AGP Executive Report

Dhofar Tourism Boost: Oman’s Shaat Glass Viewpoint in Rakhyout has opened as a fresh Dhofar attraction, adding a 10m x 12m glass observation deck plus viewing decks, seating, rest areas, walkways, parking, retail and an open-air amphitheatre—at over 1,000m altitude with sea-and-mountain panoramas. Khareef Visitor Surge: Dhofar Khareef drew 472,449 visitors (June 21–July 31, 2026), up 6.9% year-on-year, with July alone accounting for 95.5% of arrivals. Oman Tourism Outlook: Oman remains cautiously confident for 2026 international tourism, pointing to strong source markets and growing experiences, including India’s rise as a key growth market. New Route for Summer Travel: Oman Air launched direct flights to Sochi (Russia’s “Russian Riviera”), giving Omanis a cooler, family-friendly getaway about 4.5 hours from Muscat. Local Investment & Jobs: Oman’s Development Bank approved RO 2.7m in loans in Al Buraimi (2025), supporting projects across sectors including tourism, logistics and home-based businesses. Tourism Economy: Tourism’s contribution to Oman’s GDP rose to 2.9% in Q1 2026, with accommodation, travel booking and transport among the biggest contributors.

New Tourism in Dhofar: Shaat Overlook in Rakhyout has been upgraded with a glass sky deck and full visitor facilities, including viewing platforms, seating, walkways, parking, retail, a children’s play area and an open-air theatre—set at over 1,000m with Arabian Sea views. Khareef Numbers: Dhofar’s Khareef season drew 472,449 visitors (up 6.9%) in the June 21–July 31 period, with July alone accounting for 95.5% of arrivals. Tourism Economy: Oman’s tourism sector contribution to GDP rose to 2.9% in Q1 2026, with accommodation, travel booking, transport and restaurants driving growth. Consumer & Safety for Visitors: Dhofar’s consumer protection ran khareef awareness activities, including a Mobile Food Safety Laboratory and VR-based education, to help families travel safely. Aviation Disruptions: Middle East flight disruptions hit major hubs, with 1,108 delays and 25 cancellations across six airports amid airspace restrictions and summer demand. Regional Travel Risk: Repeated Strait of Hormuz attacks and thin traffic continue to threaten travel and logistics confidence across the region. Oman Business & Jobs: Sur Industrial City signed six contracts worth over RO56m in H1 2026, spanning tourism and other sectors, while cumulative investment reached RO2.3bn.

Oman Tourism Outlook: Oman says it’s cautiously confident about international tourism in 2026 despite West Asia tensions, pointing to strong source markets, better connectivity, and more experiences aimed at longer stays and repeat visits. Dhofar Khareef Numbers: Dhofar’s Khareef season drew 472,449 visitors (June 21–July 31), up 6.9% year-on-year, with July accounting for 95.5% of arrivals. Tourism Economy: Tourism’s contribution to Oman’s GDP rose to 2.9% in Q1 2026 (from 2.6% in 2025), with direct tourism GDP up to RO 293.8m. Khareef Visitor Care: Dhofar consumer protection ran holiday awareness activities, including a “Mobile Food Safety Laboratory 2026” push with VR and sign-language segments. Heritage & Nature Tourism: Oman Across Ages Museum topped 909,000 visitors through end-2025; meanwhile, Khabarart in Taqah is drawing nature lovers for foggy mountain views and spring-filled hikes. Adventure Spotlight: Oman is promoting air sports as a growing adventure tourism product, including a “Fly in the Dhofar sky” event. Regional Travel Risk: Strait of Hormuz tensions continue, with Trump again claiming U.S. control and Iran rejecting it, while shipping traffic remains far below pre-war levels.

Oman Tourism & Economy: Oman’s tourism sector kept growing in Q1 2026, with its GDP contribution rising to 2.9% (up from 2.6% in 2025), while direct tourism GDP climbed to OMR293.8m and accommodation, travel agencies, transport and restaurants led value added. Industrial Growth in Oman: Sur Industrial City (Madayn) signed six investment contracts worth over OMR56m in H1 2026, covering 60,000+ sqm across tourism, energy, gas, telecoms and food, with cumulative investment reaching OMR2.3bn and 1,843 workers. Oman Environment Alert: Oman is dealing with a major oil spill after a grounded tanker linked to the shadow fleet leaked along the Dhofar coast, with authorities inspecting fish products and warning the public to avoid contaminated areas. Regional Travel Disruption: Middle East airlines are adjusting schedules and cancelling some flights as Strait of Hormuz tensions keep rising, with travellers urged to check flight status before heading to airports. Business & Logistics: AD Ports Group reported strong Q2 2026 results, citing rerouting and alternative multimodal routes to reduce the impact of Hormuz disruptions.

Strait of Hormuz security hits shipping and travel: Transit through the Strait of Hormuz is near a standstill as Iran resumes attacks on vessels, while the US says it can keep a naval blockade of Iran “indefinitely.” UAE condemns drone strikes: Abu Dhabi’s ADNOC said two of its vessels were attacked while transiting on Thursday evening; the UAE called it piracy by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps and urged an unconditional reopening. Traffic stays thin: Ship-tracking data shows only a handful of crossings daily, with no crude oil shipments visible on Friday. Airlines adjust for risk: Etihad, Emirates, Air Arabia and others have canceled or altered regional flights and are urging passengers to check status before departure, with conflict-zone advisories extended over parts of the Gulf including Oman. Oman faces spill risk: A Russian-linked tanker, Caroline Bezengi, has run aground off Oman’s coast and is leaking, prompting containment efforts and public warnings to avoid contaminated areas. Oman tourism projects continue: Al Dakhiliyah Governorate is pushing tourism and heritage work in Al Hamra and Bahla, with several projects reporting progress and completion rates up to 94%.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: The US says it can keep a naval blockade of Iran “indefinitely” and will ramp up economic pressure as ceasefire talks stall, while Iran insists the strait remains under its control and rejects US claims. Shipping & Travel Disruption: Middle East flight schedules are being disrupted again, with airlines urging travellers to check status before departure; EASA has extended a conflict-zone advisory affecting airspace around the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar. UAE/ADNOC Incident: The UAE condemned attacks on two ADNOC vessels transiting Hormuz, saying freedom of navigation is threatened. Oman Tourism & Heritage: In Dhofar and beyond, Khareef-linked events are in full swing—Taqah Festival (15 days), Omani Traditional Games Season in Salalah, and the Omani Crafts Forum at Al Haffa Market—aimed at longer stays and local spending. Local Development: Al Dakhiliyah Governorate is pushing tourism and heritage projects in Al Hamra and Bahla, with progress reported across multiple sites.

Strait of Hormuz Standoff: The US says it can keep a naval blockade of Iran indefinitely, while Iran insists the waterway remains under its control—leaving shipping traffic thin and oil flows uncertain. Oman Oil Spill Response: Oman is dealing with a major spill from the grounded “Caroline Bezengi,” with oil reaching the mainland and authorities urging the public to avoid contaminated areas; fish products are being tested after beach contamination reports. Environmental Risk for Tourism: The spill threat is raising fresh concerns for Oman’s coastal ecosystems and visitors, as monitoring and containment efforts continue amid monsoon conditions. Khareef & Salalah Culture: Traditional Omani Games Season 2026 has kicked off in Salalah, adding more family-friendly activities during the Khareef period. Sports in Oman: Oman’s national team begins a new domestic training camp ahead of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup. Aviation & Business Links: TRANSOM signs an MoU with Air Algérie Group to expand ground handling services in Algeria. Skywatching: Oman recorded 332 Perseid meteors during the peak night.

Strait of Hormuz & regional travel: The US again claims “total control” of the Strait of Hormuz as commercial traffic stays thin, while Iran says the waterway will remain closed unless its demands are met—keeping uncertainty high for flights, shipping and travel planning across the Gulf. Oman oil spill response: Oman says oil from a grounded tanker has reached the mainland, with beaches in Ras Madrakah affected and public urged to stay away from contaminated areas while monitoring continues. Environmental risk from the conflict: Researchers warn pollution from the Iran war could linger for years, with oil contamination reported around Qeshm and concerns that air, soil and coastal ecosystems may be hit long-term. Dhofar tourism push: Oman Air Sports Committee kicks off “Air Sports Village” in Taqah, running until 17 August, mixing paragliding, kite flying and drone demos to draw visitors during Khareef. Business & hospitality in Oman: AMEA Oman 2026 is set for Muscat on 23 November, positioning the Sultanate as a logistics hub at the gateway to Hormuz. People on the move: A Zambian caregiver in distress has been repatriated from Oman after her passport was confiscated and she was forced into long labor.

Oil Spill & Coastal Safety: Oman says oil from a grounded crude tanker is reaching the mainland, with the slick reported to have spread over about 400 sq km off Dhofar; the Environment Authority and maritime agencies are coordinating response as monsoon conditions complicate salvage. Dhofar Tourism Boost: “Air Sports Village” kicked off in Taqah, running until 17 August, with paragliding, kite flying and drone demos aimed at growing air-sports tourism. Khareef Travel Demand: Salalah Airport recorded a 7% rise in arriving flights and about 8% more passengers during Dhofar Khareef (June 21–July 31), underlining strong seasonal connectivity. Hormuz Shipping Shock: Iran rejects claims of U.S. “total control” and says the Strait of Hormuz will stay closed unless U.S. accepts Iran’s conditions; meanwhile, U.S. forces disabled a Panama-flagged ship in the Gulf of Oman over a blockade attempt. Red Sea Risk Returns: A Houthi attack in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait killed six and highlights renewed danger for commercial shipping, with knock-on effects for regional travel and logistics.

Dhofar Khareef Travel Boost: Salalah Airport saw a 7% rise in arriving flights and an 8% jump in passengers during the Dhofar Khareef season (June 21–July 31), with 1,758 flights and 154,529 arrivals—good news for travellers planning a monsoon escape. Oman Tourism & Community: The Summer Scout Camp for senior scouts kicked off in Dhofar, running until 17 August, mixing skills workshops (including AI and e-commerce) with nature and tourism-focused activities. Hormuz Disruption Watch: Iran again insisted the Strait of Hormuz will stay closed unless the US meets its conditions, while US forces fired on a Panama-flagged ship in the Gulf of Oman after it ignored warnings—fresh uncertainty that can ripple into regional travel and fuel costs. Safety on the Ground (Oman): A Warangal woman allegedly trapped and harassed in Muscat for nearly 25 days after a tourist-visa job promise has been rescued and returned to India following intervention by KTR and local authorities. Maritime Risk & Environment: A report highlights how Russia’s “shadow fleet” tactics and aging vessels raise environmental concerns, with wider implications for coastal safety and tourism planning.

Strait of Hormuz Watch: Oil jumped as hopes of reopening faded, with Iran insisting the waterway stays restricted until U.S. demands are met, while the U.S. says it’s keeping economic pressure on Iranian ports. Maritime Flashpoints: The U.S. reported firing on a Panama-flagged ship in the Gulf of Oman after it tried to breach the blockade; separate reports also point to renewed risks across key shipping lanes. Oman Environment Update: Oman said a grounded “shadow fleet” tanker spill near the Hallaniyat Islands has spread across about 400km², with no threat to desalination or tourism facilities, as cleanup efforts continue. Local Mobility: Ride-hailing in Oman is expanding under licensed apps, with features like trip tracking and fares set before travel. Sports & Travel Readiness: The Oman Olympic Committee held an Elite Athletes Forum for teams heading to the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, covering rights, safeguarding, anti-doping and mental readiness. Culture on the Move: An Omani film by Haitham Al Farsi won Best Film at Spain’s Food Film List in the “Urban-Rural Connectivity” category, spotlighting Ramadan dining in Sur. Tourism Business Angle: A piece on Oman’s investment momentum highlights rising foreign direct investment and growth in locally regulated investment funds. Human Interest (Oman-linked): A woman allegedly trapped in Muscat after being taken on a tourist visa has returned to India following intervention involving local coordination and embassy support.

Cultural Tourism Spotlight: Omani filmmaker Haitham Al Farsi won Best Film at Spain’s 2026 Food Film List for “Sufrat Ramadan fi Sur,” showcasing Ramadan dining in Sur and its maritime heritage—another win for Oman’s culinary tourism story. Sports & Travel Readiness: The Oman Olympic Committee held an Elite Athletes’ Forum for teams heading to the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, covering sports, health, psychology, rights, and anti-doping—aimed at boosting athlete readiness and safe participation. Khareef Travel Boost: SalamAir added limited extra Muscat–Salalah flights to handle Khareef demand, with both Oman Air and SalamAir expanding capacity during July. Dhofar Heritage & Stays: Beit Kofan in Taqah is being promoted as a sustainable heritage guesthouse model, blending local history with tourism. Marine Environment Alert: Oman confirmed a major oil spill from the grounded tanker Caroline Bezengi near the Hallaniyat Islands, with the slick reported around 390km² and no threat to desalination or tourism facilities so far. Regional Travel Risk: With Strait of Hormuz tensions ongoing, oil prices surged and airlines across the region reported cancellations and disruptions, keeping travel planning cautious.

Heritage & Sustainable Stays: In Taqah, Dhofar, Beit Kofan is drawing researchers and visitors with its 150-year-old guesthouse model that preserves local architecture and daily-life artifacts while promoting responsible tourism. Dhofar Tourism Boost: The Omani Crafts Forum opened in Salalah, spotlighting traditional skills and innovation through live demonstrations until Aug. 22, while Khareef Dhofar Season 2026 ramps up with 100+ events, free stalls for home-based businesses, and a large agri-tourism destination. Green Tourism Licensing: Dhofar has a licensing route for green tourism, including agricultural tourism, with plans to explore integrated offerings across eco-camping, mountain, marine and leisure experiences. Oman Visa for Short Breaks: Oman introduced a free 14-day tourist visa category (fee set at zero OMR) for eligible nationalities, effective Aug. 3. Oil Spill Response: Authorities are stepping up containment after a tanker ran aground near the Hallaniyat Islands, with an oil slick detected over roughly 390 sq km and ongoing monitoring to protect sensitive marine and tourist areas. Safety Alerts: Royal Oman Police report rescues of a child and three adults from drowning in separate incidents, amid forecasts for unstable weather and rough seas. Regional Travel Context: Strait of Hormuz uncertainty continues to ripple through flights, shipping and fuel markets, keeping travel planning cautious across the Gulf.

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.

Strait of Hormuz Update: Iran says the waterway won’t reopen until the US “corrects its behaviour,” adding demands including compensation, an end to threats, sanctions relief, and withdrawal of US forces—while Iran also says its talks with Oman on a temporary shipping corridor are in final stages but won’t automatically restart full traffic. Shipping Disruption Reality Check: Independent tracking cited in coverage shows tanker traffic through Hormuz has collapsed to single digits, with only a handful of transits recorded in recent days and reports of attacks/near-misses affecting vessels near Oman. Oman Weather Alert: Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority issued a high-level alert for strong downdraft winds and blowing dust in parts of the Al Hajar Mountains and desert areas, urging motorists on the Sultan Said bin Taimur Road to expect reduced visibility. Khareef Tourism Boost: Dhofar youth-led projects in Wadi Darbat are expanding hospitality and adventure offerings during Khareef, while Dhofar Foods’ “The Joy of Khareef” campaign adds a paragliding experience in Taqah. Agritourism in Jabal Akhdar: The Rummana season opened at Janain Farm in Saih Qatna, offering sustainable farm tourism with fruit picking and local heritage experiences. Safety & Work Conditions: Oman’s private sector recorded 403 work-related injuries in 2025, with the workers’ federation flagging safety and accommodation gaps, especially in construction. Aviation Demand Signal: Boeing says Gulf airlines aren’t delaying aircraft deliveries despite the Iran war, pointing to resilient long-term demand. UAE Travel Note for Oman Visitors: UAE confirms visa-free entry for GCC citizens, including Oman.

Strait of Hormuz Talks: Oman says discussions with Iran on a shipping route are progressing, but Tehran insists reopening hinges on separate US conditions, including compensation and an end to threats—keeping global shipping and travel planning on edge. Maritime Disruption & Safety: New incidents in the strait include a projectile-hit bulk carrier near Oman and reports of explosions, while a major oil spill from a stranded “shadow fleet” tanker off Oman’s coast is expanding fast, raising fresh tourism and marine risks. Oman Weather Alert: The Civil Aviation Authority warns of strong winds and blowing dust over parts of Al Hajar and desert areas from 1pm to 10pm, with reduced visibility affecting the Sultan Said bin Taimur Road. Tourism & Experiences: Rummana season opened in Jabal Akhdar, offering sustainable farm tourism with fruit picking and local heritage experiences. Workplace Safety: Oman’s private sector recorded 403 work injuries in 2025, with the workers’ federation flagging accommodation, PPE, and summer work-ban breaches. Travel Disruption Abroad: Air Canada extended flight suspensions to Tel Aviv and Dubai until mid-January 2027, reflecting ongoing regional volatility. Fuel & Aviation Industry: Boeing says Gulf airlines aren’t delaying deliveries despite the Iran war, citing long-term demand resilience.