AGP Executive Report

Strait of Hormuz Security: The US and Iran traded retaliatory attacks on ships again, with the US saying it “permanently disabled” two Iran-linked oil tankers and destroyed a third after Iran launched ballistic missiles at US warships; Iran’s IRGC claims it then targeted three “US-affiliated” vessels and three tankers transiting “unauthorised” routes, warning shipping near the strait. Sports & Tourism: Oman’s beach soccer team is under pressure ahead of the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2026 (Nov 18–28), with preparations reportedly set to start in early October and include camps and friendlies before travel to Thailand. Dhofar on the Move: Dhofar’s Salalah International Cycling Tour is underway, featuring the Dhofar Classic won by Spanish cyclist Eduardo Sepúlveda, while Dhofar also received a boost to road connectivity with new 380km projects inaugurated. Infrastructure & Connectivity: His Majesty Sultan Haitham ratified the Oman-UAE railway agreement advancing the $2.5bn Hafeet Rail link from Sohar through Al Buraimi and Al Ain to the UAE network. Oman Travel Pulse: Passenger traffic through Oman airports fell 8.1% by July 2026, with Muscat International handling about 6.86m passengers. Investment Showcase: Oman will bring urban development and property opportunities to London via the “Live Oman” initiative on Sept 21.

Oman–Rwanda Diplomacy: Oman and Rwanda reaffirmed plans to deepen cooperation ahead of President Paul Kagame’s upcoming official visit, building on ties dating back to 1982. London Investment Push: Oman will bring its “Live Oman” initiative to London on Sept 21, pitching urban projects and real estate opportunities to UK and international investors. Aviation Snapshot: Muscat airport handled about 6.86m passengers by end-July 2026 (down 8%), with Omani nationals the top travellers; total GCC airport passengers fell 8.1%. Musandam Tourism Drive: Musandam is positioning itself as a sustainable tourism and investment hub, banking on mountains, inlets, islands and heritage. Dhofar Cycling Festival: The Salalah International Cycling Tour kicked off in Dhofar with 95 cyclists from 28 countries, aiming to spotlight tourism and grow local talent. Rail Connectivity: His Majesty Sultan Haitham ratified the Oman–UAE Hafeet Rail agreement, a $2.5bn, 238km link connecting Sohar to the UAE network via Al Buraimi and Al Ain. Khareef Dhofar Wrap: Dhofar’s Khareef Season 2026 is set to close soon after 300+ events, with a focus on youth projects and SME marketing. Hospitality Expansion: Muriya plans to add around 1,000 hotel rooms across Hawana Salalah and Jebel Sifah over the next 3–5 years.

Rail & Connectivity: His Majesty Sultan Haitham ratified the Oman–UAE cross-border railway agreement, advancing the $2.5bn Hafeet Rail project linking Sohar with the UAE network via Al Buraimi and Al Ain, with passenger travel targeted at about 100 minutes and freight designed to move large volumes for ports and industry. Hospitality Growth: The Ascott group’s MEAT expansion continues, with Oman among key markets as the operator scales properties and keys across the region. Dhofar Tourism Economy: Khareef Dhofar 2026 wrapped up after 300+ events, with officials highlighting youth projects and SME marketing, while local businesses reported strong seasonal demand. Accommodation Expansion: Muriya plans about 1,000 additional hotel rooms at Hawana Salalah and Jebel Sifah over the next 3–5 years, alongside further investment progress at As Sodah Island. Travel Safety & Access: Oman’s regional travel context remains sensitive as Strait of Hormuz tensions affect shipping and broader travel conditions, while Thailand’s visa-free rules are set to shorten stays from Sept 15 (including for some nationalities). Business Links: Oman–India Business Forum 2026 is set for Sept 9 in Muscat to leverage CEPA and open trade, services and investment opportunities.

Oman–UK State Visit: Buckingham Palace confirmed Sultan Haitham bin Tarik will visit the UK from Oct 20–22, hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, with the programme expected to include ceremonial welcome, a state banquet and Royal Collection exhibits—set against heightened Middle East tensions and Oman’s mediation role. Dhofar Tourism Wrap: The Khareef Dhofar Season 2026 is set to close after a packed run of 300+ events, with authorities highlighting youth projects, Omani products and a broader push to turn seasonal demand into wider economic opportunity. Hospitality Expansion: Muriya says it plans to add about 1,000 hotel rooms across Hawana Salalah and Jebel Sifah in the next 3–5 years, alongside further investment progress for As Sodah Island off Dhofar. Aviation Disruption: IndiGo reported a Doha–Bengaluru flight diverted to Muscat after the pilot fell ill; passengers were provided updates and an alternate flight was arranged. Business & Trade: Oman–India Business Forum 2026 will be held Sept 9 in Muscat at The St Regis, aiming to help Oman’s private sector use CEPA opportunities. Travel Safety Context: US embassies issued alerts about possible travel disruptions amid renewed Iran–US tensions, underscoring how regional security can spill into flight planning.

Oman Travel & Tourism: Air Connectivity: SalamAir launched direct flights from Muscat to Mogadishu (2 weekly flights, fares from OMR 79.99) and also opened the first direct Muscat–Sylhet service (3 weekly flights, with plans to move to daily from Jan 2027), boosting business and family travel links via Oman. Hospitality Expansion: Muriya plans to add about 1,000 hotel rooms across Hawana Salalah and Jebel Sifah over the next 3–5 years, while reporting major investment progress on As Sodah Island off Dhofar. Events & Culture: Dhofar’s Khareef Dhofar Season 2026 wrapped up with a packed programme of 300+ events, highlighting youth projects and SME marketing across tourist sites. Travel Safety: The US updated its Oman advisory to Level 3 “Reconsider Travel,” citing risks of armed conflict and terrorism, including drone and missile threats. Travel Disruption: An IndiGo Doha–Bengaluru flight was diverted to Muscat after the pilot fell ill; passengers were rebooked and the pilot was reported fine. Royal Diplomacy: Buckingham Palace confirmed Sultan Haitham’s state visit to the UK at Windsor Castle in October (Oct 20–22).

Oman Travel Safety Update: The US State Department kept Oman on Level 3 “Reconsider Travel,” citing risks of armed conflict and terrorism, plus possible drone and missile attacks with little warning. New Air Links: SalamAir launched the first direct Muscat–Sylhet service (3 weekly flights), with plans to move to daily from January 2027. Travel Disruption in Oman: An IndiGo Doha–Bengaluru flight diverted to Muscat after the pilot fell ill; passengers were given refreshments and an alternate onward flight. Hospitality Growth: Muriya plans to add about 1,000 hotel rooms across Hawana Salalah and Jebel Sifah over the next 3–5 years, alongside continued investment in As Sodah Island. Heritage Spotlight: Oman restored Seeb Fort in Muscat, bringing back its traditional look after more than two centuries. Halal Tourism Push: A specialised “Halal Tourism” workshop began in Salalah to build standards and skills for the sector. Regional Travel Context: Thailand will cut visa-free stays for many nationalities from 60 to 30 days from Sept. 15, including Oman. Royal Diplomacy: King Charles and Queen Camilla will host Sultan Haitham for a state visit at Windsor Castle in October.

Strait of Hormuz Disruption: The US escorted 40 commercial ships carrying about 18 million barrels through the Strait of Hormuz as tensions with Iran keep shipping at risk. Fatal Incident at Sea: A Saudi shipping firm Bahri confirmed two Filipino seafarers died after projectiles hit its tanker SIDR while transiting near Khasab, with the vessel later grounded off Oman. Travel Safety Alerts: The US State Department kept Oman at Level 3 “Reconsider Travel,” citing armed conflict and terrorism risks, including drone and missile threats. Oman Tourism & Heritage: Muscat restored the 200-year-old Al Seeb Fort as a heritage landmark, using historical records and uncovering original foundations. Oman Travel Growth: SalamAir launched its first direct Muscat–Sylhet flight, boosting connectivity for travellers and the expatriate community. Regional Tourism Business: Bahrain hosted a UFI delegation ahead of the 93rd UFI Global Congress in November, with Oman’s OCEC CEO among the visitors. Dhofar Khareef Wrap-Up: Dhofar’s Khareef 2026 season ends after 300+ events, with a focus on youth projects and SME marketing. Visa Rules Watch: Thailand will cut visa-free tourism stays for Omani travellers to 30 days from Sept 15, with TDAC registration required. Oman Development: Orascom and Muriya report progress on three Oman projects, including Hawana Salalah, Jebel Sifah and As Sodah Island.

Aviation & Connectivity: SalamAir has launched its first direct flight between Muscat and Sylhet, making Sylhet its third Bangladesh destination and easing travel for the large expat community. Entry Rules for Oman Travellers: Thailand is cutting its visa-free tourism stay for Omani passport holders from 60 days to 30 days from 15 September 2026, with TDAC registration still required and limits on land-border entries. Tourism Development: Oman’s Madinat Al Irfan is pushing ahead with Business Park Phase Three (23% complete), aiming for handover in Q1 2028 and adding office, retail and F&B around a landscaped “Oasis” hub. Culture Abroad: Oman is taking part with an official pavilion at the Moscow International Book Fair, showcasing Omani literature, heritage and tourism through ministries and Sultan Qaboos University. Regional Travel Watch: US-Iran tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are flaring again after strikes and tanker incidents near Oman, keeping shipping and travel risk alerts in the spotlight. Business & Tourism Growth: Oman and Saudi Arabia continue high-level cooperation after leadership meetings in Jeddah, while Oman’s tourism sector also looks to strengthen ties through regional partnerships.

Strait of Hormuz Security & Shipping: Fresh US-Iran strikes and warnings are back in the spotlight after two Saudi crude tankers were hit by unknown projectiles near Khasab, Oman, raising new concerns for the vital route. Oman–Saudi Diplomacy: In Jeddah, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Oman’s Sultan Haitham to discuss regional security and bilateral cooperation as tensions threaten shipping and energy flows. Air Connectivity (Oman–Saudi): Saudia has been approved to launch three weekly direct Muscat–Riyadh flights from Oct 27, boosting options for business and tourism travellers. Halal Tourism Push (Salalah): Oman kicked off a specialised “Halal Tourism” workshop in Salalah to build standards and certification for hotels, restaurants and related services. Travel Rules Update (Thailand): Thailand will cut visa-free tourist stays from 60 to 30 days for many nationalities, including Oman, from Sept 15. Tourism & Safety (Oman): Oman is also moving to put standards behind its halal tourism edge, aiming to turn strong Muslim-traveller appeal into consistent, certifiable service.

Halal Tourism Push in Salalah: Oman kicked off a three-day “Halal Tourism” workshop in Salalah to back standards, certification and consistent service benchmarks for hotels, restaurants and tourism operators, aiming to turn Oman’s strong Muslim-traveller appeal into wider commercial value. New Direct Air Link: SalamAir launched its first direct Muscat–Sylhet flight, becoming the first foreign airline to serve Sylhet on a scheduled basis and boosting connectivity for Bangladeshis in Oman. Hormuz Shipping Security Jolt: Two oil supertankers were hit by unknown projectiles while transiting the Strait of Hormuz near Oman, with crews reported safe and no environmental impact reported—another reminder of how regional tensions can ripple into travel and trade. Regional Flight Demand Softening: Middle Eastern carriers saw a 9.5% year-on-year drop in passenger demand in July, while cargo demand rose slightly, as conflict uncertainty continues to affect travel patterns. Thailand Visa-Free Cut: Thailand reduced visa-free stays for tourists from 60+ countries including Oman from 60 days to 30 days from Sept 15, tightening entry rules for travellers planning Southeast Asia trips. Oman–GCC Tourism Data Work: The GCC Statistical Centre held a Muscat workshop on innovation in tourism statistics, focusing on better data integration across hotels, airports and border crossings to support Vision 2040 planning.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: The US and Iran traded fresh strikes after Washington hit Iranian launchers on Larak Island, with Iran retaliating by firing ballistic missiles at US-linked bases in Jordan and claiming drone action over the Strait—raising fresh uncertainty for regional travel and shipping. Maritime Risk for Oman: UKMTO reported an oil tanker hit by an unidentified projectile off Khasab, while the IMO warned that hundreds of ships and tens of thousands of seafarers remain stuck in heightened-risk conditions. Oman Travel Disruption Watch: Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority reminded passengers of rights under its Passenger Rights Protection Regulation, including care, refunds, and compensation for delays and cancellations. New Air Links: Saudi Airlines will add three weekly direct Muscat–Riyadh flights from Oct 27, boosting tourism and business travel options. Road Access for Visitors: Musandam’s Sultan Faisal bin Turki Road is about 76% complete, aiming to cut Khasab–Lima travel to around 20 minutes and Khasab–Dibba to about 55 minutes. Tourism Highlights: Al Jabal Al Akhdar Festival 2026 drew over 300,000 visitors, underlining Oman’s growing adventure and culture draw. Dhofar & Water Planning: Oman’s water demand debate continues as development pressures rise, with data from Salalah showing how future water needs could reshape where tourism and agriculture expand. Oman Environment Alert: A widening oil slick from a grounded tanker may affect up to 25 miles of Oman’s coastline, with cleanup and monitoring ongoing.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: The US and Iran traded strikes again after a month-long lull, with Washington hitting rocket launchers on Larak Island and Tehran retaliating by firing ballistic missiles at US bases in Jordan, while Jordan said it intercepted eight missiles. Maritime Safety for Oman Travelers: The IMO warned that hundreds of ships and 20,000+ seafarers remain stuck in heightened risk around Hormuz, and UKMTO reported an unidentified projectile hit an oil tanker off Khasab with no casualties or spill damage reported. Oman Passenger Rights: Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority outlined compensation and care rules for delays, cancellations, denied boarding, and lost baggage, including meals, hotel support, and SDR-based payouts. Musandam Road Boost: A new Sultan Faisal bin Turki Road is 76% complete, cutting Khasab–Lima travel to about 20 minutes and Khasab–Dibba to around 55 minutes. Tourism Highlights: Al Jabal Al Akhdar Festival 2026 drew 300,000+ visitors over 45 days, and Rustaq continues upgrades to strengthen its heritage and tourism appeal. Environment Watch: A grounded tanker’s oil slick near Oman may affect up to 25 miles of coastline, with Masirah Island also at risk.

Musandam Connectivity Boost: Oman’s Sultan Faisal bin Turki Road (Diba–Lima–Khasab) is now about 76% complete, with the Khasab–Dibba drive expected to drop to around 55 minutes—good news for Musandam commuters and tourism. Tourism Momentum: Jabal Akhdar Festival 2026 drew over 300,000 visitors over 45 days, while Rustaq continues a major “historic + modern” push with new roads, parks and tourism-site upgrades. Cultural Spotlight: Oman Across Ages Museum has welcomed its one-millionth visitor, with 81% of guests from inside Oman. Safety Watch: Oman launched an investigation after a steel-coil truck crash in Samail killed six and injured 18. Regional Travel Risk: US strikes on Iranian rocket launchers near the Strait of Hormuz and renewed mine-clearing claims keep shipping and travel uncertainty in focus. Disaster Update: Nepal flash floods have killed at least 675, with thousands missing; 261 foreign tourists were reported rescued, including one Omani.

Jabal Akhdar Festival 2026: Oman’s Al Dakhiliyah event has drawn over 300,000 visitors in 45 days, with cultural, family, sporting and adventure programmes running from 15 July to 29 August. Rustaq makeover: The wilayat is pushing major upgrades to roads, parks and key attractions, including a 40km internal road push (80% done), the Rustaq City Walk (50%) and Ain Al Kasfa works starting on phase three. Air connectivity boost: SalamAir and Akasa Air are adding new Gulf links from Karipur, including a weekly Saturday service connecting Jeddah–Salalah–Karipur from Oct 31, plus Kozhikode–Riyadh from Oct 25. Tourism and heritage draw: Oman Across Ages Museum has welcomed its one millionth visitor since opening in March 2023. Halal tourism push: A three-day “Halal Tourism” workshop will be held in Salalah next Tuesday, bringing together government and private players on standards and certification. Safety watch: A deadly Samail multi-vehicle crash killed six and injured 18; police and transport authorities have launched investigations. Regional travel disruption: Nepal’s flash floods near the Tibet border have killed 675, with 2,498 missing; 261 foreign tourists have been rescued, including one from Oman.

Nepal Floods Update: Nepal’s flash floods have killed 675 people, with nearly 2,400 still missing as renewed rain and rising water levels keep the Bhotekoshi River basin on high alert; more than 4,400 people have been rescued or evacuated, including at least 261 foreign tourists reported “out of contact,” with Oman among the nationalities listed. Oman Road Safety: Oman’s Royal Oman Police and Transport Safety Office are investigating a deadly Samail multi-vehicle crash: a steel-coil tractor-trailer hit congestion after an earlier accident, triggering a 15-vehicle collision that killed six and injured 18. Oman Tourism & Halal: Oman will host a three-day “Halal Tourism” workshop in Salalah, aiming to grow halal-certified tourism services and restaurant standards. Dhofar Investment Push: Oman’s “Invest in Oman” platform is promoting five Dhofar opportunities worth about RO 1.95bn, including Future Salalah City (RO 1.9bn) and eco-lodge and visitor facilities in Khor Sanaq. Strait of Hormuz Watch: The White House says the US controls Hormuz after clearing mines and protecting nearly 1,500 vessels, while tanker traffic has risen week-on-week but remains far below pre-war levels.

Oman Road Safety: Oman’s Ministry of Transport has launched an investigation into the deadly Samail crash on Sultan Thuwaini bin Said Road that killed six and injured 18, with eight reported in critical condition, after Royal Oman Police confirmed the toll and congestion impacts. Dhofar Investment Push: Oman’s “Invest in Oman” platform has unveiled five Dhofar opportunities worth about OMR1.95bn, including the RO 1.9bn Future Salalah City, Sahool Al-Rathath, and ecotourism projects like a Botanical Memory Garden plus an eco-lodge and visitor centre. Musandam Non-Oil Drive: Musandam Governorate is pitching tourism, maritime economy, fisheries-linked industries, logistics, and value-added manufacturing to attract private investment aligned with Oman Vision 2040. Markets & Oman Companies: MSX-listed public shareholding companies’ net profits jumped 26% to around OMR1.2bn in the first half of 2026, supported by cost control, efficiency gains, and stronger activity. Regional Travel Context: Japan is reviewing its Level 2 travel advisory for GCC states including Oman, saying it will keep monitoring regional safety conditions. Strait of Hormuz Watch (for travellers): Tanker traffic through Hormuz rose over the past week by more than 30%, but remains far below pre-war levels. Disaster Updates: Nepal flood response continues, with 187 foreign nationals rescued so far, including one Omani, as the death toll climbs.