AGP Executive Report

Omani Fashion Abroad: Melis by Sahar Al Aufi is expanding in the U.S. with its Love & Peace collection, bringing made-to-measure couture rooted in Omani-Italian heritage to a growing American clientele. Education Policy: Oman’s Ministry of Education has introduced new admission requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma in Education, including degree recognition, GPA thresholds, and credit-hour specialisation rules. Music & Culture Exchange: An Omani military band is set to perform at France’s Albertville International Military Music Festival, highlighting Oman’s cultural presence on an international stage. Digital Safety for Kids: YouTube has launched supervised kid accounts across Oman and much of MENA, adding age-appropriate settings and stronger parental controls. Sports & Community: A tender for a North Batinah vehicle drift arena aims to turn a large site into an entertainment and motorsports hub. Regional Arts Moment: Hisn Khorfakkan museum in the UAE is spotlighted for its archaeological storytelling along the Gulf of Oman. Sports Prep: Oman’s wider region buzzes as Kuwait volleyball ramps up preparations in Cairo ahead of a tournament in Oman.

Oman-France Cultural Diplomacy: Sultan Haitham’s state visit to France drew major media attention, with Macron and the Omani leader signaling deeper economic ties through landmark agreements. Youth & Media Skills: Oman’s Ministry of Information wrapped four training programmes with the Ministry of Education to build responsible digital content creators, covering fact-checking, AI-generated content, and managing online risks. Sports Entertainment in Oman: Muscat’s Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre will host Sports Flame 2026 (14 July–15 August), featuring 20+ sports and activities plus FIFA World Cup match screenings. Local Investment for Fun: North Batinah launched a public tender for a 90,000sqm vehicle drift arena to attract motorsport events, festivals, and community gatherings. Regional Arts Spotlight: A photo project by Swiss photographer Armelle Martignoni, supported by Steve McCurry, highlights human stories through color-rich images with proceeds going to local NGOs. Strait of Hormuz Watch: Iran and the US continue indirect talks in Qatar as a foreign container ship reportedly ran aground after not following Iran’s approved route.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran’s state media says a foreign container ship ran aground after allegedly avoiding Iran-approved routes, as US-Iran technical talks continue in Qatar and disputes over strait control and possible transit fees remain a sticking point. Oman-France Spotlight: France’s Macron and Oman’s Sultan Haitham meet in Paris, signaling deeper economic ties amid the wider Hormuz crisis. Oman Youth & Media Skills: Oman’s Ministry of Information wraps four training programmes for young digital content creators, focusing on responsible posting, risk management, fact-checking, and spotting AI-made content. Sports & Community in Oman: Sohar International and Snoonu Oman sign a partnership to push financial innovation and digital growth, while Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre and Sohar International back Sports Flame 2026 with FIFA World Cup match screenings and 20+ sports activities. Local Sports Development: Oman Sail’s 29er team heads to Kiel for the 2026 29er World Championship, and North Batinah launches a tender for a vehicle drift arena to attract motorsport events and entertainment. Arts & Culture: Swiss photographer Armelle Martignoni’s One World project pairs vivid photography with proceeds for local NGOs, and a new Oman-focused cultural magazine issue highlights ongoing editorial work.

Oman & Heritage: Al Batinah North’s Heritage and Tourism Department is running “Our Summer: Leadership and Innovation 2026,” using hands-on craft and museum visits to help children connect with Omani identity, from palm-frond weaving to storytelling and trips to Majan Sons Museum. Adventure Tourism in Oman: Mountain hiking and free walking are surging across Oman, with young-led adventure groups building safer, more professional trips that blend nature, fitness, and local culture. Strait of Hormuz & Oman’s role: Iran says it won’t meet top US envoys in Doha and insists ceasefire terms must be settled first, while the talks hinge on Hormuz control, shipping routes, and possible fees. Shipping disruption: Iranian state TV reports a foreign container ship ran aground in the Strait after not following Iran’s approved route, underscoring how fragile navigation remains near Oman. Diplomacy pressure: US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are in Doha for technical discussions, but Iran and Qatar say meetings will be with mediators, not direct US-Iran talks.

Oman–France Diplomacy: Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and President Emmanuel Macron signed 12 landmark accords at the Élysée, deepening a strategic partnership as regional tensions keep everyone watching Muscat’s role. Strait of Hormuz Talks: Iran says it won’t meet US envoys directly in Doha, even as Kushner and Witkoff arrive; Iran also insists it alone should handle demining and pushes for Oman-linked governance of shipping routes. Oman’s Tourism Economy: Al Mouj Muscat marked 20 years with an independent study putting its contribution at about $2.3bn to Oman’s GDP, underlining the destination’s long-term pull. Arts & Entertainment (Regional): Stan Lee: The Final Chapter lands on VOD from July 28, while RAK Ceramics’ Roberto Cavalli licensing brings designer tiles and sanitaryware to Oman and the wider region. Sports Spotlight: Hamed Al Wahaibi becomes the first Omani to lead a World Cup event, topping the FIA World Baja Cup standings after the Italian Baja. Tech for Viewers: V and Screenomic launched free premium Arabic TV channels across 10 MENA markets, including Oman.

Oman–France Diplomacy: Sultan Haitham bin Tariq met President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace, with twelve landmark accords signed to deepen strategic ties and boost cooperation. Hormuz Governance: Oman and Iran held their first Joint Hormuz Committee meeting, with Iran insisting mine clearance is “exclusively” theirs and rejecting France’s demining role; Oman’s FM also backed the idea of maritime service fees while opposing tolls on transit passage. Doha Talks Uncertainty: Trump says Iran requested a meeting in Doha on Tuesday, but Tehran denies any scheduled talks with the US, pointing instead to expert follow-ups via Qatari mediation. Energy & Shipping Ripple Effects: Oil prices slid as markets weighed the Doha outcome; meanwhile Oman LNG marked the first shipment from its new “Muscat LNG” carrier, reinforcing Oman’s energy logistics role. Arts & Lifestyle Spotlight: Dar Global and Fendi Casa launched Azure Oceanfront Villas in Muscat’s AIDA community, while NOMAD staged its first US edition at Robert Wilson’s Watermill Center. Sports Culture: World Cup fever is reshaping Oman’s nights, with fans gathering around late matches and shared viewing culture.

Strait of Hormuz Governance: Iran’s deputy FM Kazem Gharibabadi says Iran and Oman hold authority over Hormuz management and that arrangements won’t revert to “past practices,” while demining is “solely” Iran’s job—urging France to stay out after Macron floated joint clearance. Oman’s Position: Oman’s FM Badr al-Busaidi backs “maritime service fees” as long as transit passage itself stays toll-free, framing them as safety and environmental services under UNCLOS. Diplomacy Under Strain: After US-Iran strikes threatened the interim MoU, Trump says Iran requested a Doha meeting Tuesday; Tehran denies anything is scheduled, as technical talks and de-escalation channels remain in question. Local Sports: Kuwait drawn with Qatar and Syria in Group A for the West Asia Men’s Volleyball Championship in Muscat (July 11–22), with Oman in Group B. Oman Energy & Shipping: Oman LNG marks its first LNG shipment on the new “Muscat LNG” carrier, reinforcing Oman’s Vision 2040 energy-logistics push. Aviation Update: EASA extends its conflict-zone caution for airlines through July 3, advising avoidance of Iranian, Iraqi and Lebanese airspace while urging extra care around Oman and the Gulf.

Oman LNG: Oman LNG launched its inaugural LNG shipment aboard the new “Muscat LNG,” a modern, dual-fuel carrier aimed at safer, cleaner exports and stronger energy logistics under Oman Vision 2040. Sports Spotlight: Oman’s Ahmad Al Harthy and Oman Racing by Century Motorsport fought hard at the Crowdstrike 24 Hours of Spa, but mid-race contact forced retirement for the No.42 BMW M4 GT3 EVO after a strong Bronze-class run. Regional Arts & Culture: French photographer Emmy Culianez shared how Oman’s landscapes and heritage have shaped her award-winning work, with a focus on cultural storytelling and inclusive art. Education & Youth: Oman’s Ministry of Education will run a Summer Initiative for Scouts, Guides and Student Activities, mixing social, artistic, cultural, sports and value-based programmes for students in grades 5–11. Travel Update: Filipino travellers to Oman no longer need a negative HIV medical certificate for the visa-free 14-day tourist entry, though standard entry documents still apply.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran says it has sole control over the Strait of Hormuz for the next 30 days and orders ships to get IRGC permission, after a weekend of US-Iran tit-for-tat strikes that sent shipping traffic down sharply and left the interim ceasefire under strain. Regional Fallout: Iran hit US-linked targets in Kuwait and Bahrain with drones and missiles, while the US carried out fresh strikes in Iran, warning it may “complete the job” if violations continue. Oman Angle: The US plans to expand a maritime route off Oman as Iran insists transit must follow its rules, keeping Oman’s corridor and deconfliction talks in the spotlight. Oman Tourism & Culture: Dhofar is expanding its hospitality base ahead of Khareef, with hotel rooms topping 8,400 and dozens of tourism projects in the pipeline. Arts & Community: Bank Muscat has renewed sponsorship for Khareef Dhofar 2026, backing a packed lineup including theatre, sculpture, music and stand-up comedy. Sports & Youth: Oman’s Ministry of Education rolls out a Summer Initiative for Scouts, Guides and student activities, mixing cultural, artistic and sports programmes.

Oman Tourism & Economy: Al Mouj Muscat marked 20 years with an independent impact study saying it contributed OMR 878 million to Oman’s GDP over two decades, generating over OMR 1 billion in revenue and supporting 167 SMEs. Regional Arts & Lifestyle: L’Oréal Middle East launched LOREALISTAR, a GCC-wide multi-brand loyalty platform for beauty creators, aiming to build long-term creator-brand relationships across the region. Sports Spotlight (Oman): Oman Cricket chairman Pankaj Khimji hailed Oman’s first all-Omani men’s cricket squad to qualify for the Asian Games, calling it a defining moment after a run featuring many international debuts. Culture & Community (Oman-linked): The Strait of Hormuz remains a major regional flashpoint as US-Iran tensions flare, with Oman’s maritime corridor and traffic plans repeatedly referenced in coverage.

US-Iran Escalation: The US says it struck multiple targets in Iran after an attack on a ship near the Strait of Hormuz, as the uneasy ceasefire strains again. Bahrain Drone Attack: Iran launched drones targeting Bahrain, where the US 5th Fleet is based, while the UK maritime agency reported a tanker hit in the strait with damage to its bridge but no injuries. Oman Link: A US-linked maritime body expanded a route near Oman for two-way traffic, a move seen as challenging Iran’s leverage over Hormuz. Oman Tech & Skills: UTAS in Oman launched Drone Labs across Muscat, Al Musannah and Nizwa to boost hands-on drone programming and manufacturing training. Arts & Culture (Regional): Khorfakkan Mango Festival opened with a 40% participation jump, featuring farmers and value-added produce and welcoming delegations including Oman. Tourism Debate (Oman): Commentaries ask the “missing number” in Dhofar’s Khareef boom—how much spending stays locally, not just visitor counts.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: The US and Iran traded strikes after Washington blamed Tehran for a drone attack on a cargo ship near Oman, with CENTCOM citing missile/drone storage and coastal radar targets; Iran’s IRGC said it retaliated against US positions, while both sides accused each other of violating the interim ceasefire. Maritime Control Clash: Iran reiterated it has the right to manage shipping through Hormuz and warned Gulf states against siding with Washington, as the US and Gulf partners reject any toll or “authorized passage” demands. Hotline Push: Amid fears of escalation, reports say a US-Iran military communication channel is being set up to deconflict operations and support de-mining efforts. Oman Sports & Media: Omani football commentator Amer al-Khudhiri’s poetic World Cup call for Cristiano Ronaldo drew regional attention. Local Community Spotlight: An Ullapool Gaelic Primary class raised £300 for Macmillan Cancer Support through recitals and stalls.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: The US carried out airstrikes on Iran after an Iranian drone attack hit the Singapore-flagged cargo ship M/V Ever Lovely near Oman, with CENTCOM saying it struck missile/drone storage and coastal radar sites—while Iran denies a direct US communication channel exists and insists safe passage depends on coordination that takes Tehran’s role into account. Oman’s Role in Shipping: Oman reportedly told European officials the strait won’t return to pre-war status and that ships may face fees for services like de-polluting or navigation support, as the US and GCC push for free transit and Iran rejects tolls. Maritime Safety Watch: The UN’s IMO paused plans to evacuate more than 11,000 sailors after the ship was hit, citing the need for safety guarantees. Arts & Entertainment: The Motion Picture Academy invited 529 new members, including Jacob Elordi, Jenna Ortega, Teyana Taylor and others—boosting the voting pool for the 2026 Oscars. Sports: Omani driver Ahmad Al Harthy qualified fourth in Bronze for the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa with Oman Racing by Century Motorsport.

Film & Oscars: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has invited 529 new members for its Class of 2026, including Jacob Elordi, Teyana Taylor, Jenna Ortega, Stephen Fry and Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro, with 95 Oscar nominees and 21 winners among them. Oman Film Community: Oman Film Society’s “Wathiq” Documentary Film Camp in Dhofar wrapped up after training participants from “From Idea to Screen,” with field visits across natural and cultural sites to find stories for documentary filmmaking. Tourism & SMEs: SMEDA says Oman’s Muttrah Teleferik cable car project is opening investment opportunities for SMEs ahead of a December trial run, including attractions, kiosks, digital advertising and consulting support. Sports (Regional): Bahrain secured a semi-final berth in the AVC Men’s Cup 2026 after beating Kazakhstan 3-1, while Oman featured in Pool B matches. Oman & the Strait of Hormuz: Oman backed the US-Iran MoU and reiterated future Strait arrangements will be fee-free, as US and GCC ministers push for reopening and Rubio warns against any tolls.

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences: The Oscars’ voting body has invited 529 new members for the Class of 2026, including Jacob Elordi, Teyana Taylor, Jenna Ortega, Josh O’Connor, Bill Skarsgård and the Safdie brothers—another big shake-up for global film circles. Oman Tourism & SMEs: SMEDA is backing SME investment ideas for the Muttrah Teleferik cable car, with funding support and project concepts ranging from mountain biking and toboggan runs to kids’ play areas and Omani sweets shops. Oman Film & Culture: The Oman Film Society joins the Shanghai International Film Festival to strengthen international links and spotlight Omani locations for future productions. Oman Sports Leadership: Nadheera Al Harthi has been elected to the Asian School Sports Federation board for 2026–2030, marking a fresh win for Oman in regional school sport governance. Oman Energy & Regional Trade: Oman reiterated support for the US-Iran MoU on Hormuz, stressing safe passage without transit fees as shipping and oil flows rebound. Global Arts Tech: HSBC and Mastercard launched a UAE mobile virtual card solution, pushing tokenized B2B payments deeper into digital wallets.

Strait of Hormuz Updates: Oman’s announcement of temporary lanes for safe transit is in the spotlight as Iran’s IRGC Navy warns vessels to use only Iran-designated routes, threatening enforcement for any traffic outside approved corridors. Energy Markets: With cargoes accelerating out of Hormuz after the US-Iran agreement, oil markets are swinging from tightness to oversupply signals, pushing major discounts like Angolan crude. Oman in Sports Governance: Nadheera Al Harthi, President of the Oman School Sports Association, was elected to the Asian School Sports Federation board for 2026–2030. Oman Film & Talent: The Oman Film Society joins the Shanghai International Film Festival to strengthen Asian links, while Omani motorsport manager Sanad Al Rawahi becomes the first FIA scholarship recipient for a sports management master’s in Spain. Community & Youth: Royal Oman Police marks International Day Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking with a sports event and a Muscat Mall exhibition. Global Entertainment: The Academy invites 529 new Oscar voters, including Jacob Elordi, Jenna Ortega, Teyana Taylor, and Josh O’Connor.