and boost efficiency. Oman’s Tech-Driven Commerce: WhatsApp is becoming Oman’s “shopfront” as AI-powered conversational commerce platforms help businesses sell, order, and pay inside chat. Startup & Research Pipeline: Registration is open for the Research and Innovation Authority’s Upgrade programme, turning student projects into startups, with tracks including emerging technologies, water, and financial tech. Food Security Science: Sohar’s Mango Gene Bank is expanding conservation of crop genetic resources, preserving hundreds of mango varieties to support future breeding and resilience. Tourism Business Networking: AmCham Oman launched its inaugural Tourism Business Exchange to connect hotels, tour operators, suppliers, and tech providers for measurable partnerships.

EV Charging in Oman: Muscat AI Solutions launched a locally built EV charging platform, aiming to unify the charging experience with an app plus a charger management system as Oman’s network grows. Renewables Procurement: Nama Power and Water opened an RFQ for two solar projects (Adam and Sinaw), totaling 1,500MW, with Adam planned to include battery storage. Green Industry at Duqm: OPAZ is seeking consultants for a Green Park master plan at SEZAD, linking low-carbon metals and downstream manufacturing with green hydrogen. Space & Research: Final design work for OmanSat-1 is nearing completion, while University of Nizwa researchers won a national award for a gene-and-3D-printed dressing targeting chronic wound inflammation. Education & Water Tech: Sohar University entered the THE Sustainability Impact rankings (601–800 band), and the Omani Water Society is building an Omani Water Encyclopedia to preserve and digitize water knowledge. Oman-France Ties: His Majesty Sultan Haitham begins a two-day France visit expected to include deals across water, environment, transport, space, and energy transition. Healthcare Milestone: Royal Hospital completed a brain-dead organ donation procedure saving four patients.

Oman Tech & Research: UTAS launches Drone Labs across Muscat, Al Musannah and Nizwa, setting up three hands-on labs for drone programming, manufacturing and control to boost innovation and national talent. Energy Transition: Nama Power and Water Procurement starts an RFQ for two Oman solar IPPs—Adam (with battery storage) and Sinaw—adding 1,500MW to the grid and targeting stronger reliability during peak demand. Digital Economy & SMEs: Nafadh reports steady growth, with 12,823 users and 3,034 SMEs onboard, plus 885 tenders published and training batches covering programming, networking, cybersecurity, databases and data science. Health Tech: Oman completes a landmark organ donation and transplantation operation saving four patients from one brain-dead donor, coordinated across Royal Hospital, Khoula Hospital and the national organ donation center. Governance & Legal Tech: Oman’s Commercial Companies Law details the holding-company framework, while a new performance measurement system uses digital platforms “Adaa” and “Esnad” to improve delivery, monitoring and local content outcomes. Regional Tech Context: AI’s rising electricity demand is reshaping the renewable transition, pushing power systems toward flexibility rather than just more generation.

Oman Healthcare Breakthrough: Oman carried out a landmark brain-death organ donation and transplantation that saved four patients, with teams coordinating across Khoula Hospital, Royal Hospital and the national organ donation center. Strait of Hormuz Tech & Trade Shock: US strikes on Iranian missile/drone sites followed an attack on a cargo ship near Oman, while the UN paused evacuation efforts after the incident; shipping traffic is resuming but risks remain, and oil prices are sliding. Oman’s Hormuz Policy Pressure: Oman reportedly told European officials it may not return to the pre-war “free” status quo and could require fees for services, keeping the toll debate front and center. Oman Economy Watch: An Oman finance official highlighted ~3%+ growth expectations, a lower debt ratio, and non-oil sectors driving about 73% of GDP, alongside an investment-grade rating. Aviation in Oman: Oman’s Advanced Air Mobility push continues, with drone trials and a strategy roadmap to 2040. Global Tech Mood: Apple’s price hikes and AI spending concerns dragged tech stocks, adding volatility to markets that Oman investors will feel through regional sentiment.

Oman’s Crypto Push: Oman has launched Omanhash.om, a state-supervised national Bitcoin mining pool, making it the mandatory route for licensed miners and targeting consolidation of about 10 EH/s in the first phase. Smart Agriculture Investment: Invest Oman is offering a RO17mn Smart Agricultural Cluster in Quriyat (Al Salil) to private investors, aiming to cut import dependence with year-round crops using advanced agri-tech across 2.09mn sqm. Transport & Tourism Projects: Oman is set to award consultancy for the Wadi Shab development in Q3 2026 (completion targeted for Q1 2029) and is also expected to award the Sohar Link Road upgrading/dualisation contract in Q3 2026. Regional Tech & Trade Shockwaves: Markets slid as Apple’s price hikes stoked tech jitters while oil eased on improving Strait of Hormuz flows, even as a vessel was hit near Oman and evacuation plans were paused. Aviation Alliance Clarity: A report explains how airlines join oneworld—membership starts with an invitation, not an application—after Philippine Airlines’ move to the alliance. Oman-France Partnership: Oman and France reaffirmed a deep, long-running strategic relationship spanning political, economic, cultural and scientific cooperation.

Space & Telecom: OmanSat-1 is nearing its final design stage, with engineering reviews expected to wrap up in 2026 before Airbus Defence and Space moves to manufacturing—part of Oman’s push for sovereign satellite communications and local skills transfer. Aviation Tech: Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority held an Advanced Air Mobility Forum under Aviation Strategy 2040, bringing together government, operators, tech providers, and investors to shape safe and sustainable drone/air mobility operations. Maritime Safety & Hormuz Risk: The IMO paused its Strait of Hormuz evacuation plan after a container ship near Oman was hit by an unknown projectile, while shipping traffic shows signs of recovery—yet security remains fragile. Energy & Trade Flows: Oil prices eased as Hormuz tensions shifted, and Saudi Aramco resumed loading at Ras Tanura after a near four-month halt, signaling producers are still pushing exports. Oman Regional Logistics: Oman and Sudan signed an MoU to boost transport, logistics, ports, maritime cooperation, and training—strengthening cross-border movement and know-how. Digital Economy: Oman’s NCSI continues national digital transformation work, including the rollout of its “Artaj” app to expand access to statistical knowledge.

Advanced Air Mobility in Oman: Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority held an Advanced Air Mobility Forum under Aviation Strategy 2040, bringing together 150+ participants to push safe, sustainable drone and AAM operations, with a phased roadmap from regulation to unmanned traffic systems. Maritime Safety & Hormuz Disruptions: The UN’s IMO paused its Strait of Hormuz evacuation support after a suspected attack on a cargo vessel near Oman, as Iran warns against unauthorized routes and shipping authorities urge caution. Oman’s Hormuz Policy: Oman reiterated it will not impose transit fees on ships using the Strait, backing freedom of navigation amid competing claims over “costs” and charges. Oman Energy Expansion: Oman signed an offshore Block 80 EPSA with OQEP and Turkish Petroleum, covering Musandam waters and including 3D seismic and exploration drilling plans. Digital Finance in the Gulf: HSBC and Mastercard launched a mobile virtual card solution in the UAE to digitize B2B payments via tokenized cards in digital wallets. Crypto Mining Move: Bitplanet signed with Antalpha to deploy about $10.8m in Bitcoin mining equipment, with operations planned at colocation sites in Oman and Paraguay. Education & Rankings: Modern College of Business and Science (MCBS) climbed in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2026, improving its global band and highlighting SDG performance.