AGP Executive Report

Hormuz Pressure, Sanctions and Oil Diversion: Trump said he was “an hour away” from restarting Iran attacks, then paused after calls from Qatar and the UAE, while new US sanctions were announced; meanwhile Iran claims oil loading has started at Jask to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, as the wider shipping disruption keeps raising food and fuel fears. Oman in the Middle of the Gulf Math: Oman is also being pulled into regional security and diplomacy—talks on Hormuz traffic mechanisms and de-escalation efforts continue, with Oman reiterating rejection of hostile acts in the UAE and Saudi drone incidents. Green Infrastructure Push in Oman: Oman Sustainability Week is driving deals: a joint development agreement for a next-gen Green Data Centre, energy-efficiency contracts for government buildings, and a 2.7GW continuous renewables PPA (solar-wind-battery). Nature and Standards: Oman Botanic Garden hits LEED Platinum across four facilities, while “Plant Oman 2050” kicks off tree planting in Ibra. Local Life: Eid Al Adha travel options remain open for last-minute planners.

Offshore AI at OPES: ALTAVE is pitching computer-vision safety and monitoring for rigs and vessels at Oman Petroleum & Energy Show 2026, saying it’s moving from pilots to day-to-day deployment across 166 sites in six countries. Strait of Hormuz pressure tactics: Iran is reportedly reframing “tolls” as “maritime insurance,” allowing some “neutral” ships while warning it will block vessels linked to US cooperation—while Iran says talks with the US continue via Pakistani mediation. Diplomacy in the spotlight: India’s Jaishankar spoke by phone with Oman’s FM on West Asia and maritime security, as Oman and Iran discuss a new traffic-control mechanism for Hormuz. Oman’s green momentum: Oman Sustainability Week and OPES opened in Muscat, with OQ launching its sustainability report and highlighting 2,000MW+ renewables and a 24% rise in local value added. Local climate action: Ibra’s environment department kicked off tree-planting awareness tied to “Plant Oman 2050.” Energy finance headline: Oman Investment Authority posted record RO 2.9bn profit for 2025, ranking among the top sovereign wealth funds globally.

Oman’s energy transition accelerates: Nama and O-Green signed a PPA for a 2.7GW round-the-clock hybrid renewables project in Mahout and Duqm, targeting nearly 770MW of firm capacity—built to power data centres, advanced computing and green fuels. Sustainability Week goes into gear: Oman Petroleum & Energy Show 2026 and Oman Sustainability Week 2026 opened in Muscat under “Innovation, Investment, Impact” and “Winning Through Collaboration,” with policy and industry leaders pushing practical delivery. Corporate green wins: OQ launched its 2025 Sustainability Report, reporting 2,000MW+ renewables, 740MW+ PPAs, all 2025 emissions targets met, and a 24% rise in local value added. Local value and industry deals: Abraj Energy Services signed new cementing and services agreements at OPES, while Khazaen Economic City inked OMR5m cement products plans and expanded food and beverage production. Health and tech spotlight: SQU Hospital performed Oman’s first internal lymphatic duct closure ear surgery, and Oman showcased its Digital Hajj Health Card experience in Geneva. Regional pressure still rattles markets: Iran–US talks remain tense, with “re-escalation risks” keeping oil price swings in focus.

Strait of Hormuz Pressure: Five weeks into the ceasefire, Hormuz is still “managed,” with Iranian export activity constrained and commercial movement fragmented—keeping tanker rates elevated and pushing more trade onto alternative routes. Trade Resilience: Dubai and Oman are doubling down on land-and-sea workarounds: Dubai’s Green Corridor saw customs declarations jump from 12,000 in March to nearly 100,000 in April, while Sharjah launched an integrated logistics corridor with Oman and sent its first shipments from Port Khalid to Sohar. Oman’s Green Push: Omantel unveiled an AI Centre of Excellence and startups programme, while OCEC rolled out major solar generation and water-heating panels. Renewables Deal: Nama Power and Water Procurement and O-Green signed a hybrid continuous renewables PPA (wind, solar, battery) for Mahout and Duqm. Health Milestone: GCC basic vaccination coverage hit 100% in 2024.

Renewables Deal: Nama Power and Water Procurement and O-Green have signed a Power Purchase Agreement for a continuous hybrid renewable project in Mahout and Duqm, combining wind, solar and battery storage for 24/7 power (2.7GW total), positioning Oman for data centres, advanced industries and green fuels. Hazardous Waste Focus: A workshop at Oman Sustainability Week tackled industrial and hazardous waste management, pushing circular-economy solutions and tighter collaboration across regulators and operators. Road Push: Al Dakhiliyah is getting more connectivity, with over RO 100m allocated for integrated road projects. Hormuz Pressure: The Strait of Hormuz crisis keeps reshaping Gulf logistics, with more attention on pipelines and rail as shipping faces disruption risks. Green Energy Research: Oman’s first wave energy potential assessment is set to be unveiled, while energy planning continues to shift toward a hydrogen economy. Health & Environment: Oman’s first ear surgery using an internal lymphatic duct closure technique was performed at SQU Hospital, and the Environment Authority says vegetation cover is gradually improving through rehabilitation and afforestation.

Strait-of-Hormuz Tensions: The U.S. struck two Iranian-flagged unladen tankers and says they tried to breach its blockade, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warns any attack on its vessels would trigger a “heavy assault” on U.S. bases; Bahrain also arrested dozens it links to the Guard, as Washington waits for Iran’s response to a deal proposal to reopen Hormuz and roll back Tehran’s nuclear programme. Oman Energy Pivot: PDO unveiled “Bait Al Haitham,” a new innovation and collaboration hub aimed at shaping Oman’s energy future under Vision 2040, while Oman’s hydrogen push is framed as an energy-water-food governance model. Transport & Industry: Muscat’s expressway expansion (RO 157.2m) moves ahead with signalised junctions and lane upgrades, and Jindal plans a RO 150m steel plant in Suhar. Food Security & Skills: Ibri’s chick hatchery project is boosting poultry supply, and 19 public prosecutors join a judicial sciences programme. Marine Life: Oman expands coral reef restoration to protect biodiversity.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: The U.S. says it struck two Iranian oil tankers trying to breach its blockade, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warns any attack on its tankers or commercial ships would trigger a “heavy assault” on U.S. bases in the region—raising fresh doubts about a fragile ceasefire. Diplomacy vs Pressure: Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi says the U.S. is willing to continue talks and welcomes China’s role, as Washington presses for a deal to reopen Hormuz and curb Iran’s nuclear program. China Visit Fallout: A Trump–Xi summit in Beijing delivered “zero strategic gains” on Iran, with China continuing to buy Iranian oil. Oman Finance & Growth: Inma Fund says it has provided about OMR215m financing for 2,061 SME projects, while Oman’s listed firms posted OMR406m net profit in Q1 and insurance premiums topped OMR500m in 2025. Marine & Health: Oman’s Environment Authority expands coral reef restoration, and Khoula Hospital launches a spine endoscopy system with OMIFCO support. Digital Resilience: Oman marks World Telecommunication and Information Society Day with a focus on keeping services running during crises.

Maritime Flashpoints: The U.S. says it struck two Iranian-flagged unladen tankers trying to breach its blockade, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warns any attack on its vessels will trigger a “heavy assault” on U.S. bases—raising fresh doubts over a fragile ceasefire. Strait of Hormuz Diplomacy: Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi insists the strait stays open for all except countries “fighting with Iran,” as the U.S. presses for a deal to reopen Hormuz and curb Iran’s nuclear path. Regional Shipping Pressure: India calls the sinking of an Indian-flagged dhow off Oman “unacceptable,” and Oman’s coast guard rescued all 14 crew. Oman in Focus: Khoula Hospital launched a spine endoscopy system and signed cochlear implant funding; Omantel rolled out an AI Centre of Excellence and startups programme; drone research is expanding for marine conservation. Gulf Logistics: ASYAD says Muscat Airport Free Zone is operational, with its first usufruct deal signed.

Hormuz diplomacy under pressure: After a US-China summit, the White House says Xi and Trump agreed the Strait of Hormuz must stay open, while Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi insists it is open to all vessels except those from countries fighting Iran—adding that ships may need military coordination due to mines and obstacles. Ceasefire doubts grow: Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warns any attack on Iranian tankers or commercial ships could trigger “heavy assault” on US bases, following US strikes on two Iranian-flagged tankers trying to breach a blockade. Regional shipping keeps moving, but risk stays: Iran says it allowed a Malaysian energy ship to transit; meanwhile, the UAE is fast-tracking a new pipeline to bypass Hormuz, and Asyad Group launched the giant VLCC “Bidbid” in Seoul. Oman tech push: Omantel launched an AI Centre of Excellence and an AI Startups Program to scale practical AI products. Green energy elsewhere: Jordan signed a $1.1bn green ammonia deal aimed at producing for Europe.

Strait of Hormuz pressure spikes: The U.S. struck two Iranian oil tankers and says it’s enforcing a blockade as Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warns of “heavy assault” on U.S. bases if attacks continue, while Bahrain reports arrests tied to the Guard. Maritime risk hits Oman’s doorstep: An Indian-flagged wooden vessel sank off Oman after a suspected drone or missile strike; all 14 crew were rescued. Diplomacy vs escalation: China says there’s “no point in continuing” the Iran war and urges reopening shipping lanes, as BRICS foreign ministers meet in New Delhi with Iran urging condemnation of U.S.-Israel actions. Oman in the regional lane: Oman joined a GCC economic committee meeting focused on customs, a common market and the GCC railway. Local resilience: Khoula Hospital launched a spinal endoscopy system and funded cochlear implants, while Asyad announced Muscat Airport Free Zone’s first usufruct deal. Industry watch: EGA is in advanced talks to take a stake in Sohar Aluminium, reflecting shifting Gulf supply routes.

Strait of Hormuz Flashpoint: The U.S. says it struck two Iranian-flagged tankers trying to breach its blockade, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warns any attack on its tankers will trigger a “heavy assault” on U.S. regional bases; Bahrain also arrests dozens it links to the Guard. Oman Shipping Impact: India condemned the sinking of an Indian-flagged wooden cargo vessel off Oman after a suspected drone or missile strike, saying all 14 crew were rescued by Oman’s coast guard. Diplomacy vs Pressure: Washington is waiting on Iran’s response to a proposed deal to reopen Hormuz and ease nuclear disputes, as Iran urges BRICS to condemn U.S.-Israel actions and links any reopening to sanctions relief and frozen funds. Oman Energy & Industry: Oman pushes renewables toward at least 10% by year-end, updates its energy strategy to boost production, and readies Muscat Airport Free Zone after Asyad signs its first usufruct deal. Environment Watch: Reports of possible oil slicks in the Persian Gulf raise fresh spill risks as the conflict drags on.

Strait of Hormuz Pressure: The US moved against two Iranian-flagged tankers trying to breach its blockade in the Gulf of Oman, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned any attack on its vessels would trigger a “heavy assault” on US bases—raising fresh doubts over the fragile ceasefire. Ceasefire Fallout in the Region: Israel’s strikes intensified in Lebanon despite a US-mediated truce, with reported deaths and displacement continuing. Oil Market Squeeze: The IEA says global inventories are being drained at a record pace, meaning volatility and higher prices could last even if the war ends soon. Environment Shock: Reuters reports multiple possible Persian Gulf oil spills linked to the Iran war, including fuel leakage after a drone hit on an ADNOC-linked tanker near Oman. Oman Climate Push: Oman unveiled an updated net-zero strategy and a carbon markets framework to support carbon neutrality by 2050. Diplomacy Signals: Iran told India it would welcome a “diplomatic initiative,” as Hormuz security and nuclear talks remain stalled.

Oil Spill Risk From Hormuz Clash: A UAE-owned ADNOC Logistics & Services tanker (MV Barakah) hit by Iranian drones on May 4 is now leaking a small amount of bunker fuel off Oman, with satellite images showing a white oil trail—another reminder that the Iran conflict is turning into an environmental problem, not just a shipping crisis. Ceasefire Under Strain: Iran says it won’t start a new round of talks unless five trust-building conditions are met, including ending hostilities, lifting sanctions, releasing frozen assets, compensating war damage, and recognising Iran’s Strait of Hormuz sovereignty—while the U.S. keeps waiting for Tehran’s response to its latest deal proposal. Oman Climate Push: Oman’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals unveiled an updated net-zero strategy and a carbon market framework, alongside a revised roadmap to cut emissions by 2050. Water Security Moves: Nama launched an Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) project using water injection to store desalinated water underground for later use. Digital & Grid Build-Out: Oman Broadband signed fibre-optic agreements for residential projects, and OETC commissioned three power transmission substations in Dhofar to support cleaner generation.

Hormuz Flashpoint: The U.S. enforced blockade measures against two Iranian-flagged unladen tankers trying to enter an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned any attack on its vessels would trigger a “heavy assault” on a U.S. base—adding pressure to a ceasefire that looks increasingly fragile. Negotiations in Limbo: Washington is still waiting on Iran’s response to a proposed deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and roll back Tehran’s nuclear programme, as Trump signals frustration and Tehran weighs tougher options. Energy Ripple Effects: Gas prices in the U.S. are rising again, with Oregon up to $5.32 a gallon and the national average at $4.50, as markets react to Hormuz uncertainty. Oman Focus—Plant Health: Oman marked International Day of Plant Health, stressing plant biosecurity as a pillar for food security and environmental sustainability. Oman Economy & Industry: Bank Nizwa appointed Tariq Atiq as CEO, and Oman’s industrial sector saw bank credit to industry jump to about RO 2.918bn by end-2025.

Hormuz Tensions: The U.S. enforced blockade measures against two Iranian-flagged tankers trying to enter an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned any attack on its vessels would trigger a “heavy assault” on U.S. bases—keeping a fragile ceasefire under strain. Aviation Safety: The EU aviation regulator (EASA) extended its Israel conflict-zone advisory to May 27, urging airlines to “exercise caution” across Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, UAE and others, with some carriers extending Israel flight cancellations. Oman-India Trade: Oman and India held procedural and technical talks to activate their Free Trade Agreement, pushing customs and logistics steps ahead of an expected June 1 start. Local Development: Dhofar plans 424 km of new roads in 2026, with major completion progress already underway. Energy & Industry: PDO inaugurated its Integrated Operations Center as part of a digital transformation push, while Sohar Titanium hit 90% completion and moved into early production.

Hormuz Flashpoint: The U.S. says it struck two Iranian-flagged unladen tankers trying to breach its blockade near the Gulf of Oman, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned any attack on its vessels would trigger a “heavy assault” on U.S. bases—just as a fragile ceasefire is being tested. Diplomacy Under Strain: Washington is still waiting on Iran’s response to its latest deal proposal to reopen Hormuz and roll back Tehran’s nuclear programme, with Iran insisting its counteroffer—delivered via Pakistan—has “reasonable demands.” U.S. Footprint Damage: A new satellite-based report claims Iranian strikes have hit far more U.S. site structures than previously acknowledged, including fuel, radar and communications assets. Oman Watch: Amid the wider regional risk, Oman’s Environment Authority banned plastic water bottles in its buildings, while Shura discussions kept focus on food and water security and faster dam delivery.