AGP Executive Report

Oman Film & Festivals: The Oman Film Society has opened submissions for the 2026 Omani Film Festival (Dec 28–31), adding a dedicated AI films competition alongside short narrative and short documentary categories, with awards spanning directing, acting, music and more. International Screenings: Director Sultan Al Qamshouhi’s Omani film “Rooted” continues its festival run, screening at the Jordan International Film Festival and building momentum across Arab events. Equestrian Sports: Oman’s tent pegging team has qualified for the World Cup finals in Jordan after securing second place in Oman-hosted qualifiers. Cultural Sector Watch: Oman’s Culture Statistics 2026 – 2025 Data reports 34 museums in 2025 and highlights visitor numbers, plus growth in tourist forts and castles. Muscat Nights Planning: Muscat Municipality has issued a tender for event managers to shape the upcoming Muscat Nights festival with heritage-led entertainment and light shows. Gulf Cup Fever: Oman’s national team is in Jeddah for Gulf Cup 27 preparations as the tournament kicks off Sept 23.

Oman Sports Spotlight: Oman’s national teams keep rolling at the Asian Games in Nagoya, with the men’s hockey campaign starting after a 7-0 win over Uzbekistan led by Faizal’s hat-trick, while Oman’s own qualifiers and beach volleyball opener are set for Monday. Talent Pipeline: Oman’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth is preparing a National Program to discover and develop talented athletes under Omani Sports 2040, aiming for early identification and clearer pathways. Gulf Cup Build-Up: Oman’s football squad travels to Jeddah for Gulf Cup 27, with preparations focused on quick passing and tight-space tactics ahead of the opener vs Iraq. Handball & Skate Ball: Oman Club Handball Development Centre won the 2026 Handball Development Centres Festival, and Ibri hosts a 10-nation Skate Ball Tournament from Sept 23-25. Community & Culture: Registration for Haj 2027 (1448H) opens Sept 28, with a new mandatory “Comprehensive Package” for housing, transport and food.

Oman Sports 2040: Oman’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth is set to launch a National Program to discover and develop talented athletes across all governorates, building clearer pathways from early identification to long-term competitive support. Gulf Cup 27: Oman’s national football team heads to Jeddah for the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup (Sept 23–Oct 6), with Group A featuring Oman alongside Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait. Bank Muscat & football fans: Bank Muscat backs the Oman National Football Team and unveiled a special fan anthem ahead of the Gulf Cup. Tourism push: Al Jabal Al Akhdar has been named GCC Tourism Capital for 2027, with reported first-half 2026 visitor numbers and hotel revenues highlighting momentum. Asian Games spotlight: Oman’s shooter Bati Al Shibli carried the flag at the Asian Games opening in Nagoya, while Oman’s cricket team also departed for Japan aiming for a historic all-homegrown squad debut. Digital banking: Bank Muscat launched instant credit card issuance via its Mobile Banking app, enabling a fully digital application and activation journey.

Asian Games Spotlight: Oman’s delegation is in full swing at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, with shooter Bati Al Shibli carrying the flag at the opening ceremony and Oman competing across 10 sports. Football (Gulf Cup): Bahrain wrapped up local training ahead of Gulf Cup 27 in Jeddah, while Kuwait resumed camp after a friendly loss to Yemen; both are set for group clashes that include Oman. Oman Women’s Futsal: Nine clubs kick off the 2026-27 Oman Women’s Futsal League, with Al Shabab vs Salalah and Al Amerat vs Qurayat leading Group One. Oman Cricket: Yalla Shabab Giants defended the Oman D50 title, beating Royal Oman Stallions by 36 runs in a tense final. Arts & Culture: Dhofar International Theatre Festival runs in Salalah with 15 productions from nine countries, while “The Splendour of Silver: Treasures from the Omani Court” continues in Belarus. Sport Tourism: 5150 Triathlon fires off in Samal as athletes chase back-to-back titles. Maritime Diplomacy: Iran and Oman say they’ve reached an understanding on a safe shipping lane through the Strait of Hormuz.

Omani Culture Abroad: “The Splendour of Silver: Treasures from the Omani Court” opened at the Grodno State Museum of the History of Religion in Belarus, spotlighting historic Omani silver linked to the Sultans of Oman in Muscat and Zanzibar, running until 20 Nov 2026. Asian Games Spotlight (Oman): Oman officially took part in the Asian Games opening ceremony in Nagoya, with the Omani flag carried by shooter Butti bin Hamid Al-Shibli; Oman’s hockey team marked the Sultanate’s first appearance with a 2-0 loss to China. Regional Sports (Gulf Cup): Oman face Kuwait in a decisive Group A finale of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup in Jeddah on 29 Sept, with semi-final ticketing details also circulating for the Oct 3 clash. International Sports Safety: A debate is growing in pro cycling as speeds top 100 km/h on descents, while riders and officials argue over whether safety measures should slow the sport down. Global Arts & Entertainment: Brad Pitt’s F1 keeps climbing on Apple TV, while Guy Ritchie’s WW2 streaming hit “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” remains a top draw after its 2026 surge.

Omani Culture Abroad: “The Splendour of Silver: Treasures from the Omani Court” opened in Belarus, spotlighting historic Omani silver linked to the Sultans of Oman in Muscat and Zanzibar, running until 20 Nov 2026. Streaming & Film Buzz: Guy Ritchie’s WW2 sleeper “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” is surging again on streaming after a free-home run, while Brad Pitt’s highest-grossing “F1” keeps climbing on Apple TV. Music in Muscat: Malayalam playback star K. S. Harishankar will debut in Oman on 6 Nov at City Amphitheatre, with tickets via NHP Events. Sports Spotlight: Oman’s men’s hockey opener at the Asian Games ended 2-0 to China, and Gulf Cup ticket info for Oman vs Saudi Arabia is now circulating ahead of the 26 Sept clash. Regional Diplomacy via Oman: Reports say Saudi’s proposed two-week Yemen ceasefire and talks with Houthis are being delivered through Oman.

Oman Energy & Innovation: Oman is moving ahead with what’s being billed as the Arab world’s first commercial corridor for exporting liquid hydrogen, linking production and long-distance sea transport from Duqm to global clean-energy demand. Gulf Sports Buzz: Oman’s Gulf Cup campaign is heating up as the team heads to Jeddah for the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup, with Oman set to open against Iraq, then face Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in group play. Regional Football Updates: China kicked off the Asian Games men’s hockey competition with a 2-0 win over Oman, while Indonesia’s Jay Idzes will miss the FIFA ASEAN Cup due to injury. Music & Live Entertainment: Malayalam playback star K. S. Harishankar is set for an Oman debut concert at Muscat’s City Amphitheatre on Nov 6, with more Malayalam live dates following. Culture on Screen: Netflix’s “Fauda” Season 5 is climbing charts across the Middle East after its Oct. 7 storyline episodes.

Oman–Angola Diplomacy: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said arrived in Luanda for a 48-hour state visit aimed at boosting cooperation in mining, energy, tech, tourism, agriculture, food security, transport, logistics and ports. Omani Arts & Culture: A China-based “Silk Road: Artists’ Rendezvous” brought together Arab painters including Omani artist Yousuf Ali Hamed Al-Nahwi, culminating in a collaborative scroll painting linking maritime themes and shared colour stories. Screen & Storytelling: Netflix’s Middle East hit “Fauda” Season 5 climbed to top chart positions across the region, with Oman among the countries where it ranked strongly. Sports Spotlight (Gulf Cup): Oman’s “Red Warriors” head to Jeddah for Gulf Cup 27, opening against Iraq on Sept 23, with group matches also against Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Climate Tech on Oman’s Map: Documentary “Legion 44” is now streaming worldwide, featuring Oman’s Hajar mountains as part of its global look at carbon removal innovation. Local Talent Pipeline: Oman’s Bowling Committee is strengthening its Athlete Development Centre to track progress and prepare bowlers for national teams. Regional Mediation: US officials met Yemen’s Houthis in Oman over the weekend, with Omani help reported in arranging the talks.

Yemen-Saudi Escalation: Houthi attacks widened to Saudi energy and cities as shipping through key straits thinned, while US officials met Houthi representatives in Oman over the weekend to discuss the 2025 ceasefire. Oman Sports Pathways: Al Mouj Muscat signed on to sponsor Oman’s U15 national football team ahead of the FIFA U-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan, backing a new generation of players. Oman Sailing Camp: Oman Sail begins an intensive Japan training camp for the 2026 Asian Games, aiming to build depth in 49er and 29er classes. Marine Sports Partnership: OMSC and Al Sifah Development Tourism signed an MoU to boost marine events and support Oman’s fishing programme. Hockey Champions Trophy Standoff: Hockey India rejected Pakistan’s request for a neutral venue for the Asian Champions Trophy in Punjab, saying Pakistan must travel to India; Oman and Bangladesh are named as possible replacements. Chess Olympiad: Ten Omani players started the FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, with both open and women’s teams competing. Junior Handball League: Oman’s Junior Handball League fixtures and rules were announced for 12 clubs, starting Sept 25.

Sports diplomacy in focus: Pakistan has asked the Asian Hockey Federation to move the 2026 Men’s Asian Champions Trophy matches to a neutral venue, citing a “sensitive bilateral situation” with India and security concerns, but Hockey India says there will be no change and Pakistan must travel; Oman in the spotlight: Oman is named as a possible replacement if Pakistan withdraws, while Oman athletes also marked their Asian Games presence with the flag-raising in Nagoya; Oman endurance push: Muscat will host the Middle East Ironman 70.3 Championship in February 2027, a boost for sports tourism; Local entertainment & culture: Dhofar’s “Salalah Eye” project is highlighted as a new entertainment tourism draw; Motorsport calendar: Oman’s Bidiyah Sands Carnival will feature the first Oman International Baja starting Nov 19.

Dhofar Education Boost: Dhofar Governorate is pushing school capacity with education construction, additions and maintenance worth over OMR19.2 million, serving 70,686 students across 243 schools. Oman Sports on the Move: Oman’s National Optimist youth sailing team has arrived in Jeddah for the 2026 Arab Sailing Championship (17–21 Sept), while Oman’s men’s volleyball starts a Sohar training camp ahead of the Arab Men’s Volleyball Championship in Jordan. Beach Handball in Muscat: Oman will host the IHF Beach Handball Global Tour stage on Dec 4–5 at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, with top men’s and women’s teams. Community & Culture: The Children and Family Forum returns to Muscat from Oct 1–18, and Anitha Shaiq brings Sufi and classical music to Al Falaj Grand Sphere on Sept 18. Arts & Lifestyle: VA Group secured long-term Muttrah waterfront rights for an 18.5ha mixed-use development inside the Port Sultan Qaboos masterplan. Regional Spotlight: With Strait of Hormuz tensions and shipping disruptions ongoing, Oman is also in the diplomatic mix as talks and navigation arrangements face delays.

Oman Arts & Culture: Muscat’s Al Falaj Grand Sphere hosts Sufi singer and composer Anitha Shaiq on Sept 18, as the Indian Social Club Oman—Kerala Wing marks its 25th anniversary with Onam festivities. Family & Community: The Children and Family Forum returns for an 18-day programme at Al Sahwa Park from Oct 1–18 under “Every Child is an Ambassador,” bringing culture, skills, and activities for kids and families. Sports Spotlight: Oman eyes a strong run at the 27th Gulf Cup in Jeddah, aiming for a third title as the tournament kicks off next week. Infrastructure & Leisure: Muttrah Cable Car completes a key international safety inspection and certification step, moving closer to launch after construction across all three stations is finished. Arts Tech & Entertainment: Apple expands iCloud+ in 100+ countries by bundling Apple TV and Apple Arcade at no extra charge—good news for regional audiences, though the US and several major markets are excluded. Regional Context: Strait of Hormuz tensions and shipping disruptions continue to ripple across the region’s oil and travel outlook.

Strait of Hormuz: Satellite and shipping reports point to worsening pollution risk as Greenpeace says five larger oil slicks have appeared, with one visible on Oman’s side near key bird areas, while Hormuz traffic drops to record lows amid Iran restrictions and stalled talks. Oman Healthcare: Samail Hospital is now 90% complete, with trial operations expected by year-end and an initial 170-bed capacity (planned to expand to 300). Oman Sports: Oman eyes a third Gulf Cup title in Jeddah, with the tournament seen as a confidence boost ahead of the Asian Cup; meanwhile Olympic Day 2026 at The Village drew 800+ participants for sports, awareness and community activities. Oman Hospitality & Trade: HORECA Oman opened its fifth edition with 200+ exhibitors and 1,500+ brands, running until Sept 16 and expected to draw 8,000+ buyers. Arts & Culture: Abu Dhabi International Book Fair spotlights Mohammed Al Murr’s literary legacy, including his work connected to Oman. Regional Sports Diplomacy: Pakistan’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy participation in India remains subject to government clearance, with Oman named as a reserve team.

Oman Sports & Youth: Oman’s U15s have kicked off their first Muscat training camp, with 22 players chasing 14 spots for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival in Azerbaijan (Oct 22–31). Handball Development: The Oman Handball Association will run a two-day Athlete Development Centres Handball Festival (Sept 18–19) at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher, bringing together seven centres for match experience and talent scouting. Karate on the Rise: Oman strengthened its Asian karate footprint at the 24th Cadet, Junior and U21 Championships in Amman, with athletes competing and Omani referees earning strong results in classification exams. Hospitality Spotlight: HORECA Oman opened its fifth edition at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, featuring 200+ exhibitors and 1,500+ brands, running until Sept 16. Regional Sports Buzz: Punjab, India, announced the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2026 (Oct 27–Nov 5), with Pakistan confirmed and Oman listed as a reserve team. Arab Media & Arts: The Arab Radio and Television Festival returns Sept 21–24 in Tunisia, with Oman among the honoured countries and headline performances by Nassif Zeytoun and Rahma Riad.

Strait of Hormuz diplomacy: Oman-linked Iran-Gulf talks on safe shipping routes were postponed as tensions rise, with Iran insisting any reopening depends on US commitments while shipping traffic stays strained. Maritime incident: India condemned an attack on the MT El Gaia off Oman, saying 13 of 14 Indian crew were rescued and search continues for one missing seafarer. Sports—hockey: Punjab, India confirmed the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy (Oct 27–Nov 5) with Pakistan participating under India’s multi-lateral sports policy; Oman and Bangladesh are named reserve teams. Oman arts & culture: Arabic Tarab star Saber Rebai is set to perform live in Muscat on Oct 9 at Al Irfan Theatre (Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre). Sports medicine seminar: The fifth Arab Military Seminar on Sports Medicine took place in Doha with Oman among participating countries. Retail lifestyle: Jashanmal launched same-day delivery on jashanmal.com across categories including fashion, beauty, books and home.

Oman–Hormuz Talks: Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi says a Monday meeting in Oman will focus on a new maritime route through the Strait of Hormuz, while stressing it doesn’t mean the strait is “reopened” unless US commitments are returned. Shipping Under Strain: Fresh reports say a vessel was hit in the strait near Qeshm/Hengam, killing one and injuring others, as UKMTO monitors projectile strikes and fires—raising fresh worries for energy supplies. Omani Esports Push: Muscat hosted talks between the Culture, Sports and Youth Minister and the Global Esports Federation on building Oman’s esports ecosystem, supporting national talent, and expanding the Sultanate’s regional and international presence. Muttrah Waterfront Development: VA Group secured long-term land rights for an 18.5-hectare mixed-use project at Muttrah’s historic waterfront, partnering with Omran to add residences, public spaces, leisure, retail and cultural attractions. Sports & Youth: Oman also backed wider youth digital-content cooperation at the Gulf Youth Forum in Salalah, while Bahrain and Kuwait football preparations for Gulf Cup 27 continue across the region.