AGP Executive Report

Advanced Aviation: Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority is set to host an Advanced Air Mobility Forum on June 25, mapping a roadmap for electric air taxis, autonomous aerial systems and next-gen urban air transport. Desertification Strategy: The Environment Authority unveiled Oman’s National Strategy to Combat Desertification 2040, aiming to restore degraded land, expand tree cover and boost resilience through a four-region ecological plan. Power & Industry: Doosan Enerbility won an EPC contract worth about US$350mn for the 870MW Duqm combined-cycle power plant, targeting completion in 2029. Drone Logistics Trial: Oman conducted a drone-based air cargo experiment, moving 100kg of medicines over ~100km—an early model for advanced air mobility in tough terrain. Transport & Logistics Growth: Oman’s transport and storage sector added RO 2.3bn to GDP in 2025, supported by port activity and infrastructure expansion. Medical Breakthrough: University Medical City teams performed Oman’s first lymphatic-to-vein connection after tumour lymph node removal to reduce lymphedema risk. Health Research Award: A University of Nizwa project won a National Research Award for an advanced gene-based dressing using engineered extracellular vesicles to target chronic wound inflammation. Connectivity & EV Push: Oman reported 8.22m mobile subscriptions (end-April 2026) and surpassed 5,900 registered EVs in H1 2026 as net-zero transport efforts accelerate.

Green Hydrogen Deal: Ohmium and Hynfra signed a master cooperation agreement to push green hydrogen projects in Mauritania, Jordan, and Oman, covering FEED and technical support for green ammonia output. Energy & Power in Oman: China’s SEPCOIII won an EPC contract for Oman’s 890MW Duqm independent power project, using Siemens Energy gas turbine tech to support grid balancing as renewables scale up. Maritime Tech & Security: Autonomous unmanned surface vessels were used in a US Army exercise in the Philippines, highlighting how uncrewed systems are moving into real escort and sensing roles. Oman’s Economy: Oman’s GDP grew 3% in Q1 2026, backed by stronger oil and services activity, with NCSI pointing to resilience despite regional pressures. Oman Health Breakthrough: University Medical City teams completed Oman’s first lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) procedure after cancer lymph node removal to reduce lymphedema risk. Environment & Food Tech: Sultan Qaboos University and partners optimized a lab method to measure DNA-bound phosphorus in soils, aiming to improve future food security. Local Industry Support: OCCI’s Model Farm Management programme trained 95 entrepreneurs using modern, sustainable tech to boost production and cut waste. Quality Infrastructure: Oman’s Omani Accreditation Center marked World Accreditation Day 2026, stressing accreditation’s role in trust, innovation, and trade readiness. Logistics Focus: An OCCI workshop in Al Dhahirah tackled logistics-sector challenges and ways to strengthen the governorate as a regional hub.

Maritime Security & Energy: Strait of Hormuz traffic has plunged again after Iran said it closed the waterway, while the US insists shipping can still move—leaving insurers and operators in a “hour to hour” risk reality. Oman Tech & Data: Oman’s NCSI is set to launch “Artaj,” an interactive data management application on June 24, aiming to strengthen the national data system and boost evidence-based decision-making under Oman Vision 2040. Cybersecurity: Oman’s legal experts reiterate that stealing passwords, access codes, or other credentials is a cybercrime, with serious risks for individuals and organisations. Healthcare Innovation: Sultan Qaboos University Hospital and SQCCCRC carried out Oman’s first microsurgical tumour surgery, connecting tiny lymphatic vessels to improve drainage and reduce swelling. Telecom Regulation: TRA amended rules for registering and using radio frequencies and devices to better support emerging telecom services and investment. EV Infrastructure: Oman’s EV adoption is rising fast, but charger availability—especially outside major cities—remains a key bottleneck. Sustainability & Circular Construction: Holcim UAE unveiled ECOCycle, turning construction demolition materials into reusable building inputs. Women in Tech: Tech Oman hosted its inaugural Women in Tech event, with plans to make it an annual flagship. Environment & Science: Oman’s Royal Navy marks World Hydrography Day, highlighting digital ocean data sharing for safer navigation and a stronger blue economy. Crowdfunding Growth: Oman’s crowdfunding platforms surged in 2025, funding 243 projects worth about OMR19 million.

Oman Digital Governance: NCSI is set to launch “Artaj,” an interactive data management app and coordination portal to unify government data and boost evidence-based decision-making, with an educational focus for schoolchildren. Telecom Regulation: TRA amends Oman’s radio spectrum rules to simplify licensing, better price and manage frequencies, and support emerging wireless and satellite services. EV Infrastructure Watch: Oman’s EV uptake is rising fast, but charger scarcity—especially outside major cities and along inter-city highways—still fuels range anxiety. Maritime Safety & Data: Oman’s Royal Navy, via the Oman National Hydrographic Office, marks World Hydrography Day with a push for digital ocean data sharing to improve navigation and protect the marine environment. Environment & Wildlife: A tagged loggerhead turtle returns to Masirah after 12 years, adding to long-term nesting records. Water Security: Dhofar’s 2025 Khareef season delivered above-average rainfall, boosting groundwater recharge, spring flows, and dam storage. Science Discovery: Scientists report the first-ever Arabian Sea humpback whale crossing from Oman to India, based on satellite-tag tracking. Finance for Startups: Oman’s crowdfunding market surged in 2025, funding 243 projects worth about RO19m.

Oman Tech & Science: Marine Research: Satellite-tagged humpback whale “Luban” is reported to have made the first direct Arabian Sea crossing, travelling from Oman’s Gulf of Masirah/Hallaniyat Bay to Goa and back—an early sign the region’s whale ecology may be shifting. Digital Government: NCSI Launch: Oman’s National Centre for Statistics and Information will roll out the “Artaj” interactive app plus a State Administrative Apparatus Coordination Portal and a Central Data Repository to boost data integration and digital transformation. Connectivity & Telecom: Mobile Growth: Oman’s mobile subscriptions hit 8.22 million by end-April 2026, with IoT/M2M connections rising and fibre-to-home/business continuing to gain. Cyber & Security: GPS Jamming Watch: A new overview flags a surge in GPS jamming events concentrated in the Gulf, disrupting navigation and maritime monitoring. Energy & Industry: Salt Boom: Oman’s salt sector is moving beyond basic production into downstream value-added chemicals and industrial/food-grade salt, backed by $1bn+ investments. Higher Education: AGU Partnership: Oman and the Arabian Gulf University discussed expanding higher education, student support, and research cooperation. Sports Tech Culture: Gaming Championship: MCBS hosted a RedBull Mobile-backed e-sports gaming championship with 80+ registrations, highlighting growing youth engagement in digital skills.

Oman Digital Economy: Oman’s mobile subscriptions hit 8.22 million by end-April 2026, with broadband growth led by fibre-to-home/business and fast-rising IoT and machine-to-machine links. Consumer Rights: Oman’s Consumer Protection Law and updated executive rules require clear, honest price display before sale, with specific exemptions and limits on charging above the announced price. Higher Education & Research: An Omani delegation met Arabian Gulf University officials in Bahrain to expand cooperation in higher education, student support, and research initiatives. Crypto Regulation: Oman launched Omanhash, a mandatory national Bitcoin mining pool for all licensed miners, with Enegix Global providing the tech and liquidity layer under a state-backed framework. Mining & Industry: Oman’s salt sector is shifting into a downstream boom, targeting high-purity industrial/food-grade salt and salt-derived chemicals, supported by $1bn+ marine concession investments. Education Testing: NEET-UG 2026 will be held in Oman on June 21 in pen-and-paper mode at the Indian School Muscat, with strict entry timing and document checks. Defense Tech: Oman is among Eurofighter Typhoon operators, as interest grows in integrating the APKWS “drone killer” capability after RAF Typhoon success. Maritime Tech & Security: With Hormuz reopening after the US-Iran MoU, shipping is still rebuilding under real-world barriers, while GPS jamming remains a major operational risk in the region.

Oman’s Crypto Regulation: Oman launched Omanhash, a mandatory national Bitcoin mining pool for all licensed miners, with Enegix Global providing the tech and liquidity layer and Frontier Technologies handling local operations; the first phase targets about 10 EH/s and aims to bring mining earnings and power use under tighter state oversight. Oman’s Industrial Expansion: Oman’s salt sector is set for a major upgrade, with $1bn+ investments and new marine salt concessions in Al Wusta aimed at scaling high-purity salt and downstream chemicals like bromine, caustic soda, soda ash and PVC. Defense Tech in the Region: Oman’s Eurofighter fleet is in the spotlight as the RAF’s successful drone-killer integration (APKWS) sparks interest from other Eurofighter operators. Maritime Security & Energy: The US-Iran MoU is driving a cautious reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, with tanker traffic rising but shippers still warning that safety and congestion recovery may take time. Cybercrime Watch: A MENA-wide scam network linked to Sniper Dz is using fake Facebook offers and browser notification traps to steal from victims.

Omanhash Launch: Oman has rolled out Omanhash, a mandatory national Bitcoin mining pool for all licensed miners, bringing operations under state oversight and aiming to consolidate about 10 exahashes/second in the first phase, with Frontier Technologies managing local operations and Enegix Global providing the platform and liquidity infrastructure. CBDC Push: The Central Bank of Oman is preparing to appoint an independent assessor to validate its Central Bank Digital Currency programme, with a tender closing June 28 focused on feasibility, governance, readiness and risks. Strait of Hormuz Relief (Tech/Logistics angle): After a US-Iran MoU, tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is rising and the US has lifted naval blockades, but shipping groups warn full normalcy may take weeks and mines still pose hazards. Marine Science in Oman: Researchers tracked an Arabian Sea humpback whale making a long-distance crossing toward Goa, challenging the idea that Oman’s humpbacks don’t migrate. AI/Ports Watch: A new global efficiency ranking highlights China’s automated ports as the most resilient during geopolitical supply-chain shocks.

Oman CBDC Push: The Central Bank of Oman is moving ahead with its Central Bank Digital Currency plans, hiring an international consultancy as an Independent Assessor to validate feasibility, design, governance and risks, with tender submissions due June 28. Oman Crypto Regulation: Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and IT has launched a state-backed bitcoin mining pool, OmanHash.om, requiring all licensed miners to use it, with Enegix Global building the platform and Frontier Technologies managing local operations. Strait of Hormuz Watch: The US says its naval blockade on maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports has been lifted, but shipping experts warn full normalization will take weeks as mines and safety rules remain unresolved. Gulf Tech Expansion: Apptunix is expanding iOS app development services across the GCC using new UAE-based delivery teams serving Oman and the wider region. Marine Science in Oman: Researchers tracked an endangered Arabian Sea humpback whale crossing the Arabian Sea toward Goa, challenging prior assumptions about its local-only behavior. Education Ranking: Sultan Qaboos University climbed 28 places in QS World University Rankings 2027, reaching 306th globally.

Oman Tech & Crypto: Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and IT has launched a state-backed mandatory Bitcoin mining pool, OmanHash.om, requiring all licensed miners to route hashrate through the national pool. It targets about 10 EH/s at launch, with Frontier Technologies managing operations and Enegix Global providing the liquidity and infrastructure. Gulf Energy Tech: As the US-Iran MoU takes effect, CENTCOM says the Hormuz naval blockade has been lifted for maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports, with early signs of tankers reversing course toward the Strait of Hormuz—though flows remain muted and shipowners stay cautious. Cybersecurity Leadership in Oman: Otech and PwC Middle East launched the CISO100 Oman initiative to develop the next generation of cybersecurity leaders. AI in Mobility: Yango Group rolled out an AI-powered public transport management platform for network planning, daily operations, and revenue control using real-time mobility data. Education Tech: Activate Learning’s digital platform received the ISTE Seal, recognizing learning-science design, accessibility, and pedagogy. Green Hydrogen: Ohmium and Hynfra signed a master cooperation agreement to advance green hydrogen projects across Oman and other MENA countries.

Oman Tech & Industry: Oman India Fertiliser Company (OMIFCO) says it’s moving beyond urea and ammonia, outlining plans to diversify into higher-value and lower-carbon products such as water-soluble and complex fertilisers, diesel exhaust fluid, urea phosphate, and ammonium nitrate as it advances its IPO. Higher Education: Sultan Qaboos University jumped 28 places to 306th in QS World University Rankings 2027, citing stronger research, partnerships, and support under Oman Vision 2040. Cyber & Digital Policy: The Ministry of Information and Sultan Qaboos University set up work on a study into Omani children’s attitudes toward online media, feeding into children’s content via the “Ayn” electronic platform, plus plans for seminars and an AI-in-media conference. Crypto Regulation: Oman launched a mandatory national Bitcoin mining pool, Omanhash.om, in a sovereign regulatory push with Frontier Technologies and Enegix Global. Regional Tech Links: Golden Gate Ventures opened an Uzbekistan office with UzOman to back Central Asia tech startups and help MENA firms expand. Transport Cooperation: Oman joined a GCC Transport and Communications ministers meeting, discussing rail connectivity and logistics integration.

Oman Infrastructure Update: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology says implementation of the Sultan Turki bin Said Road project is now at 91%, with 31 km already opened and a 5 km section due in September 2026. Green Hydrogen in Oman: Ohmium and Hynfra signed a master cooperation agreement to support green hydrogen and green ammonia projects across Mauritania, Jordan and Oman, with Ohmium providing PEM electrolyser expertise through FEED and development stages. Duqm Power Push: Doosan Enerbility secured a $385m EPC contract for Oman’s 870MW Duqm gas-fired power plant, targeting completion in 2029 and aimed at boosting electricity supply for southern Oman and Duqm SEZ industry. Cybersecurity & Digital Governance: Otech and PwC Middle East launched the CISO100 Oman initiative to grow the next generation of cybersecurity leaders, while Oman’s Government Communication Centre held an awareness forum for digital publishers on licensing and legal obligations. Research Spotlight: An Omani researcher from Sultan Qaboos University won 3rd place in Bahrain’s Ibn Khaldun Research Award for work on the digital divide’s impact on family values. Regional Tech/Trade Context: G7 leaders backed a tentative US-Iran plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but shipping groups warn normal traffic could take weeks—relevant for Oman’s logistics and energy-linked supply chains.

Green Hydrogen Push: Ohmium and Hynfra signed a master cooperation deal to advance large-scale green hydrogen and green ammonia projects in Mauritania, Jordan, and Oman, starting with FEED and PEM electrolyzer support. Duqm Industrial Planning: SEZAD invited bids for a consultancy to draft a detailed master plan for Duqm’s Green Metals Zone, Green Manufacturing Zone, and silica-based projects, with tenders due 14 July. Cybercrime Law Awareness: Oman’s Government Communication Centre held a forum for influencers and digital publishers to explain licensing rules, legal obligations, and reporting channels under the Tajawob platform. Power Infrastructure Deal: Doosan Enerbility secured a $385m EPC contract for Oman’s 870MW Duqm gas-fired power plant, targeting completion in 2029 and supporting growth in the Duqm SEZ. Oman-UAE Rail Progress: Hafeet Rail said the cross-border Oman-UAE railway is 40% complete, with major earthworks and concrete works underway. Women’s Representation: A Royal directive reserves 11 seats for Omani women in Majlis Ash’shura per governorate to strengthen permanent participation. Khareef Travel Boost: Oman Air and SalamAir announced higher seat capacity and more flights for the Khareef season, alongside subsidised and promotional fares. Maritime Security at G7: PM Modi urged secure shipping lanes and protection for seafarers after recent Gulf incidents, linking maritime safety to global trade stability.

Oman Space & Deep Tech: Rocket Elements and Technologies (RE&T) secured Future Fund Oman backing to develop cost-effective space propulsion, targeting high-pressure turbopumps for liquid and hybrid rocket engines. Digital Safety & Regulation: Oman’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) opened a public consultation on rules for children’s social media use, focusing on age checks, content safeguards, platform duties, and parental roles. Smart Connectivity: Ooredoo Oman launched an SD-WAN service with Fortinet to prioritise mission-critical traffic and secure inter-branch VPN connections by default. Energy Infrastructure: Duqm’s 870MW gas power plant landed a $385m EPC contract for construction through 2029, supporting southern Oman demand and Duqm Special Economic Zone industry. Aviation & Tourism: Oman Air added capacity for the Khareef season, increasing seats and Muscat–Salalah flights, with subsidised fares for Omani travellers. Regional Tech & Trade Ripple: The US-Iran ceasefire framework is pushing expectations of Strait of Hormuz reopening, with shipping and pharma supply chains watching closely as mine clearance and toll rules remain unclear.

Oman Energy & Industry: Oman’s OPAZ says it’s sharpening each free zone’s “specialised industries” focus, from pharma/food security near Salalah to Duqm’s green hydrogen, green ammonia and renewables push. Green Tech: GUtech inaugurated a 3D-printed Hydrogen Lab to speed R&D for sustainable hydrogen and clean-energy transition. Digital Tourism: Dhofar’s Khareef season is using approved booking platforms (Sikka, Masarra, Valop) to curb misleading rentals and protect visitors. Food Security: Musandam is expanding fisheries, aquaculture and processing investments to boost self-sufficiency under Oman Vision 2040. Health & Standards: Royal Hospital earned two international accreditations for immunology/allergy excellence. Regional Tech & Logistics: Amid the US-Iran framework deal and Strait of Hormuz reopening talk, shipping leaders warn full recovery may take weeks, with mines and fees still complicating transit. Cyber & Education: Oman cybersecurity leadership training is getting a boost via CISO100 Oman.

Oman Economic Zones: OPAZ says it’s giving each Oman free zone and industrial city a clear “specialised industry” identity—Salalah for pharma, medical and food security; Duqm for green hydrogen, green ammonia, renewables and heavy industry—aiming to strengthen value chains and jobs. Cybersecurity Growth: Oman’s cybersecurity market is forecast to reach $214.27m by 2031, driven by digital transformation, data residency and local innovation, with Hadatha shifting the sector toward exportable expertise. Digital Safety for Kids: His Majesty directed authorities to assess and regulate children’s social media use, using international best practices to balance benefits with online risks. Energy & Industry Builds: Doosan Enerbility won a KRW 530bn contract for an 870MW Duqm combined-cycle power plant (completion targeted for 2029), while OMIFCO is studying low-carbon ammonia pathways including CCUS and hydrogen routes. Green Hydrogen Watch: Oman is targeting first commercial green hydrogen/green ammonia shipments by mid-2027 from Duqm, with early output aimed at European buyers. Regional Tech/Trade Context: The US-Iran MoU to reopen the Strait of Hormuz lifts hopes for shipping and oil flows, but mine clearance and safety checks mean a slow restart.