Oman Tourism Visa Boost: Oman has introduced a new free 14-day tourist visa for eligible nationalities, effective Aug 3, with the fee set at zero Omani rials—details on which countries qualify are still pending. Dhofar Marine Alert: Oman’s Environment Authority says an oil slick from the grounded ship “Caroline Bezengi” off Dhofar’s Hallaniyat Islands covers about 390 sq km, with monitoring warning it could spread further toward sensitive coastal areas. Heritage Spotlight: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism praised a Dhofar citizen who reported a suspected meteorite; lab tests confirmed a stony meteorite sample weighing around 12 kg. Hormuz Travel & Shipping Pressure: With Strait of Hormuz reopening still uncertain, regional travel disruptions and fuel strain continue, while reports also point to jet fuel shortages affecting airline schedules. UAE Visa Deal for Indians: Abu Dhabi launched a trade initiative covering UAE entry visas for Indian travellers booking eligible 3+ night holidays via participating partners (Aug 1–Oct 31, 2026). Markets Watch: Oil prices rose again on renewed Hormuz uncertainty, keeping global tourism and travel costs in the spotlight.