AGP Executive Report

GCC Oversight Tech: Oman joined the 27th GCC meeting of deputy heads of audit and accounting institutions, discussing an AI-powered platform to compile GCC audit outcomes and reviewing research competition findings and upcoming GCC audit week activities. Hormuz Risk & Shipping Tech: With US-Iran hostilities flaring again, Strait of Hormuz traffic has slowed and more than 1,500 ships are reportedly idle—raising fears of a global marine invasive-species “super-spreader” as organisms build up on hulls. Oman Food Safety: Oman’s Food Safety and Quality Centre highlighted efforts to modernise food-safety laws and regulations to match international standards, aiming to strengthen consumer protection and food security. Aviation Selection Tech: Oman’s air force is set to use India’s DRDO cognitive pilot selection system to screen future fighter pilots using computer-based aptitude and cockpit-style psychomotor testing. Archaeology in Dhofar: Excavations at Khawr Kharfut uncovered a Neolithic stepped pyramid, with artefacts suggesting links to long-distance trade networks reaching Mesopotamia around 4,000 BCE. Consumer Recall: Oman’s consumer protection authority warned about a Flying Tiger toy due to a potential choking hazard if metal-bar nails detach. Energy & Markets: ADNOC Drilling reported record 1H 2026 revenue and profit, reaffirming guidance, while oil prices jumped on renewed Middle East strikes.

Oman Infrastructure & Transport: Muscat opened an 8-km upgraded Siya–Qutnah road stretch in Al Jabal Al Akhdar with safety barriers and signage to boost tourism access. Road Connectivity: The Sohar–Al Buraimi road bridges project hit 24% completion, replacing ageing structures to improve logistics safety. Water Security: Liwa’s Wadi Al-Zahimi Dam reached 50% completion, targeting early-2027 delivery and about 6 million cubic metres of storage. Water & Wastewater: Barka’s sewage and irrigation pipeline project advanced to 78% completion, using HDPE networks to improve reclaimed-water use. Food Safety & Regulation: Oman’s Food Safety and Quality Centre highlighted ongoing updates to its legislative framework to match international standards and emerging risks. Aviation Tech & Services: Oman Air signed an embedded travel-insurance partnership with Insurte, ISA Assist and Takaful Oman, integrating options into the booking journey. Energy & Industry: Oman launched an EPC tender/prequalification for the Ras Markaz Crude Oil Park expansion at SEZAD, supporting Vision 2040 diversification. Clean Energy Growth: SgurrEnergy is evaluating a dedicated Oman office to support solar, wind, BESS and green-hydrogen-linked projects. Digital & Human Security: Oman warned that fake overseas job offers are increasingly used to trap victims via fraud and online exploitation. Global Tech/Science Angle: Scientists warn a “superspreader” ecological event could be imminent as ships idle in the Strait of Hormuz, spreading invasive marine organisms when traffic resumes.

Food Safety: Oman’s Food Safety and Quality Centre is pushing stronger, more flexible legislation to keep pace with modern food tech and emerging risks, aiming to protect consumers and boost trade confidence. Transport Infrastructure: Sohar–Al Buraimi road bridge works have reached 24% completion, replacing bridges built over 50 years ago to improve safety and logistics efficiency. Digital Water Tech: Omani and Algerian firms signed an MoU to pilot automated water meter reading using LoRaWAN-based AMI/AMR, starting with 100 customer accounts. AI & Space/Defense Context: The US and UAE are moving ahead with a bilateral AI task force for security monitoring, while Reuters reports Iran may receive new Chinese man-portable air defense systems—both underscoring how tech is reshaping regional risk. Environment Response: Oman’s Environment Authority outlines immediate steps for oil-spill emergencies, coordinating monitoring, cleanup and rehabilitation. Markets & Energy: Oil prices swung on Middle East tensions and Hormuz talks, while global investors stayed jittery over semiconductors and AI spending.

Oman Flood Tech Push: Oman’s Financial Services Authority held a workshop on using satellites, drones, and AI for flood risk analysis—aiming to improve data collection, damage assessment, and insurance underwriting/claims. Smart Water Upgrade: Oman and Algeria signed an MoU to pilot automated water meter reading using LoRaWAN and cloud-linked advanced metering infrastructure, starting with 100 accounts. Regional AI for Security: The U.S. and UAE are launching a bilateral AI task force (Talon Synapse) to integrate AI, data, and cybersecurity for regional monitoring. Strait of Hormuz Watch: Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is still moving at reduced levels, with Oman reportedly backing a “voluntary fees” mechanism as talks continue. Market Tech Jitters: Global markets swung as semiconductor stocks kept sliding on AI spending worries, while oil eased on de-escalation hopes.

Satellite & Drone Flood Risk: Oman’s Financial Services Authority ran a workshop on using satellite and drone tech for flood risk analysis, aiming to help insurers improve data collection, damage assessment, underwriting and claims handling. Telecom Innovation: Zain Omantel International (ZOI) and Tata Communications signed an MoU to explore a blockchain-based inter-operator roaming platform to streamline partner management, reconciliation, settlement and disputes. Fibre Push at Khareef: Oman Broadband Company launched an interactive “Experience the Speed… Go Fibre” campaign at Khareef Dhofar 2026, promoting fibre-optic connectivity across Dhofar. AI Jitters Hit Markets: Asian markets slid as chip and AI-related stocks tumbled on renewed concerns about AI spending returns, with South Korea’s Kospi among the hardest hit. Oman–Hormuz Talks Watch: Markets also tracked US-Iran de-escalation and reports of Oman–Iran discussions to restart Strait of Hormuz shipping, while oil prices kept falling. Dhofar Cocoa Breakthrough: Qayrun Hairiti Farm in Dhofar successfully cultivated cocoa after more than a decade of trials, with planting, flowering and harvest mapped to local conditions. Road Safety Training: UNITAR and FIA launched the Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life programme across MENA, including Oman, to support evidence-based road safety projects. Digital Finance for Housing: Oman Housing Bank launched a digital loan platform to speed up access to housing finance.

Oman–Algeria Digital Push: An Omani delegation visited Algeria to expand cooperation in ICT and digital transformation, with talks covering national digital strategies and institutional collaboration. E-Invoicing Rollout: ClearTax’s Oman entity (Defmacro Software SPC) gained Oman Tax Authority accreditation as an e-invoicing service provider under Fawtara, ahead of the August 2026 phased rollout. Transport & Inclusion Tech: MoTCIT highlighted accessibility work under the Purple Saturday campaign, while Oman also advanced road dualisation on a key South Al Sharqiyah highway segment. Health Tech Leap: A new stem cell bank initiative offers free umbilical cord blood storage for newborns under Oman’s Social Protection System, aiming to boost regenerative medicine capacity. STEM for Youth: Dhofar launched a “My Summer: Learning and Innovation” programme for 300 students across multiple centres. Regional Tech & Trade Signals: India’s engineering exports rose 21% in June, with Oman shipments jumping five-fold—showing continued Oman-linked demand despite West Asia shipping strain.

Telecom Regulation: Oman’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has opened a public consultation on draft rules for telecom permits, covering everything from installing and maintaining network equipment to last-mile services, system development, information security, and permit categories for manufacturers, systems integration, passive infrastructure and professional support. Digital Tax Access: Oman’s Tax Authority updated corporate tax deduction rules and will require taxpayers to use the THEQA digital identity app to access its electronic portal starting Aug. 1, 2026, with new conditions for deducting certain expenses from 2027. Oman–Algeria Tech Links: An Omani delegation is in Algeria for talks on communications, information technology and digital transformation, aiming to exchange expertise and launch joint initiatives. ICT Partnerships: Oman and Algeria are also exploring broader ICT and digital partnership opportunities. AI & Chips Watch: China’s CXMT memory chipmaker surged after a major Shanghai IPO, underscoring how fast the AI hardware race is shifting. Markets & Energy Backdrop: Oil prices slid after a US-Iran pause, easing pressure on global stocks, while Oman’s role in Strait of Hormuz talks remains a key factor for regional shipping and energy risk. Engineering Trade Signal: India’s engineering goods exports rose 21% in June, with demand including Oman, even as Red Sea and Hormuz disruptions persist. Human Rights Update: Oman’s Human Rights Commission reported monitoring 1,479 cases in 2025, with a focus on child protection and tackling digital exploitation.

Strait of Hormuz Talks: The US and Iran paused attacks for a second straight day as diplomacy continued, with Oman and Iran holding talks aimed at reopening safer passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Energy Markets: Oil prices slid after the pause, but analysts warn the wider chokepoint squeeze is still reshaping crude and refined-product supply routes. Regional Security: Israel’s PM Netanyahu reiterated that any Iranian attack would trigger a forceful response, while fighting around the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb adds fresh pressure on shipping. Oman Energy Transparency: Oman’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals urged clearer public communication on how resources are managed and what value they deliver. Renewables for Industry: OQ’s Marsa Solar PV project near Haima is set to feed renewable power to the Marsa LNG bunkering plant via Oman’s new Direct Sales framework. AI in Oman: An Omani youth AI project was selected among the world’s top 13 for the London International Youth Science Forum, targeting financial crime detection. Innovation Investments: Oman Investment Authority expanded links to advanced tech and life sciences through Cambridge and Oxford ecosystem investments. Business Growth: Oman’s Invest Oman platform attracted RO 460.74m in eight projects in H1 2026, as foreign direct investment stock rose to RO 32.2bn.

Oman’s SME push: Riyada says 19,267 new Entrepreneurship Cards were issued in the first half of 2026, bringing total holders to 32,103, supporting Oman Vision 2040 goals across governorates. Workforce policy: Salalah hosted the Work Forum 2026, launching the National Employment Policy and focusing on how the labour market must adapt to economic and technological change. Capital markets upgrade: Oman’s Financial Services Authority adopted the Executive Regulation of the Securities Law to ready the market for faster fintech and new instruments. Tax tech shift: Oman Tax Authority updates income tax rules and makes THEQA digital identity mandatory for its e-portal login from Aug 1, 2026. AI spotlight: An Omani AI project (“Guardian/ HAris”) was picked among the world’s top 13 for the London International Youth Science Forum, aiming to fight financial crimes like money laundering. Innovation investment: Oman Investment Authority expands into Cambridge and Oxford tech ecosystems, including life sciences, medical devices, semiconductors and quantum. Energy & security ripple: Talks tied to Oman–Iran efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz are in focus as regional shipping risks and Red Sea tensions keep global energy markets on edge. Business results: Muscat Stock Exchange industrial profits jumped 46.8% to about RO 175.3m in H1 2026, led by fertiliser and petrochemical gains.

Oman–Iran Diplomacy & Hormuz Security: Reports say President Trump ordered a pause in new U.S. strikes after Omani officials arrived in Tehran, with talks aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz—an effort now also tied to coalition-building for mine-hunting, escorts and counter-drone operations. Red Sea Escalation: Yemen’s Houthis claimed missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, targeting Aramco-linked facilities in Jizan and Yanbu, as Saudi airstrikes hit Houthi positions—raising risks for regional shipping and energy flows. Oman AI Breakthrough: An Omani AI project, “Guardian,” developed by Aya bint Hamed al Kindi, was selected among the world’s top 13 for the London International Youth Science Forum, focusing on detecting financial crimes like money laundering. AI Governance Push: Oman signed on to global AI governance via the World Artificial Intelligence Conference framework, outlining a national plan built around adoption, localising tech, and human-centred governance. Investment & Industry Signals: Invest Oman attracted RO 460.74m in eight projects in H1 2026, while industrial firms’ net profits on the Muscat Stock Exchange jumped 46.8% to about RO 175.3m. Energy Transition Angle: Coverage highlights Oman’s role in critical minerals for the global clean-energy supply chain, beyond just renewable generation. Local Safety & Inclusion: Oman launched “Purple Saturday” for disability inclusion in shopping, and Dhofar’s Civil Defence expanded water-rescue deployments for Khareef season.

AI Governance: Oman signed up as a founding member of a new global AI cooperation body, aiming to shape international standards while building its national AI ecosystem. Investment & Innovation: Oman Investment Authority boosted its startup access via Cambridge and Oxford investments, targeting life sciences, healthcare, advanced tech and quantum. FDI Watch: Oman’s foreign direct investment stock rose 8.7% to OMR32.2bn in Q1 2026, with new inflows hitting OMR2.5bn. Maritime Safety: India’s PM raised safety of Indian sailors with the US amid West Asia disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz. Accessibility Push: Oman launched “Purple Saturday” to improve inclusion for people with disabilities through accessible shopping and awareness. Tourism Safety: CDAA expanded water-rescue deployments across Dhofar for Khareef, with monitoring and rapid response. Tech in Healthcare: Aster Hospital (UAE) rolled out advanced heart imaging using optical coherence tomography for more precise artery views. Meta AI Tools: Meta launched self-operating AI features for users and businesses, plus a new “Seller” app for merchants.

Oman–Iran Mediation: Oman’s diplomats have arrived in Tehran to discuss ways to manage navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as US-Iran attacks continue, with Tehran saying it’s open to coordination and Oman historically positioned to mediate. Maritime Risk Watch: With Hormuz traffic disrupted, insurers report war-risk premiums jumping sharply and shipping slowing; scientists also warn that hundreds of ships trapped in the Gulf could accelerate invasive species spread via biofouling. Oman’s Solar Industry Push: UNIDO highlights Oman’s push to build photovoltaic manufacturing capability, citing public procurement plus foreign investment as it moves from importing solar tech to producing it. Healthcare Tech in the Gulf: Aster Hospital in the UAE uses a new optical coherence tomography heart imaging system for more detailed, real-time views during complex procedures. Space & Launch Cadence: China’s CAS Space says its Kinetica-1 will shift to monthly launches in late 2026 after a successful rideshare mission. Tech Policy & Trade: Trump says the US will investigate EU trade practices over “unethical” fines on major tech firms, while new tariff moves add pressure to global supply chains. Gulf Tech & Infrastructure: Cavotec reports stronger order intake tied to shore power demand, signaling continued electrification investment for ports.

Oman Digital & Standards: Oman rolled out the updated GCC Technical Regulation (GSO 2693:2026) for T-DAB+ terrestrial digital radio receivers, tightening performance rules for manufacturers, importers and retailers. Maritime Tech & Risk: With the Strait of Hormuz under pressure, nearly 1,500 ships trapped in the Gulf are becoming breeding grounds for invasive species as biofouling accelerates; at the same time, marine war-risk insurance premiums jumped sharply, raising costs for tanker operators. Energy Infrastructure: Gulf states are fast-tracking alternatives to Hormuz, including multiple pipeline projects to reroute crude via the Red Sea, Suez and the Gulf of Oman—though Yemen’s Houthi attacks on Saudi tankers add fresh disruption risk. Oman Shipping Response: Oman’s Ministry of Transport gave a 24-hour order to the owners of the stranded tanker Caroline Bezengi to remove it from rocks off the Hallaniyat Islands. Industry & Power: Cavotec’s order intake rose 11.3% in Q2 on shore power demand, even as profitability was hit by delivery mix effects. Oman Food Tech: Gulf Mushroom approved a 50% compost capacity expansion in Dhofar to support more stable mushroom production. Regional Tech Diplomacy: Oman and the Philippines plan a high-level forum in Manila focused on trade, tourism, technology, logistics and connectivity.

Gulf Water Security: Iran-linked strikes hit Kuwait’s power and desalination plants again, forcing residents to cut electricity use as the country depends on seawater desalination for most drinking water. Oil Markets & Chokepoints: Brent and WTI surged for a fifth straight day after Yemen’s Houthis claimed attacks on Saudi tankers, raising fears of disruption across both the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz. Oman Digital Services: Oman scored 75% in the UN ESCWA GEMS maturity index for 2025, up from 72% in 2024, as the government pushes wider, more user-focused e-services. Radio Tech Regulation: Oman adopted the updated GCC Technical Regulation (GSO 2693:2026) for T-DAB+ receivers to improve performance and consumer protection across home, vehicle and smart devices. Oman–Philippines Tech & Investment: Oman and the Philippines will meet in Manila for a high-level forum spotlighting trade, tourism, technology, logistics, connectivity, fisheries and agriculture. Agri Tech Expansion: Gulf Mushroom approved a 50% compost capacity expansion to support its mushroom supply chain, targeting operations by end-2029.

Oman Digital Transformation: Oman hit 75% on the UN ESCWA GEMS Maturity Index for 2025, up from 72% in 2024, with 27 institutions and 93 services assessed—plus a big jump in public outreach to 86%. Renewables & Energy Builds: Shanxi Installation won a $222m EPC contract for Oman’s 500MW Al Kamil I Solar IPP, covering design through commissioning and 2.5 years of O&M. AI & Public Sector Tech: Oman also advanced its AI ambitions and joined a global AI cooperation body as a founding member, signaling a push for structured regional and international AI collaboration. Tsunami Readiness: UNESCO-IOC trained tsunami preparedness facilitators in Bali, with participants including Oman, to strengthen local response capacity across the North-West Indian Ocean. Healthcare Training Export: Aspetar’s Surgery Observer Programme drew 69 international observers worldwide, highlighting Oman’s wider regional role in advanced orthopaedic and sports medicine education. Regional Risk Watch (Energy): Oil prices surged for a fifth day as Houthis claimed attacks on Saudi tankers in the Red Sea and tensions around Hormuz raised fears of supply disruptions.

Oman–EU Diplomacy: Oman and the European Union signed an agreement to set up an EU diplomatic mission in Muscat, aiming to deepen cooperation across technology, energy, logistics, banking, minerals, infrastructure, and maritime security. Oman–India Tech & Trade: A new India–Oman strategic partnership story highlights growth beyond energy into trade, innovation, logistics, digital transformation, and start-ups, with bilateral trade topping $11bn in 2025–2026. Fawtara E-Invoicing in Oman: Advintek secured Preapproved Accredited Service Provider status from Oman’s Tax Authority, positioning it to support businesses preparing for Fawtara Phase 1 starting August 2026. AI Push in Oman: Oman’s AI ambitions keep moving, including joining a global AI cooperation body as a founding member. Water & Farms: Al Dhahirah Governorate reports 35% completion of falaj maintenance work to restore irrigation efficiency after March weather damage. Blue Economy: Al Wusta Governorate is driving diversification through blue economy investments linking fisheries, ports, logistics, and tourism. Cybercrime & Elections: Oman’s Public Prosecution reports convictions tied to vote buying and online defamation in the Shura Council election context. Heat Safety for Students: Indian Schools in Oman suspended outdoor activities and tightened hydration and cooling checks as classes resume in peak summer.