AGP Executive Report

Strait of Hormuz Talks: Iran and Oman are working on a temporary maritime corridor for commercial shipping, with Tehran saying the strait won’t fully reopen unless U.S. commitments under a June interim deal are met, and warning military vessels could be excluded. Khareef Road Safety: Dhofar authorities are flagging a recurring Khareef-season risk in tourist areas where passengers lean out of moving vehicles, especially on foggy roads. Dhofar Tourism Boost: Mirbat has extended the Maraafi Al Luban heritage market to August 31 as visitor numbers rise into late-season. Air Connectivity for Salalah: SalamAir will open Salalah’s first airline base, launching direct flights to Jeddah, Chattogram and Calicut from late October (bookings from Aug 26). Regional Travel Disruption: Dubai International Airport reported a sharp passenger drop in the first half of 2026, citing regional instability affecting flight choices. Oman Travel Notes: Oman marks Prophet Muhammad’s birthday with an official holiday and religious gatherings across the Sultanate.

Sustainable Tourism in Al Jabal Al Akhdar: Oman’s Ministry of Social Development, with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, held a meeting in Al Jabal Al Akhdar on how local communities can drive sustainable tourism, featuring youth and neighbourhood heritage studies. Energy Pioneers Wrap-Up: OQ Group and partners Omran Group and the Early Intervention Association for Children with Disabilities concluded the 2026 Energy Pioneers summer programme, training 270+ children through STEM, sustainability, tourism and entrepreneurship, with 110+ volunteers contributing 950+ hours. SalamAir Expands Dhofar Access: SalamAir is setting up Salalah’s first airline base, launching winter 2026 direct flights to Jeddah, Chattogram and Calicut, with bookings opening Aug 26 and extra capacity during Khareef. Hormuz Shipping Talks (Travel Impact): Iran and Oman discussed a temporary joint navigational corridor and mine-clearing to restore safer passage through the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran warned military vessels won’t transit—news that’s already easing oil prices and could affect regional travel planning.

Strait of Hormuz Update: The U.S. says its Navy has removed or detonated all mines in international waters of the Strait of Hormuz and warns any new mine-laying will be met with immediate military action, as oil prices ease on optimism. Oman-Iran Talks: Oman’s foreign minister is in Tehran for talks on Strait of Hormuz navigation and regional tensions, while Iran and Oman discuss a joint temporary navigational corridor and mine-clearing plans. Maritime Incident Near Oman: A UK maritime agency reports an oil tanker was struck and disabled by an unknown projectile off Oman’s coast; crew were safe and no casualties were reported. Iran Sanctions & Fuel Pressure: Iran denounces expanded U.S. sanctions as “gross lawlessness,” and reports petrol queues and supply disruptions in Tehran amid rising anxiety. Oman Environment & Tourism: Oman’s Environment Authority expands nature reserves to cover over 17,000 sq km, supporting research and sustainable tourism. Travel & Aviation: France-based Insurte partners with Oman Air to offer in-booking travel insurance, and Oman Air continues to grow partnerships and services. Community & Culture: Onam celebrations are underway across Oman’s Kerala expat community, with a public holiday on Aug 27. Safety Alert: Oman’s search and rescue team is looking for a missing Belarusian woman last seen in Muscat since Aug 9.

Strait of Hormuz Disruption: An oil tanker was struck and disabled by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz off Oman’s coast, with the crew reported safe, as tensions around the waterway keep shipping on edge. Oman-Iran Diplomacy: Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi is set to travel to Tehran for talks with Iranian officials, as regional consultations continue alongside wider US-Iran pressure. US Sanctions Pressure: The US Treasury announced a new round of Iran-focused sanctions, warning countries doing business with Tehran to cut ties, while Iran threatens major retaliation and warns oil exports could be halted. Environment & Nature Tourism: Oman’s Environment Authority expanded its nature reserves network to cover about 17,000 sq km, boosting protection for marine, wetland and terrestrial ecosystems and supporting research and sustainable tourism. Air Connectivity: SalamAir opened ticket sales for direct Muscat–Erbil flights starting 25 October, twice weekly with fares from OMR 54.99, adding a second Iraq destination. Onam in Oman: Onam fever is building across Muscat and beyond, with supermarkets and restaurants busy ahead of Thiruvonam on Wednesday and an extended weekend due to Oman’s public holiday on 27 August. Dhofar Heritage & Culture: Oman will host an ICESCO delegation in Dhofar under the Civilisation Bridges programme, alongside GCC history and archaeology events drawing regional experts. Road Safety Reminder: Royal Oman Police warned against reckless driving, drifting and stunt driving, stressing strict penalties and urging residents to report incidents.

Oman-Iran Diplomacy: Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi is set to travel to Tehran on Aug 25 for talks with Iranian officials, with a focus on bilateral ties and managing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Regional Security & Travel Impact: The US announced a major push to isolate Iran economically, while Iran warned expanded sanctions could trigger “consequences,” keeping uncertainty high for regional routes that many travellers rely on. Air Connectivity: SalamAir launches direct Muscat–Erbil flights from Oct 25, operating twice weekly with one-way fares from OMR 54.99, adding a second Iraq destination after Baghdad. Culture & Heritage in Dhofar: Oman will host an ICESCO delegation in Dhofar (Aug 25–28) under the Civilisation Bridges programme, alongside a GCC History and Archaeology symposium drawing 180+ participants. Road Safety: Royal Oman Police warned that reckless driving, drifting and stunt driving bring strict penalties, urging residents to report incidents. Sports Tourism: Muscat hosts Oman’s first World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze meeting on Sept 5, bringing about 300 athletes from 40 countries.

Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi is set to travel to Tehran for talks with Iran’s Abbas Araghchi, as Muscat and Tehran continue working on a new way to manage shipping and reduce risks in the vital waterway. US–Iran Sanctions Shock: The US plans to unveil a new “economic D-Day” sanctions push against Iran and countries doing business with Tehran, while Iran warns it could halt oil exports from the Gulf if the pressure continues. Currency Pressure: Iran’s rial has hit a record low as the sanctions build-up intensifies. Aviation & Tourism Links: SalamAir will add Erbil as its second Iraqi destination with a new Muscat–Erbil service from Oct 25, aiming to boost business and leisure travel via Muscat. Dhofar Culture & Travel: Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism will host an ICESCO delegation in Salalah to advance the “Civilization Bridges” cultural diplomacy programme (Aug 25–28). Khareef Sustainability: Dhofar authorities are urging Khareef visitors to stop leaving trash in wilderness areas, as waste reports rise during the peak season.

Strait of Hormuz Update: Commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has surged nearly 400% in two weeks, with almost 200 ships crossing in the latest period as more vessels route along an Oman-side corridor, while Iran grants limited special permits to some Iraqi oil tankers to transit. Oman Travel & Tourism: Salalah is adding a new “Salalah Eye” panoramic attraction for Khareef visitors, and Oman’s sports calendar keeps growing with Salalah set to host the 2028 IHF Beach Handball World Championship. Khareef Sports Spotlight: Al Ittihad won the khareef Dhofar Open Karate Championship, underlining the season’s momentum for local events. Aviation Connectivity: SalamAir opened ticket sales for a new direct Muscat–Erbil service starting 25 Oct 2026 (twice weekly), boosting links to Iraq’s Kurdistan region. Travel Rules for Omani Passengers: Oman’s Foreign Ministry confirms Omani citizens can enter Botswana visa-free for up to 90 days. Tourism Compliance: Oman’s tourism establishments face an October deadline to meet new regulatory classification rules. Road Safety: Oman saw a serious crash in Salalah with one Indian fatality and nine injured.

Khareef Tourism Boost: Salalah Eye opens at Al Haffah Beach with a 55-metre panoramic ride (30 enclosed, air-conditioned cabins) designed to spotlight sea, plains and mountains during the misty Khareef season. Air Connectivity: SalamAir launches direct Muscat–Erbil flights from 25 Oct 2026 (twice weekly), with Lite fares from OMR 54.99 one-way, adding a second Iraq destination and onward links via Muscat. Travel Rules Update: Oman’s Ministry confirms Omani passport holders can enter Botswana visa-free for up to 90 days, with passport validity (6 months) and blank pages required. Roads for Visitors: Oman’s Ministry reports RO 6.004m for asphalt maintenance (1,244 km) plus major works on Sultan Said bin Taimur Road to strengthen access toward Dhofar. Tourism Compliance: Oman’s new tourism regulation framework takes effect from 17 Apr 2026, with licensed hotels, restaurants and other establishments given until October to meet updated classification rules. Safety on the Move: Royal Oman Police report one Indian fatality and nine injuries after a vehicle accident in Salalah, with injured passengers transferred for treatment. Fisheries Community Plan: Al Wusta is developing integrated fishing villages near landing sites, including a model project at Ras Madrakah in Duqm with 19 villas for over 200 fishermen.

Aviation Leadership: Oman Air named Nasser Al Sharji as CEO effective 1 September 2026, as the carrier pushes a new transformation phase to support Oman’s tourism ambitions. Airline Growth: SalamAir appointed Eng. Yaqoob Al Kiyumi as CEO from 1 October 2026, aiming for sustainable growth and stronger connectivity. Green Dhofar: Oman launched the “Sustainable Dhofar” campaign with government partners to boost green innovation, community participation, and sustainable transport ideas via the “Amed” platform. Adventure Safety: Paragliding has been suspended nationwide after a fatal Salalah accident, affecting khareef-season plans. Tourism Push: Oman targets doubling international arrivals, with India up 26% in the first half of 2026 to over 350,000 visitors. Regional Travel Disruption: Strait of Hormuz shipping remains strained after renewed attacks; oil prices jumped as three ships were hit, keeping maritime risk top of mind for travel and logistics. People & Travel Links: 46 OFWs from Kuwait and 17 Filipino seafarers were repatriated after a Strait of Hormuz incident, with processing support routed via Oman.

Aviation Leadership: Oman Air has appointed Nasser Al Sharji as CEO from 1 September 2026, as the national carrier pushes a new phase of transformation tied to Oman’s tourism ambitions. Low-Cost Growth: SalamAir also announced a CEO change, naming Eng. Yaqoob Al Kiyumi effective 1 October 2026, with a focus on sustainable growth and better customer experience. Tourism & Sustainability: Oman launched the “Sustainable Dhofar” campaign to back green innovation and community-led solutions, timed with the Gulf Green Forum in Salalah. Marine Tourism Push: A new push highlights marine tourism as a growth engine across Musandam, Muscat and Dhofar—so long as conservation and safety infrastructure keep pace. Travel Demand Watch: With Prophet Mohammed’s birthday holiday creating a UAE three-day weekend, agents say families are less rushed than couples and friends, as back-to-school planning shapes bookings. Regional Disruption: Strait of Hormuz tensions remain central, with reports of attacks on ships and a US-backed shipping corridor moving oil via Oman’s coast—an ongoing reminder for travellers and logistics across the region. Trade Finance: Credit Oman reported approved credit ceilings for domestic sales and exports at about OMR226.6mn by end of H1 2026, down year-on-year. People on the Move: Pakistan’s National Assembly heard that 21,951 Pakistanis were deported from GCC states between March 1 and July 13, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE leading the figures.

Aviation Leadership: Oman Air named Nasser Al Sharji as CEO from 1 September 2026, signaling a new push for transformation and stronger tourism-linked growth. Aviation Leadership: SalamAir also announced Eng. Yaqoob Al Kiyumi as its new CEO from 1 October 2026 as the low-fare carrier targets sustainable expansion. Green Tourism & Dhofar: Oman launched the “Sustainable Dhofar” campaign to back green innovation, community ideas and sustainable mobility, timed with the Gulf Green Forum in Salalah. Adventure Safety: Paragliding has been suspended across Oman after a fatal Salalah accident, affecting peak Khareef season activities. Tourism Demand: Oman is targeting a doubling of international arrivals, with India driving momentum—over 350,000 Indian visitors in the first half of 2026. Business Travel: Oman promoted its meetings and business tourism potential in Malaysia to attract conferences and international events. Travel Payments: Wizzmoni and Oman Air launched the AI-powered Wizz Voyager multi-currency travel card. Regional Shipping Risk: Strait of Hormuz tensions continue, with reports of attacks on ships and oil prices rising—an issue that can ripple into travel planning and regional connectivity. Khareef Culture: Dhofar’s Khareef 2026 includes a new international sculpture festival in Atin, running until 3 September.

Aviation Leadership: Oman Air has appointed Nasser Al Sharji as its new CEO from 1 September 2026, as the national carrier pushes ahead with its transformation and long-term financial sustainability. Aviation Leadership: SalamAir also named Eng. Yaqoob Al Kiyumi as CEO effective 1 October 2026, aiming to support sustainable growth and stronger connectivity for Oman’s tourism and aviation goals under Oman Vision 2040. Adventure Safety: Paragliding has been suspended across Oman until further notice after a fatal Salalah accident, with the Oman Air Sports Committee ordering a halt at all licensed sites. Tourism Business: Oman showcased its business tourism potential in Malaysia, promoting meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions to attract more international travellers. Travel Payments: Wizzmoni and Oman Air partnered to launch the AI-powered Wizz Voyager multi-currency co-branded travel card, designed to make international trips easier and more rewarding. Regional Travel Risk: Three ships were hit in the Strait of Hormuz as oil prices jumped to a three-week high, underlining fresh concerns for maritime safety that can ripple into travel and tourism planning. Holiday Update: Oman announced Prophet’s Birthday as an official public holiday on 27 August.

Aviation Leadership: Oman Air has named Nasser Al Sharji as CEO from September 1, while SalamAir appointed Eng. Yaqoob Al Kiyumi as CEO effective October 1, signaling fresh momentum for the Sultanate’s travel sector. Tourism Experiences: Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara is launching exclusive four-day helicopter flights (3–6 September) with Al Sharqiya Aviation, offering a new way to see Dhofar’s coastline and heritage as Khareef transitions. Travel Tech & Payments: Wizzmoni and Oman Air unveiled the AI-powered Wizz Voyager multi-currency co-branded travel card, aiming to make international trips easier through integrated payments and rewards. Public Holiday: Oman will observe Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday on August 27, 2026, as an official holiday. Maritime & Travel Risk: The US has quietly set up a protected shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz near Oman, moving about 10 million barrels of oil per day—while tensions continue to disrupt regional routes and travel planning. Road Safety: Royal Oman Police issued a traffic alert after flooding in Wadi Al Tayyib, affecting roads in Rustaq and Ibri.

Aviation Leadership: Oman Air appoints Nasser Al Sharji as CEO from 1 September 2026, as the airline pushes for transformation and stronger customer experience. Air Travel Disruption Watch: Royal Mail warns of severe parcel and letter delays to (and via) Israel, Iraq, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Oman, urging customers to expect “highly fluid” changes. Holiday Planning: Oman declares Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday public holiday on 27 August 2026, giving a three-day break (27–29). Tourism & Sports: Oman wins hosting rights for the 2028 Beach Handball World Cup in Salalah (3–8 July 2028), and Muscat gears up for the inaugural Muscat Grand Prix on 5 September. Khareef Momentum: Dhofar road upgrades aim to ease traffic for Khareef visitors expected to top one million, while Indian travel demand for Salalah’s monsoon mix of mountains, beaches and desert is rising. Adventure Tourism: Oman suspends paragliding nationwide after fatal Dhofar and Salalah accidents, while Dhofar trekking continues to draw hikers during Khareef. Regional Shipping Reality Check: Amid Hormuz uncertainty, Reuters reports traffic through the Strait has slowed as shipowners stay cautious; meanwhile, US claims of a protected southern corridor near Oman are helping move millions of barrels daily.

Strait of Hormuz & Energy Security: US sources say the military has quietly set up a shipping corridor through Hormuz, with 15–20 tankers transiting nightly via a southern lane along Oman’s coast, moving about 10 million barrels a day (roughly half pre-war levels), even as Reuters data shows ship traffic still lags and uncertainty persists. Regional Shockwaves for Travel: The UAE suspended all trade and financial transactions with Iran after intercepting two ballistic missiles, a move that follows earlier attacks that hit tourism and aviation across the Gulf. Oman Air Passenger Rules: Oman Air now requires travellers to add their own active email and mobile number (with international code) to every booking for direct disruption updates; agencies can’t submit passenger contacts. Khareef Tourism Boost: Dhofar road projects are being accelerated to ease access to tourist sites ahead of Khareef, with expectations of over 1 million visitors. Adventure & Safety: Oman suspended all paragliding and gliding activities nationwide after a fatal Salalah accident killed a captain and his sister. Musandam Heritage: Khasab Fort is set to reopen in the first half of 2027 after restoration. Local Business & Startups: Cyfr Capital backed five Omani startups through its Seed Fund, including a tourism experiences platform. Equestrian Tourism: The First Gulf Horse Riders Gathering kicked off in Jabal Akhdar, running until 21 August with trail rides, camping and cultural activities.

Air Sports Safety: Oman Air Sports Committee has suspended all paragliding and gliding activities nationwide after a fatal accident in Dhofar (Salalah), urging clubs and enthusiasts to follow the stop order while the Air Sports Village event runs through Aug 17. Heritage & Tourism: Khasab Castle in Musandam is set for restoration and development, with visitor numbers recorded at about 6,305 until end-Oct 2025 before a temporary closure; reopening is planned for the first half of 2027. Musandam Resorts Procurement: Oman prequalified 24 contractors for Musandam resort projects, including Club Med Musandam and Alie Nivas, signaling fresh tourism investment. Strait of Hormuz Travel Shock: Trump says Hormuz is “fully open,” but shipping data points to reduced traffic and ongoing attacks; Iran says the strait won’t reopen until US demands are met, while more vessels are using the Omani route—keeping oil prices and travel uncertainty high. Visitor Warnings: Egypt’s embassy in Muscat warns nationals about tourist-visa job scams, stressing new rules that block converting tourist visas into work permits. Khareef Demand: Razat Royal Farm in Salalah shows sold-out operating dates through Sept 2, with Salalah airport arrivals up 8% in late June to July.