AGP Executive Report

Bollywood & Personal Stories: Sneha Ullal, now a breakout name after Lucky: No Time for Love, says her debut at 16 opposite Salman Khan was “a compromise” driven by family need—her mother’s cancer treatment. Oman Investment Authority: OIA highlights strong 2025 results from strategic partnerships, including a second Oman-India joint fund and plans for a third. Fintech Across Borders: India’s UPI will go live in Cyprus from next year after an MoU signed during Modi’s 2025 visit—another step in UPI’s European push. Oman–Hormuz Tolls: Iran and Oman are reported to be discussing a toll plan for ships in the Strait of Hormuz, with Oman weighing what share it could receive. Gulf AI Race: Regional organisations are adopting AI fast, but scaling and workforce gaps remain a sticking point. Culture & Craft in the Region: Inanna unveils “Rose Water and Frankincense Water,” tying fragrance to regional heritage and living tradition. Eid Giving in the UAE: Apparel Group partners with Rashid Center to deliver Eid outfits for children of determination. Oman Lifestyle & Retail: HONOR opens an Experience Store at Mall of Oman, expanding direct consumer engagement.

Hormuz Toll Talks: Iran and Oman are reportedly testing a plan to jointly collect fees from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, with Oman weighing what share of revenue it could get—an idea that clashes with U.S. warnings as the waterway remains effectively blocked amid the wider Iran conflict. Oman’s Modern Push: Oman’s Royal Decrees roll out new rules for urban planning, sports bodies, and health-education reforms, while the Education Ministry opens fresh scholarship opportunities. Culture & Innovation: Oman’s young inventors win gold at ITEX 2026 in Malaysia, and the Ministry of Information premieres the documentary “Dakhtar Thoms,” spotlighting Dr. Wells Thoms’ humanitarian legacy. Lifestyle & Business: Towell Auto Group launches the 212 off-road SUV brand in Oman, and MHD-ITICS inaugurates a new HONOR Experience Store at Mall of Oman.

Royal Reforms: Sultan Haitham has issued three Royal Decrees covering urban planning, a new sports bodies law, and reforms to health education, with implementation steps now set in motion. Oman’s Innovation Push: Young Omani inventors brought home gold and special awards at ITEX 2026 in Malaysia, adding momentum to a week of education wins. Culture on the Move: The Ministry of Information premiered the documentary “Dakhtar Thoms”, spotlighting Dr. Wells Thoms and Oman’s health-service legacy, while Oman’s Shura Council discussed professional undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to better match labour-market needs. Regional Context: In the wider Gulf, the UK and GCC sealed a landmark free trade deal, and shipping disruption fears linger as the Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint. Business & Tech: MHD-ITICS opened a new HONOR Experience Store at Mall of Oman, and Oman’s Duqm Refinery reported strong 2025 results.

Oman’s energy push: Duqm Refinery posted $7bn revenue in 2025, with EBITDA of $276m and a 13% cost improvement—plus 99% operating rate and 100% reliability across supply and distribution. Health & safety rule: India’s CDSCO says injectable products are not cosmetics and cannot be used in aesthetic clinics, tightening the fast-growing “non-surgical beauty” market. Gulf politics & trade: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer sealed a trade deal with six Persian Gulf countries, but critics say it lacks a human-rights chapter. Culture spotlight: Oman’s Ministry of Information premiered the documentary “Dakhtar Thoms,” tracing the humanitarian legacy of Dr. Wells Thoms. Regional science: Oman is also backing flare-gas-to-power trials under OPES 2026, aiming to turn stranded gas into usable energy. Online youth safety: Australia and India are comparing approaches to stop radicalisation spreading through gaming and chat spaces.

Gaza Flotilla Fallout: US envoy Mike Huckabee condemned Israel’s far-right Ben-Gvir after he posted mocking footage of detained flotilla activists, calling the flotilla a “stupid stunt” but saying Ben-Gvir “betrayed dignity.” International Pressure: South Korea’s president urged Seoul to consider enforcing ICC arrest warrants for Netanyahu while blasting Israel’s seizure of the Global Sumud flotilla carrying South Korean citizens. Oman in Focus—Culture: Oman’s Ministry of Information premiered documentary Dakhtar Thoms, spotlighting the humanitarian legacy of Dr. Wells Thoms. Oman in Focus—Education: Shura Council discussed professional undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and SQU’s College of Nursing renewed nursing accreditation to 2033. Oman in Focus—Science: Oman signed a CERN scientific cooperation agreement, opening doors for Omani researchers and students. Regional Watch: Mali hit rebel-held Kidal with strikes as insurgency worsens.

Global Sumud Flotilla Crisis: Israel says it’s still intercepting and boarding the Gaza-bound Global Sumud humanitarian convoy in international waters, with organisers warning the boats are under attack as they near Gaza; reports also claim hundreds of activists have been detained, while European leaders and governments step up condemnation. Oman in Sport: Oman were drawn in Gulf Cup 27 Group A with Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait, setting up a tough regional campaign in Jeddah. Science & Culture: Oman signed a scientific cooperation agreement with CERN in Geneva, and Russia’s Tretyakov Gallery opened “Pioneers of Omani Art,” spotlighting modern Omani artists. Women & Education: The Omani Women’s Academy won a UNESCO award for sustainable education, and SQU nursing programmes’ accreditation was renewed. Entrepreneurship & Environment: Riyada pushed a workshop on building an entrepreneurial culture, while Ibra launched “Plant Oman 2050” tree-planting awareness. Tourism Buzz: A Salalah luxury desert expedition brand earned Webby recognition.

Oman–CERN Breakthrough: Oman has signed a scientific and technical cooperation agreement with CERN in Geneva, opening a five-year path for Omani scientists and students to join research and training across high-energy physics, computing, AI, and advanced materials. Global Health Spotlight: Oman also took part in the 79th World Health Assembly, pushing an integrated health-system plan built on primary care, data and innovation, resilience, and long-term sustainability. Culture on the Move: “Pioneers of Omani Art” opened at Russia’s Tretyakov Gallery, spotlighting 23 works by 17 Omani artists and tracing the roots of Omani fine art from heritage and daily life to modern expression. Local Growth & Skills: SQU’s College of Nursing renewed accreditation for its Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing programs through Fall 2033. Sustainability in Action: Oman Sustainability Week and OPES 2026 kicked off in Muscat, while Ibra launched a “Plant Oman 2050” awareness drive to plant native and fruit trees. Meanwhile, the region stays tense: Trump said he’s paused a planned Iran attack after Gulf allies urged more time for talks, as Iran-war fallout continues to raise humanitarian and environmental concerns.

UAE Under Pressure: With Iran-linked attacks hitting the UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant and Hormuz-linked energy fears cutting exports, the “business haven” image is being tested again—though cash buffers so far mean no mass job exodus. Gaza Flotilla Fallout: Israel detained activists from the Global Sumud aid flotilla, including Ireland’s president’s sister, as protests erupted across Europe and leaders like Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim condemned the move as a violation of international law. Oman in Focus: Oman opened OPES and Oman Sustainability Week under “Sustainability in Action,” while the Inma Fund reported OMR215m financing for 2,061 SME projects and Oman’s Q1 deficit narrowed to RO25m on stronger gas revenues. Heat Alert: UAE temperatures surged up to 47°C in Al Ain, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi facing extreme heatwave conditions. Culture & Learning: Omani students shone at the Chinese Bridge competition, and tree-planting awareness kicked off in Ibra under Plant Oman 2050.

Oman at the World Health Assembly: In Geneva, Oman’s Health Minister Dr. Hilal bin Ali Al Sabti laid out a push for integrated health reform—stronger primary care, smarter data and innovation, tougher system resilience, and long-term sustainability—aligned with Oman Vision 2040. Energy & sustainability momentum: OPES and Oman Sustainability Week 2026 opened in Muscat under “Sustainability in Action,” with Oman also launching “Rikan,” a new corporate CSR umbrella for the energy sector. SME financing boost: Inma Fund says it has provided about OMR215m financing for 2,061 SME projects since launch. Oman’s finances & prices: Q1 deficit narrowed to RO25m as gas revenues jumped 36%, while April inflation rose 3.2%—with vegetables up 25%. Culture & community: International Museum Day spotlights Dhakhiliyah’s living heritage, and Omani writers’ groups announced 42 new book titles. Global flash: Spain’s lawmakers condemned Israel’s interception of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud flotilla.

Arabian Gulf Cup Build-Up: The draw for the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup is set for May 19 in Jeddah, with Saudi Arabia hosting the tournament from Sept 23 to Oct 6; eight teams including Oman will be placed into pots based on FIFA rankings. Oman Inflation Watch: Oman’s CPI rose 3.2% in April year-on-year, with vegetables up 25% and food and non-alcoholic beverages climbing 6.2%, adding pressure to household budgets. Eid Al Adha Dates: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Türkiye have confirmed Eid ul Adha on May 27, with Arafat Day on May 26. Dhofar Readiness & Plans: Dhofar held a media briefing on its first-year strategy, highlighting jobs, training and digital progress, while reaffirming Khareef readiness. Sports & Culture: Oman Rugby wrapped a coaching seminar, and the Omani Writers’ Society announced 42 new 2026 titles to keep the literary scene moving.

Oman Inflation Watch: Oman’s CPI rose 3.2% in April 2026 year-on-year, with vegetables up 25% leading the jump, followed by fruits (+11.6%) and fish/seafood (+6.1%); overall inflation averaged 2.6% for Jan–Apr. Eid Al Adha Calendar: Gulf moon-sighting confirms Eid ul Adha on May 27 (Arafat Day May 26), aligning Oman with Saudi Arabia, UAE and Türkiye. Culture & Books: The Omani Writers’ Society announced 42 new titles for 2026, expanding poetry, novels, studies and children’s literature. Learning & Youth: Oman’s education spotlight includes Omani students winning at ISEF 2026 and a new “Empowering Rural Women” exhibition set for May 20 at UTAS Musannah. Community & Services: Royal Oman Police welcomed a new group of citizen recruits, while Dhofar outlined progress and readiness for Khareef.

Digital Silk Road: China’s “Digital Silk Road” is moving beyond cables and ports into AI, smart cities, 5G, digital finance and even surveillance—reshaping how Middle East governments plan tech-driven growth. Gulf Tensions: With diplomacy shaky, Saudi-Iran moves and talk of non-aggression pacts keep the region on edge. Oman Youth & Science: Oman’s students shine at ISEF 2026 in the US—ranking fourth globally in environmental engineering and earning an American Psychological Association special award for an AI classroom-interaction system. SME Boost: Inma Fund says it has provided about OMR215m financing to 2,061 SME projects by end of April 2026. Culture & Books: Oman’s Minister of Culture visited the Doha International Book Fair and toured the Sultanate’s pavilion as the event runs with record participation. Sports Media: Oman’s sports commentators spotlight what makes a great voice—delivery, language and deep game knowledge.

Gulf Tensions Escalate: With diplomacy stalling, fresh reporting says Saudi forces carried out air strikes on Iran during the war’s active phase—while officials also floated ideas like a non-aggression pact to cool things down. Oman SME Push: Inma Fund says it has provided about OMR215 million to 2,061 SME projects since launch, with new financing requests under review. Greater Muscat Planning: Muscat’s growth roadmap is traced from the 1970s to the 2025 Greater Muscat Structure Plan, aiming for 2.1 million people by 2040. Education Wins Abroad: Omani students shine at ISEF 2026, including a global top-4 environmental engineering finish and an APA-linked award for an AI classroom interaction tool. Construction Momentum: Oman issued over 40,000 building permits in 2025 and also saw building completion certificates rise to about 24,470. Culture Spotlight: Oman’s Minister of Culture visited the Doha International Book Fair and toured Oman’s pavilion.

World History of Slavery, Part II: A new installment digs into how slavery expanded across centuries, arguing that “Islamic slavery” became a major, long-lasting system after early Muslim conquests. Marine Research Drones: Oman is pushing a fresh drone-led conservation push, using UAVs to track beach litter, marine life, and illegal activity. Oman–Russia Ties: Oman joined the Kazan Economic Forum opening and a business symposium, aiming to deepen trade and investment links. Nursing Career Pathways: A spotlight on healthcare says advanced nursing education often doesn’t translate into clear clinical roles, pushing many toward administration instead. Omani Women & Sustainability: Coverage highlights women leading the sustainability shift across research, entrepreneurship, and community action. Dubai Harsh Reality: A British man’s account of being beaten and left in desert conditions underscores how strict local rules can turn travel into a nightmare. Muscat Youth Leadership: “Qiyadi” kicks off in Muscat, training ages 11–14 in leadership, teamwork, creativity, and communication.

Desert-justice in Dubai: A British grandfather, Albert Douglas, says he spent four years in a UAE prison after his son left Dubai with debt—describing beatings, torture, and being left without food or water in the desert, as strict local rules collide with Middle East turmoil. Oman youth leadership: Muscat Governorate launched “Qiyadi” for ages 11–14, training over 60 students in teamwork, creativity, dialogue, and problem-solving over three days. Culture on the move: Oman’s Minister of Culture joined the opening of the Doha International Book Fair, highlighting Oman’s pavilion and the region’s big push for publishing and cultural exchange. Energy and identity: Oman’s energy strategy update targets production stability and cleaner growth, while a Sohar symposium urged protecting Omani identity in the digital age. Regional ripple effects: India condemned an attack on an Indian-flagged ship near Oman; crew were reported safe.

US-China Summit Wrap: Donald Trump says “a lot of different problems” were “settled” with Xi in Beijing, while both sides also talk Iran and keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. Gulf Security Shockwaves: The wider Iran–Lebanon conflict keeps rattling trade routes, with fresh claims and denials around regional cooperation and shipping risks. Oman at Doha Book Fair: Oman’s Culture Minister Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi opened the Doha International Book Fair, touring Oman’s pavilion and praising the scale—36 countries, 515+ publishers, and 910 pavilions. Muscat Youth Leadership: Muscat Governorate launched “Qiyadi” for ages 11–14, training over 60 students in planning, teamwork, creativity, and communication. Energy & Net-Zero Moves: Oman’s energy push continues with updated strategy work and efficiency initiatives, aiming for cleaner growth. Bank Nizwa Leadership: Bank Nizwa appoints Tariq Atiq as CEO, signaling a next phase for digital and Islamic banking growth. Human Stories: Four Bangladeshi brothers were found dead in a car in Oman, with authorities awaiting full autopsy results.