AGP Executive Report

Dhofar Tourism Launch: Salalah Eye, Oman’s tallest observation wheel at Al Haffa Beach, is set to open on August 15 with 55-metre views, 30 air-conditioned cabins (up to six each), and tickets at RO7 (family cabin RO28; early booking RO5). Khareef Market Pressure: Vendors at Shaat Viewpoint say stall space is tight, with some families sharing tables despite new kiosks and a temporary tent for home-based producers. Heritage Upgrade: Misfat Al Abriyeen makeover in Al Hamra has reached 39% completion, adding a glass bridge, safer walkways, traditional lighting, visitor signage and parking to boost tourism. Health & Travel Comfort: North Al Sharqiyah’s health expansion is improving services for 320,000 people, including new centres and specialised surgeries—supporting longer stays and visitor confidence. Aviation Safety: EU aviation regulators urged airlines to avoid Jordan airspace (and other Gulf areas) as US-Iran tensions flare, with advisories extended to August 31. Travel Disruption Watch: Flight cancellations continue to hit regional routes, including services linked to Oman, as Middle East conflict risk affects schedules. Passport Access: Oman ranks 58th on the Henley Passport Index with visa-free access to 85 destinations, while Qatar sits at 48 with 112.

Middle East Travel Safety: The UK Foreign Office and US Embassy in Bahrain issued fresh warnings to holidaymakers, saying there’s information Iran may target unspecified locations in central Manama, urging Britons to stay vigilant and follow local instructions. Oman Connectivity for Khareef: Oman’s telecom sector is preparing for the 2026 Khareef Dhofar surge, adding 29 new telecom stations and 38 mobile cell towers to keep coverage steady during peak monsoon tourism. Road-Trip Safety to Dhofar: Oman’s Tourism Ministry released a road safety advisory for travellers planning overland trips to Dhofar, focusing on safer driving practices during the season. Food Safety for Travellers: Oman’s Health Ministry shared practical food safety guidance for trips, including washing produce well, avoiding raw/undercooked foods, using bottled water, and steering clear of risky street food. Digital Privacy Reminder: Oman’s Public Prosecution warned that sharing harmful content online can lead to prosecution, and UAE visitors in Oman were reminded that posting others’ photos or private material without consent can bring penalties. Oman–Philippines Cooperation: Oman and the Philippines are set to hold the Third Oman-Philippines Strategic Forum in Manila next Sunday, with talks spanning tourism, technology, logistics, agriculture and fisheries. Desert Adventure Safety: Oman’s desert 4x4 community is adopting stricter vehicle checks and safety procedures, including recovery equipment and pre-trip briefings, to reduce breakdowns and accidents. Tourism Demand Signals: Oman hotel revenues rose 8.4% in the latest quarter, even as regional instability continues to affect travel patterns.

New Air Route: SalamAir launched direct Muscat–Kigali flights, with the inaugural service landing in Rwanda and operating twice weekly—an easy connectivity boost for Oman’s tourism and business links. Oman Tourism & Jobs: NCSI data shows Omani participation rising in 3–5 star hotels (+1.3% Omani staff) even as overall hotel workforce and guest numbers fall, with airport passenger traffic down 9.3% in early monsoon months. Desert Tourism Trend: Oman’s youth are turning 4×4 desert trips into safer, more eco-minded adventures, pairing vehicle checks and recovery gear with volunteer and conservation efforts. Travel Safety Watch: With Middle East tensions escalating and shipping disruptions around Hormuz, airlines and governments are issuing fresh travel cautions; Air France suspended some flights to Riyadh, Dubai and Beirut due to airspace restrictions. People on the Move: India’s ambassador met distressed domestic workers stranded in Oman after alleged trafficking via job offers, with repatriation procedures underway. Oman–Philippines Forum: The 3rd Oman–Philippines Strategic Majlis Forum opens in Manila on 26 July, targeting cooperation in tourism, logistics, technology, agriculture and fisheries.

Middle East Security: Iran says it attacked ships in the Strait of Hormuz as the US carried out its 10th straight night of strikes, with shipping largely stalled and oil prices pushed higher. Regional Fallout for Travel: Bahrain and Jordan reported missile/drone alerts and interceptions, while the US issued a “worldwide caution” for Americans, warning of unpredictable escalation and possible travel disruptions. Oman Connectivity & Tourism Ops: Oman’s telecom sector prepared for Khareef Dhofar by adding 29 telecom stations and mobile towers to keep coverage during the monsoon surge. Oman Travel Safety Guidance: Oman’s Health Ministry urged travellers to follow food safety steps to prevent food poisoning, and the Tourism Ministry issued road safety advice for overland trips to Dhofar. Oman Online Rules: Oman’s Public Prosecution reiterated that sharing others’ photos, videos, or private conversations without consent can lead to prosecution, jail and fines. Oman Business & Partnerships: Oman and the Philippines are set to hold a Third Strategic Forum in Manila, with tourism, logistics and investment among the focus areas.

Middle East Conflict & Shipping: The U.S. carried out its 10th straight night of strikes on Iran, aiming to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after the interim deal collapsed and shipping largely stalled; Iran retaliated by attacking U.S. allies Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain, while oil prices stayed under pressure and tanker attacks continued near the Gulf and off Oman. Travel Safety Warnings: Australia upgraded advice for Oman, Jordan and Saudi Arabia to “reconsider your need to travel” as the security situation stays volatile, with warnings that flights and airspace could change quickly. Oman Aviation & Connectivity: Oman Air CEO said the airline is still targeting a return to profitability despite Iran-linked disruption, and SalamAir launched direct Muscat–Kigali flights to boost tourism and business links. Oman Tourism & Hotels: Oman’s hotel revenues rose 8.4% in Q1 2026 even as visitor numbers softened, with room rates helping offset demand dips. Oman Development for Visitors & Trade: Oman is pushing road and logistics upgrades to strengthen food security and supply chains, while also moving AI from pilots to national programmes. People & Protection: India’s ambassador to Oman met distressed Indian domestic workers, promising prompt action on abuse and unpaid-wage complaints. Road Safety: Four Omani citizens died and two were injured in a crash in southern Oman’s Nimr area.

Middle East Security & Shipping: The U.S. launched its ninth straight night of airstrikes on Iran, targeting command centres, air defence, coastal surveillance, maritime capabilities and drone/missile sites tied to attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran retaliated by striking Bahrain and Kuwait, while Brent crude pushed above $90 a barrel and Strait traffic reportedly slowed to near standstill, with a ship fire reported near Oman’s coast. Travel Advisories: As flights resume unevenly, the U.S., UK and Canada issued updated warnings for the wider Gulf, including caution around Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan’s Aqaba airport/seaport. Oman Connectivity: SalamAir launched a direct Muscat–Kigali service (twice weekly), with ticket sales opening April 30 and the first flight set for July 21—another boost for tourism and business links. Oman Hospitality Watch: Despite softer guest volumes and occupancy in Q1 2026, Oman’s hotel revenues rose 8.4% to OMR85.4m, supported by higher room revenues. Oman Infrastructure: Oman is pushing ahead with road upgrades and dualisation in North Al Sharqiyah, including major projects worth over RO105m. Worker Support in Oman: India’s ambassador met distressed Indian domestic workers in Muscat, urging prompt action on abuse and unpaid-wage complaints.

Oman Hospitality: Oman’s hotel sector stayed resilient despite regional disruption, with quarterly hotel revenues up 8.4% year-on-year to OMR85.4 million in Q1 2026, driven by room revenue growth and higher average room rates. Dhofar Tourism & Air Links: Oman Air will resume direct Moscow–Salalah flights in September 2026 (2 weekly), rising to five weekly in November, and will also add direct services from Kazan and Yekaterinburg; the plan targets 40,000+ inbound tourists for the Khareef season. Road & Access Upgrades: North Al Sharqiyah is seeing road works worth over OMR105 million (2025–2026), including tourism-linked dualisation and new road links. Travel Safety & Labour Concerns: A Hyderabad woman, Shabnam Begum, alleges abuse and unpaid wages after being lured to Oman for a housemaid job, and says she’s seeking help to return home via the Indian Embassy in Muscat. Regional Travel Disruption: Renewed US-Iran hostilities are triggering worldwide travel warnings and flight disruptions across the Gulf, with airspace restrictions affecting passenger plans.

US Travel Alert: The US State Department issued a worldwide security warning for Americans, citing “potential for unforeseen escalation” as tensions with Iran rise, with possible flight cancellations and airspace closures. Strait of Hormuz Shockwaves: Renewed US-Iran fighting has pushed oil prices higher and kept Gulf shipping on edge, with CENTCOM reporting another night of strikes aimed at reducing threats to commercial vessels. Dhofar Tourism by Air: Oman Air signed with Fun & Sun to expand direct Russia–Dhofar links, resuming Moscow–Salalah flights in September (2 weekly, rising to 5) and adding Kazan and Yekaterinburg routes; a Kazakhstan–Dhofar programme starts Oct 20. Khareef Visitor Boost: Dhofar opened Atin Square and Shaat Viewpoint for the season, adding family-friendly spaces, trails and panoramic lookout facilities. Oman Hospitality Numbers: Q1 2026 hotel revenues in Oman rose 8.4% to about $222m, driven by stronger room revenues even as guest volumes dipped. Road Safety: ROP reported a fatal crash in Dhofar where four citizens died, and also stopped two drivers for speeding above 200km/h. Labour Abuse Case: A Hyderabad woman, Shabnam Begum, alleges abuse and unpaid work after a housemaid job in Muscat; the Indian Embassy says it is coordinating for her return.

Aviation & Travel Disruption: Yemen’s internationally recognized government says it blocked an Iranian Mahan Air passenger flight from landing in Sanaa over missing authorisation, ordering a turnback while the aircraft was over Oman airspace—another reminder that Gulf travel plans can change fast. Gulf Conflict Impact: The US and Iran keep escalating strikes tied to the Strait of Hormuz, with Kuwait closing its airspace and airlines rerouting or cancelling services; US travel advisories warn Americans to reconsider Middle East travel as security risks rise. Dhofar Tourism Boost: Oman Air and Fun & Sun sign a pact to expand direct flights to Salalah from Russia from September 2026 (two weekly flights, rising to five), plus new Kazakhstan–Dhofar links from October 20, aiming to lift Khareef visitor numbers. Roads & Getting Around: Oman accelerates 61 road projects under the 11th Five-Year Plan, with 22 already past 70% completion, including Haima–Thumrait dualisation reaching about 24%. Khareef Lifestyle: Dhofar opens Atin Square and Shaat Viewpoint for visitors, adding family-friendly spaces and scenic walking areas for the season. People & Safety: A Hyderabad woman says she was abused while working in Oman and is seeking help from the Indian Embassy in Muscat.

Gulf Security & Travel Advisory: The US and Iran escalated strikes across the Middle East, with attacks hitting bridges, energy sites and port infrastructure as the Strait of Hormuz battle intensifies; the US State Department urged Americans to reconsider travel to/through the region, while shipping traffic and confidence remain shaky. Oman Infrastructure Push: Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and IT says road works under the 11th Five-Year Plan are moving fast, with about 61 road projects under execution and 22 already past 70% completion by mid-2026, supporting connectivity for tourism and logistics. ASEAN Cooperation: Oman is in Manila for the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting to expand trade and investment ties, with ASEAN sectors including logistics, maritime transport, energy, green hydrogen, food security, tourism and digital transformation; Oman’s trade surplus with ASEAN is cited at about $3.4bn. Tourism Development: Telegraph Island in Khasab is reported 83% complete, with new visitor facilities and marine access aimed at boosting Musandam tourism. Sports Spark 2026: Sports Spark opened at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre with an expanded summer programme running to Aug 15, featuring 20+ sports and family activities. Investment Update: Oman’s Social Security Investment Fund assets rose to about JOD 19.7bn by end-June 2026, driven by net investment income and record cash dividends.

Strait of Hormuz Security: US-Iran tensions are spiking again, with the US striking bridges and port infrastructure in Iran while Iran hits power and desalination assets in Kuwait, as shipping traffic through Hormuz drops toward near-standstill and tankers zig-zag to avoid risk. Maritime Risk Near Oman: UKMTO says a security incident was reported about 100 nautical miles east of Duqm, Oman, with authorities monitoring the situation and tracking vessel movements. Escalation Ripple to the Gulf/Red Sea: The conflict is widening beyond Hormuz, with fears of further disruption to other key sea routes like Bab el-Mandeb if attacks spread. Oman Investment & Tourism Angle: Oman’s Future Fund has approved a 6 GW integrated solar cell and module manufacturing plant in Sohar Freezone, while Oman also continues promoting summer tourism and events such as Sports Flame and Sports Spark at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Oman’s Future Fund: Oman’s Future Fund Oman (managed by the Oman Investment Authority) has approved a $1.744bn package of 105 strategic projects, including a 6 GW integrated solar cell and module manufacturing facility in Sohar Freezone, plus a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode materials project. Sports Tourism: Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre has kicked off the fourth editions of Sports Spark and Sports Flame (running to Aug 15), with an expanded indoor summer programme featuring 20+ sports, the Muscat Night Run, martial arts and children’s camps. Aviation & Travel Demand: Oman airports saw a 9.3% passenger drop in the first five months of 2026 (5.25m vs 5.79m), with Muscat down 8.5% and Salalah down 15.9%. Regional Travel Risk: With US-Iran strikes and Hormuz shipping disruptions continuing, Gulf travel advisories and flight monitoring are in focus, while shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz remains slowed and tense. Diplomacy: Oman’s newly appointed ambassador to Azerbaijan presented credentials to President Ilham Aliyev, highlighting continued bilateral ties.

Strait of Hormuz Security Shock: The US and Iran traded intensifying strikes for a sixth straight night, with Washington targeting facilities near Bandar Abbas and Qeshm while Tehran hit US-allied bases in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan—keeping the Gulf’s shipping and tourism ripple effects front and centre. Oman Travel Angle—Local Infrastructure & Season Boost: Oman opened the Al Mughsail Road and Bridge in Dhofar to ease Khareef-season traffic, while the Ministry of Education delayed the 2026/27 school start by one week to support domestic travel during the khareef rush. Dhofar Visitor Safety & Booking Rules: Oman also urged visitors to book only licensed accommodation in Dhofar and warned against misleading social media ads, as it launched a “Your Path is Green” digital tourism awareness programme for Khareef. Shipping Disruption Hits the Region: India barred deployment of its seafarers through Hormuz and ordered real-time tracking, while shipping firms increasingly avoided a US-controlled corridor off Oman amid security concerns—signals that travel planning across the region may face ongoing uncertainty. Oman Economy for Travellers: Future Fund Oman unveiled $1.74bn in strategic projects, including major solar and industrial investments that could shape future tourism and services.

Khareef travel boost: Oman’s Ministry of Transport has opened the Al Mughsail Road and Bridge in Salalah to ease traffic and improve access to key tourist areas ahead of Dhofar’s Khareef season, with landscaping and remaining works due in early 2027. Oman investment push: Future Fund Oman (OIA) unveiled 105 strategic projects worth $1.74bn, including Orion Solar in Sohar Freezone and a lithium battery-material plant, as the sultanate accelerates diversification. Air connectivity for tourism: SalamAir received its 18th aircraft, an A320neo named “Salalah,” strengthening routes and capacity for the Khareef period. Safety and customs reminders: Oman Customs warned travellers not to carry luggage for unknown individuals, while Oman’s weather authority cautioned motorists about dust and thunderstorms on the Adam-Thumrait road. Regional travel risk watch: With US-Iran tensions flaring around the Strait of Hormuz, India has told shipping firms to avoid deploying Indian seafarers there, and EASA advised European airlines to avoid parts of Middle East airspace.

Middle East Shipping Shock: The Strait of Hormuz crisis is back in full force, with the U.S. launching fresh daytime strikes on Iran and reinstating a naval blockade after attacks on commercial vessels; Thai business groups are urging firms to monitor risks and reroute shipments toward UAE ports and Oman’s Salalah and Sohar. Oman Investment Push: Future Fund Oman (OIA’s portfolio) unveiled USD 1.744bn across 105 strategic projects, including Orion Solar in Sohar Freezone and other clean-energy, manufacturing, tourism and healthcare bets. Tourism Update: Jabal Al Akhdar tourism rose 13.2% in the first half of 2026, helped by the Rose Spring Festival, with visitor numbers topping 101,600. Aviation & Travel: Oman’s airports saw passenger traffic fall 9.3% to 5.25m by end of May 2026, while SalamAir added its 18th A320neo “Salalah” to boost connectivity for tourism. Safety Alerts for Travellers: EASA issued a conflict-zone airspace bulletin for the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, warning of elevated civil aviation risk as the ceasefire breaks down. Maritime Safety for Oman Links: Oman’s maritime security centre reported evacuations and missing crew updates after tanker attacks in Hormuz waters.

Aviation & Tourism Watch: Oman’s airports handled 5.25 million passengers by end of May 2026, down 9.3% year-on-year, with Muscat, Salalah and Sohar all seeing declines in both travellers and flights, according to NCSI. Airline Deals: Oman Air has signed a strategic travel insurance partnership with Takaful Oman, letting passengers buy integrated coverage during booking. Khareef Connectivity: Oman Air and SalamAir boosted Salalah capacity for Khareef Dhofar 2026 by nearly 400% on peak days, adding more flights and seats to bring in visitors. Travel Safety (Oman): Oman’s Health Ministry issued guidance to reduce blood-clot risk on flights over four hours. Customs Reminder: Royal Oman Police warned inbound travellers not to carry prohibited items, including weapons-like goods, explosives, and certain controlled substances. Maritime Security & Regional Risk: The Strait of Hormuz crisis is driving new shipping and airline advisories, while India launched a “Seafarer-First” plan to track its sailors in West Asia in real time after attacks on merchant vessels. Oman in the Middle: Reports also say Iran and the US are trading strikes and vows of retaliation, keeping the region’s travel and logistics under pressure.