AGP Executive Report

Khareef Dhofar 2026: Oman’s summer season is in full swing as Khareef Dhofar 2026 opens with 100+ events across wilayats, blending nature, culture, sports and entertainment until Sept. 21, including heritage-focused experiences like “Return of the Past.” Oman Arts & Youth: The Oman Fine Arts Society’s Summer Arts 2026 is turning school holidays into hands-on creativity, with workshops in sculpture, photography and painting—plus foam-clay projects that bring kids’ imaginations to life. Muscat Performing Arts: Royal Opera House Muscat’s ALICE summer camp wrapped up with nearly 100 young participants, educators and volunteers, celebrating learning through theatre, music and movement. Education & Skills: Downe House Muscat reports a 100% pass rate in the Omani General Education Diploma (2025/26), while Oman’s National Employment Programme pushes school-to-work transition workshops and guidance centres ahead of preference changes. Oman Culture Abroad: Oman’s National Museum opened “The Splendour of Silver” in Belarus, spotlighting Omani court silver traditions and royal collections. Regional Context (for locals): Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue with renewed US-Iran strikes and competing claims over maritime incidents, keeping Gulf travel and shipping concerns in the spotlight.

Green Energy & Hydrogen: Oman is laying out a system-level push for a green hydrogen future, aiming for 1–1.25 million tonnes annually by 2030 and up to 7.5–8.5 million by 2050, with about $140bn planned across the value chain. Education & Skills: Oman’s National Employment Programme is advancing the school-to-work transition with a workshop bringing together government, military and private partners, while technical support centres are ready to help students during higher-education preference changes. Student Success: Downe House Muscat announced a 100% pass rate in the Omani General Education Diploma 2025/26, with top scores across key subjects. Culture & Community: OFAS Summer Arts 2026 is getting kids hands-on with sculpture, photography and painting, and Dhofar’s Khareef season continues with “Return of the Past,” recreating mountain, rural, Bedouin and coastal heritage for visitors. Youth & Sports: More girls across Oman are choosing summer sports over screens, building confidence through volleyball, swimming and martial arts programmes. International Spotlight: Oman’s National Museum opened “The Splendour of Silver” in Belarus, showcasing Omani court silver traditions and royal collections.

Omani Society & Safety: A teacher and her three children were killed in a road crash while returning from Dhofar, with police reporting the vehicle collided with a tractor-trailer before overturning. Arts & Youth: Oman Fine Arts Society’s Summer Arts 2026 is keeping kids busy with hands-on workshops in sculpture, photography and painting, including foam-clay creations. Sports & Empowerment: More girls across Oman are choosing summer sports over screens, building confidence and friendships through volleyball, swimming and martial arts programmes. Heritage in Focus: Dhofar’s “Return of the Past” event is bringing Khareef traditions to life through recreated mountain, rural, Bedouin and coastal lifestyles. Culture Abroad: Oman’s National Museum opened “The Splendour of Silver” in Belarus, spotlighting Omani silver craftsmanship and royal collections. Education & Talent: Two Omani students secured third place at a global robotics championship in the US with a healthcare-focused autonomous robot project, earning $112,000 in scholarships. Local Economy & Skills: Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry ran a “Logistics and Supply Chain Management” programme to boost efficiency and digital adoption across trade and transport. International Watch: An India-origin woman in Muscat, Shabnam Begum, alleges abuse and unpaid wages as the Indian Embassy says it is coordinating with authorities. Regional Diplomacy: Oman is set to take part in a Manila ministerial meeting marking ASEAN’s 50th anniversary, with talks spanning logistics, maritime transport, tourism and digital transformation.

Dhofar Khareef Culture: “Return of the Past” is bringing Dhofar’s living heritage to Al Saada in Salalah, with recreated mountain, rural, Bedouin and coastal lifestyles—plus crafts, performances and food—so visitors experience how communities adapted to each landscape. Arts for Kids: Oman Fine Arts Society’s Summer Arts 2026 programme is keeping children busy with hands-on workshops in sculpture, photography and painting, including foam-clay creations like animals and cartoon characters. Women & Sports: A growing number of girls across Oman are choosing summer sports over screens, building confidence, discipline and friendships through volleyball, swimming and martial arts programmes. Omani Heritage Abroad: The National Museum of Oman has opened “The Splendour of Silver” in Belarus, spotlighting Omani silver craftsmanship and royal collections linked to the Sultans of Oman. Islamic Manuscripts: A rare 1,000-year-old Quran manuscript by Ibn Al-Bawwab is on display at Makkah’s Grand Mosque exhibition “Iqra,” highlighting early Islamic calligraphy and preservation traditions. Education Spotlight: Indian School Al Seeb has appointed Rana Sangram Singh as its new Principal, adding fresh leadership to the CBSE school community. STEM Win: Two Omani students secured third place at an international robotics championship in the US, earning $112,000 in university scholarships for their autonomous healthcare project.

Middle East Tensions: The US says it completed a seventh straight night of strikes on Iran, hitting surveillance sites, logistics infrastructure and maritime capabilities as the Strait of Hormuz crisis deepens. Regional Fallout: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claim attacks on US-linked sites across the region, including radar in Oman, while Jordan says it intercepted 10 Iranian missiles. Diplomacy Under Strain: Trump’s threats to strike infrastructure and demands for public assurances that Hormuz is open have left the interim ceasefire effectively buckled, with shipping risk rising again. Oman in the Spotlight: Reports of radar activity in Oman and the wider Gulf escalation keep Oman’s maritime position in focus. Education & Community (Oman-linked): Indian School Al Seeb in Muscat appointed Rana Sangram Singh Bhadauria as its new Principal, bringing over 23 years of CBSE leadership experience. Culture & Lifestyle: Aloha Music & Arts Festival is set to bring Hawaiian and Polynesian culture to Santa Cruz, highlighting how diaspora communities keep traditions alive. Sports (Oman): Oman’s beach volleyball pairs received FIVB Volleyball Empowerment support, with medals won at a WAVA tour stop in Baushar.

Middle East Tensions: The US and Iran traded fresh strikes as Trump said the interim ceasefire is over, with reports of US attacks hitting bridges and electrical infrastructure and Iran retaliating against US-allied sites across the region, including claims involving Oman. Maritime Flashpoints: Attention is also on key sea routes as the Strait of Hormuz remains volatile and fears grow about spillover to other chokepoints like Bab el-Mandeb. Chabahar Port Update: India’s MEA said the Shahid Beheshti terminal at Iran’s Chabahar port was not damaged despite US claims and images suggesting a surveillance tower collapse. Oman Education & Leadership: Indian School Al Seeb appointed Rana Sangram Singh Bhadauria as its new Principal, bringing over 23 years of CBSE leadership experience. Oman Sports Development: FIVB Volleyball Empowerment support saw Oman’s beach volleyball pairs win medals at a WAVA tour stop in Baushar. Culture & Community: Santa Cruz County’s first Aloha Music & Arts Festival (July 31–Aug 1) spotlights Hawaiian and Polynesian music, dance, and arts.

Middle East Security: The US-Iran standoff keeps escalating after a fragile ceasefire collapses, with Washington striking bridges, electrical infrastructure and a tower at Iran’s Chabahar port while Iran fires back and claims attacks on US-allied sites across the region, including Oman; Regional Impact: Kuwait says Iran hit a power and water desalination plant, urging residents to rationalise electricity use as shipping fears grow around the Strait of Hormuz; Oman Education: Indian School Al Seeb in Muscat appoints Rana Sangram Singh Bhadauria as its new Principal, bringing 23+ years of CBSE leadership experience; Healthcare Standards: University Medical City completes Oman’s first international QUATRO radiotherapy audit at the Sultan Qaboos Integrated Centre for Cancer Treatment and Research; Youth & Service Culture: Salalah’s Customer Experience Conference recommends skills upgrades, digital literacy and “human first” service design, including responsible AI use; Culture & Heritage Abroad: Oman’s “The Splendour of Silver: Treasures from the Omani Court” exhibition opens in Belarus, spotlighting Omani silver craftsmanship and royal-era artefacts.

Education & Youth: Her Highness the Honourable Lady Assayida Ahd Abdullah Hamed al Busaidi delivered an address to Oman’s General Education Diploma top achievers, urging humility, confidence, and continued service to the nation. Healthcare: University Medical City completed Oman’s first international QUATRO Comprehensive Audits of Radiotherapy Practices at the Sultan Qaboos Integrated Centre for Cancer Treatment and Research, aligning radiotherapy quality and safety with global standards. Digital Transformation: An AI roadmap for each government institution was recommended in Salalah, with a push to move from awareness to real use cases, set up AI focal points, and ensure responsible, safe deployment. Public Service & Tourism: Oman’s Ministry of Education delayed the 2026/2027 school year by one week to support domestic tourism ahead of Dhofar’s khareef season. Culture & Heritage Abroad: Oman’s National Museum opened “The Splendour of Silver: Treasures from the Omani Court” exhibition in Belarus, spotlighting Omani silver craftsmanship from royal and everyday life. Investment & Growth: Future Fund Oman (OIA) unveiled 105 strategic projects worth $1.744bn across renewable energy, manufacturing, tourism, healthcare, innovation, and food industries. Community Acceptance (Global): A Gallup World Poll found more people worldwide say their communities are good for minorities, including immigrants and racial/ethnic groups.

Child Protection Research: Sultan Qaboos University study in Oman flags why child abuse reports often come late, pointing to patterns like physical abuse/neglect being less recognized, adolescents delaying due to fear and stigma, and cases involving parents or close family members being hardest to disclose. Dhofar Khareef & Tourism: Oman’s Ministry of Education shifts the 2026/2027 school start by one week to support domestic travel during Dhofar’s khareef season, while the Ministry of Information launches special media coverage to spotlight Dhofar’s cultural and heritage draw through Aug 31. Omani Culture Abroad: Belarus’s Vitebsk Museum opens “The Splendour of Silver: Treasures from the Omani Court,” showcasing Omani silver craftsmanship from royal and everyday life, running until Aug 16. Health Access in Salalah: Oman Cancer Association’s mobile breast screening unit is launched in Salalah, offering free mammograms for women aged 40+ during the khareef season. Local Development Milestone: The Sustainable City – Yiti in Muscat hits 25m safe working hours without a lost-time injury as Oman’s net-zero community project advances. Learning & Results: GED results for 2025/2026 semester one are set to be released via SMS and the Parent App, with a review window from July 17–23. Community & Inclusion Data: A global Gallup poll finds more people worldwide say their communities are good for immigrants and minorities, with the US leading on immigrant sentiment but showing a wider gap between migrants and native-born residents.

Gulf Security: The Strait of Hormuz crisis keeps escalating as the US and Iran trade strikes and the US reimposes a blockade, with reports of attacks near Oman waters and threats to shipping routes. Oman Maritime Impact: A commercial vessel (JFS Galaxy) was hit by a missile off Oman’s coast; Indian crew members were rescued, while one colleague was reported missing. Oman Investment & Jobs: Future Fund Oman (OIA’s sovereign portfolio) unveiled 105 strategic projects worth US$1.744bn, spanning solar, advanced manufacturing, tourism, healthcare, innovation and food. Health in Salalah: Oman Cancer Association launched a mobile breast-cancer screening unit in Dhofar, offering free mammograms for women aged 40+. Tourism in Al Jabal Al Akhdar: Visitor numbers rose 13.2% in the first half of 2026, boosted by the Rose Spring Festival. Culture & Diplomacy: Oman’s France partnership drew praise from the French ambassador, highlighting cooperation in culture, education and healthcare. Culture Abroad: Bahrain’s “Almasyaf” summer art showcase brought together 200+ artists for a public exhibition.

Middle East Tensions: Trump renewed threats against Iran after Khamenei’s funeral sparked calls for his killing, as the Strait of Hormuz stayed a flashpoint and the US weighed further strikes and a blockade. Maritime Impact on Oman: Iran-linked attacks near Oman’s waters killed an Indian seafarer, prompting a “Seafarer-First” response to track and protect crews across the Gulf of Oman and Hormuz. Oman Safety & Cities: The Sustainable City—Yiti in Muscat hit 25 million safe working hours without a Lost Time Injury, pushing its net-zero community vision. Youth & Skills: Oman marks World Youth Skills Day with programmes under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, while Riyada’s Future Pioneers Camp 2026 and the Ruwaj initiative in Sohar train young entrepreneurs for real market launches. Culture & Creativity: A summer workshop in Al Batinah North used AI for environmental art, turning sustainability themes into digital awareness posters. Cost of Living: Oman’s inflation rose to 2.8% in June, driven mainly by food—especially a sharp jump in vegetable prices. Oman in the World: Oman’s partnership with France was highlighted by the French ambassador during National Day celebrations in Muscat.

World Youth Skills Day: Oman will mark the day with “Skills for a Shared Future,” highlighting youth readiness and life/leadership skills through programmes like “Mustaid.” Youth Entrepreneurship: North Al Batinah’s Youth Centre launched “Ruwaj” in Sohar to train 100 young people (20–34) and culminate in a mini trade exhibition for top projects. Education & Exams: India’s Supreme Court will hear next week challenges to CBSE’s Class 12 assessment scheme for Gulf students affected by cancelled exams. Oman Economy & Cost of Living: Oman’s inflation hit 2.8% in June, driven mainly by food, transport and services; vegetable prices jumped 23.6%. Culture & Community: Oman’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth will join the Morocco–GCC forum on youth economic and social empowerment. Safety Milestone: The Sustainable City – Yiti in Muscat reached 25 million safe working hours without a Lost Time Injury as construction continues toward a net-zero community by 2040. Travel & Services: India’s e-OCI card is now available from 30 June 2026, offering a digital alternative for OCI holders in Oman. Local Finance: BankDhofar launched a summer short-term loan campaign with competitive rates for travel and personal expenses.

Gulf Tensions & Shipping: The Strait of Hormuz crisis keeps worsening as the US threatens an “Iranian blockade” and a 20% toll for cargo, while Iran and regional states trade strikes and accuse each other of closing or controlling the route—raising fresh risks for Oman’s maritime safety and regional trade. Education & Youth: Oman-linked Gulf students’ case is back in focus as the Supreme Court agrees to hear a plea challenging CBSE’s Class 12 assessment scheme after exam disruptions tied to the conflict. Oman Lifestyle & Community: Oman’s Ministry of Labour and related bodies are stepping up a summer worksite safety push, including heat-stress awareness and enforcing a midday work ban. Local Development: Salalah’s final structure plan maps an estimated RO 4.3bn investment through 2040, with transport, infrastructure, economic diversification and resilience projects. Culture & Learning: A STEM youth grand final in London included an Oman team tackling food waste, spotlighting young innovation and sustainability. Agriculture Milestone: Razat Royal Farm in Salalah reports successful local pineapple production after 15 years of trials, a boost for Dhofar’s food security story. Digital Travel Convenience: India’s Embassy in Oman announced the e-OCI card launch from June 30, offering a downloadable digital alternative while keeping physical booklets valid.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Trump says the U.S. will reinstate an Iran blockade and charge a 20% toll for cargo using the Strait, while Iran and the U.S. trade heavy strikes and conflicting claims about whether the waterway is open. Gulf Security Fallout: Bahrain says it intercepted Iranian missile and drone attacks aimed at civilians, as Iran also claims strikes hit U.S.-linked bases in Oman and other Gulf states. Oman Inflation Watch: Oman’s annual inflation hit 2.8% in June, driven by food and non-alcoholic beverages, with Dhahirah topping governorate rates. Omani Food Innovation: Razat Royal Farm in Dhofar successfully grows pineapples locally after nearly 15 years, with MD-2 emerging as the most commercially viable. Community Safety: Residents in Al Khoudh ask for a pedestrian underpass on Al Shabab Street to protect elderly, mothers, people with disabilities, and chronic illness patients. Dhahirah Food Investments: The governorate targets up to RO50mn in new agriculture, livestock and water projects by end-2026 to boost food security. Education & Youth Support: The Helper Project is set to reach $300,000 in local student scholarships, backing education as a route to stronger community livelihoods.

Oman’s Food & Farming Breakthrough: Razat Al Sultaniya Farm in Dhofar has successfully produced local pineapples after nearly 15 years of research, adapting cultivation to the July–December growing season and testing varieties including Queen, Mauritius and MD-2. Oman Economy & Daily Life: Oman’s inflation hit 2.8% in June 2026, with food and non-alcoholic beverages rising fastest, while culture and entertainment edged up slightly. Local Food Security Investment: Al Dhahirah Governorate is pushing ahead with 67 food security projects worth RO 84 million, spanning crops, livestock, poultry, processing and services. Arts for Youth: “Summer Arts 2026” is gearing up for a July 16 theatre debut, training students in scriptwriting, directing, acting, stage design and makeup. Language & Heritage: Oman marked World Kiswahili Language Day, highlighting centuries of maritime ties with East Africa and the role of Kiswahili in peace and cultural diplomacy. Regional Culture & Travel: Oman Air’s new Tashkent route is set to boost tourism and cultural exchange, while Oman’s participation in the Brunei International Book Fair spotlights cultural heritage. Gulf Tensions in the Background: Renewed US-Iran strikes and Strait of Hormuz uncertainty keep maritime and regional stability in focus, with Oman repeatedly mentioned in the wider fallout.

Middle East Tensions: The Strait of Hormuz remains the flashpoint as the U.S. and Iran trade fresh threats and strikes, with Iran again saying the waterway is closed after an incident involving a commercial vessel—raising alarms for maritime safety and regional stability. Oman in the Spotlight: India condemned the attack on the GFS Galaxy off Oman, saying 10 Indian crew were rescued and one remains missing, while Oman and Iran continue talks on strait safety. Cultural Diplomacy: Oman’s Ministry of Culture is taking part in the Brunei International Book Fair 2026, showcasing Omani heritage and literature in Arabic and English. Education & Digital Life: Oman won the WSIS Prize for its Noor Educational Platform, highlighting tech-enabled learning for students, teachers, and parents. Local Food Security: Al Dhahirah Governorate is pushing ahead with food investments—RO 84 million across dozens of projects—aiming to boost farming, processing, and local supply chains. Travel & Lifestyle: Oman Air’s new Tashkent route is framed as a boost for tourism and business links, while Bank Muscat and Visa bring a FIFA World Cup 2026 fan experience to Mall of Oman.