AGP Executive Report

Marine Wildlife Protection: Oman’s Environment Authority and partners removed about 400kg of entangled fishing nets near Jabal Al Sawadi in Barka after reports of dead sea turtles, highlighting how lost gear harms turtles, fish and other marine life. Public Accountability for Nature: Two Ukrainian tourists were sentenced in Oman to one-month jail terms (suspended) and RO100 fines each for disturbing nesting sea turtles at Ras Al Hadd Turtle Reserve, after footage showed handling turtles and hatchlings. Regional Environmental Risk: A study warns Iran’s attacks in the Persian Gulf are compounding climate and pollution pressures, with oil spills and coastal damage threatening coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds and fisheries. Oman Sustainability & Innovation: A World Bank meeting with Oman’s Ministry of Economy focused on technical cooperation for the circular economy, including measuring progress toward Oman Vision 2040. Space for Environment: Oman Space Conference 2026 discussed using Earth observation and space data to improve government services, including agriculture and marine and environmental management.

Aviation Security in Focus: UAE says the Flydubai co-pilot, identified as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, carried out a “terrorist act” with a crash axe and tried to seize control of the cockpit on the Dubai–Tel Aviv flight; Oman had reportedly barred him from flying over extremist concerns, while investigators in multiple countries probe whether he acted alone. Maritime Safety: UKMTO reports a crude oil tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile off Oman’s coast near the Strait of Hormuz; all crew were safe and no spill was reported, but ships are urged to stay vigilant. Water & Wildlife Protection: Oman’s Environment Authority took legal action after a viral incident where an influencer sat on a sea turtle at Ras Al Hadd, highlighting wildlife-protection rules. Sustainable Agriculture Research: Oman-backed research explores harvesting water from air using solar-powered greenhouse and hydroponic systems for salt-affected lands. Food & Investment Push: Oman secured RO 97.4m in food-related investment projects and has more opportunities lined up via Invest Oman. Local Industry Growth: Raysut Industrial City localised nine new projects worth over OMR 6.5m in H1 2026, supporting Omanisation and industrial expansion.

Wildlife Protection: A Ukrainian fitness influencer apologized after Oman’s Environment Authority said it took legal action over his viral video of sitting on a sea turtle in Ras Al Hadd, with footage still circulating online despite the post being deleted. Aviation Security & Regional Risk: The UAE says a FlyDubai co-pilot, identified as Omani Hamam al-Hammami, attempted a “terrorist act” using a crash axe in the cockpit during a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight; reports also say he had been barred from flying in Oman over extremism concerns, while authorities investigate motive and links. Maritime Safety: UKMTO reported a crude oil tanker struck by an unidentified projectile off Oman, with crew safe and no environmental damage reported; separate reports also cite attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Oman Industry & Investment: OPAZ will showcase Oman’s pharmaceutical and medical device cluster plans at Milan Pharmaceuticals Exhibition 2026, aiming to attract investment and strengthen local drug security. Energy Storage Push: ROX Capital Group launched a Gulf Energy Storage Platform to develop battery and long-duration storage projects across the UAE and Oman, including regional assembly and manufacturing opportunities. Business Enablement: Oman updated fee payment on the Oman Business Platform for commercial registry and agency services, letting applicants pay a nominal fee first and settle the rest later. Local Economy: Raysut Industrial City localised nine projects worth over OMR6.5mn in H1 2026, supporting Omanisation and industrial expansion.

Maritime Security in the Gulf: UKMTO says a crude oil tanker was hit by an unknown projectile about four nautical miles east of Oman; all crew were safe and no environmental impact was reported, with authorities investigating. Hormuz Shipping Threats: A British maritime agency also reported two tanker attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, including a small fire and blackout on one vessel; again, no casualties or environmental damage were reported. Research Funding for Oman: The Research and Innovation Authority allocated OMR2.2 million for 467 research proposals under the 2026 cycle, spanning fields from environmental and biological resources to energy, health, and urban planning. Consumer Protection Push: Oman’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion stepped up field inspections across governorates to enforce standards, tackle counterfeit goods, and protect consumers and investors. Wildlife Protection Backlash: A viral incident in Oman involving tourists “riding” a sea turtle sparked outrage and legal action, highlighting strict rules at turtle nesting reserves. Aviation Incident Fallout: Reports say an Omani flydubai co-pilot accused in a cockpit attack had previously been barred from flying over extremist concerns, as investigations continue.

Wildlife Protection & Enforcement: A Ukrainian influencer viralized “riding” an adult sea turtle while it tried to lay eggs at Oman’s Ras al Hadd Turtle Reserve, sparking outrage and legal action as Oman’s Environment Authority said it is taking steps against those involved. Marine Science: New genetic work supports classifying Arabian Sea humpback whales as a distinct fourth subspecies, Megaptera novaeangliae indica, highlighting how unique Oman-area wildlife may need tailored conservation. Desertification & Land Restoration: The Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for the Environment backed Algeria’s Green Dam project, urging Arab-level review and wider adoption to fight desertification and land degradation. Regional Environment Recognition: Amman was named Arab Environmental Capital, with Oman’s Salalah receiving a certificate of appreciation for environmental efforts. Oman Environment & Tourism Context: Oman’s turtle reserve rules and visitor responsibilities are again in the spotlight after the turtle-handling backlash, while tourism coverage notes Oman’s appeal beyond regional conflict.

Maritime Safety in Focus: A tanker was struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, triggering a fire; the crew was reported safe, but any environmental impact is still unclear. Oman’s Environment & Wildlife: Oman referred a Ukrainian influencer to prosecutors after viral footage showed him entering Ras Al Jinz at night without a permit and riding/mishandling an endangered sea turtle; officials said an apology doesn’t undo the wildlife violations. Marine Science: New genetic research led by WCS and Oman partners suggests Arabian Sea humpback whales are a distinct fourth subspecies, strengthening the case for targeted conservation. Green Hydrogen & Resilience: Oman’s Environment Authority joined Arab environment talks in Cairo, stressing rangeland protection as a resilience strategy against climate change, drought and land degradation. Aviation & Tech (Oman): MTCIT and CAA launched Oman’s Strategic Programme for Advanced Air Mobility demonstrations and live trials, with a Dec 2026 regulatory sandbox for future aviation and services. Digital Skills: Ericsson’s Digital Lab programme expanded Oman’s hands-on training for AI, robotics, coding and electronics, supporting Vision 2040 workforce goals.

Wildlife Protection: Oman’s Environment Authority says it has taken legal measures after a Ukrainian influencer video showed him sitting on a nesting sea turtle at Ras Al Jinz/Ras Al Hadd, sparking global backlash and renewed calls to follow reserve rules. Fisheries Management: Oman’s spiny lobster “sharkha” season opened today (until Nov. 30) with strict regulations aimed at protecting stocks; 2025 production hit about 645 tonnes worth roughly OMR 4.255m. Marine Conservation Research: New research reports Arabian Sea humpback whales off Oman haven’t grown in 20 years and may represent a distinct fourth subspecies, with threats including vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglement. Coastline Cleanup: Authorities in Salalah returned about 135 tonnes of treated, oil-polluted sand to Awqad Beach after a multi-month cleanup and lab testing. Energy & Climate Tech: Trinasolar says grid-scale storage for the region’s solar and green hydrogen buildout depends on reliable, bankable energy storage systems as utilities scale up. Governance & Skills: Oman’s Labour Ministry urges a shift toward a capability economy, focusing on continuous skills development rather than one-time education.

Wildlife Protection in Oman: A viral incident at Ras al Hadd has triggered outrage after a Ukrainian influencer couple filmed themselves riding and posing on a sea turtle while it was allegedly trying to lay eggs; Oman’s Environment Authority says the behaviour violated wildlife protection rules and that “legal action” was taken, while the influencer later apologized. Sea Turtle Nesting Records: Separate reporting highlights record sea-turtle nesting counts in Florida, Texas and Georgia, underscoring how sensitive nesting seasons are worldwide. Maritime Security & Hormuz: US and Iran messaging around the Strait of Hormuz continues, with reports of a crude oil tanker hit in the strait and renewed debate over shipping safety and regional stability. Oman’s Conservation Tourism Rules: Coverage also points visitors to turtle-reserve guidelines—what to do, what not to do, and why getting too close can harm nesting. Agriculture & Biodiversity: Oman registered the “Razat” banana variety with UPOV after technical tests, adding a protected local crop to the country’s agricultural innovation pipeline.

Sea Turtle Protection in Ras Al Hadd: Oman’s Environment Authority took legal action after a viral video showed a Ukrainian influencer sitting on a protected sea turtle during nesting at Ras Al Hadd, with authorities reiterating strict rules: don’t touch, approach or disturb nesting turtles. Wildlife Enforcement: The EA also moved against another tourist over social media posts tied to disturbing sea turtles at Ras Al Hadd, warning it will not tolerate harm to wildlife or habitats. Marine Monitoring Upgrade: Ecocoast and Xylem partnered to integrate Xylem sensing into Ecocoast’s GCC buoy platforms, enabling real-time water-quality and ocean monitoring for early spill detection across Oman and the region. Green Hydrogen Push: Oman plans green hydrogen exports by 2030 and is seeking deeper renewable-energy cooperation with India, including SAF and green fuels. Innovation Boost: Oman advanced 8 places in the Global Innovation Index 2026 innovation inputs pillar, reaching 47th globally. Oil Spill Cleanup in Salalah: 135 tonnes of treated sand were returned to Auqad Beach after clearing oil derivatives as part of environmental rehabilitation. Arctic Shipping Warning: A report highlights rising risks on Russia’s Northern Sea Route as more shadow-fleet vessels transit in harsher conditions.

Sea Turtle Protection: Oman’s Environment Authority has launched legal action after a viral incident in Ras Al Hadd where a Ukrainian influencer and partner were filmed sitting on a nesting sea turtle and handling hatchlings, sparking international backlash and renewed calls for visitors to keep distance during nesting season. Marine Science: New genetic research confirms Arabian Sea humpback whales are a distinct subspecies, highlighting limited gene flow and the population’s vulnerability to entanglement, noise, pollution and disease. Oil Spill Cleanup: In Salalah, 135 tonnes of treated sand were returned to Auqad Beach after clearance of oil derivatives as part of natural rehabilitation following oil pollution. Green Hydrogen Push: Oman plans to export green hydrogen by 2030 and is seeking deeper renewable-energy cooperation with India, including policy work for cleaner aviation fuels. Innovation Ranking: Oman advanced 8 places to 47th in the Global Innovation Index 2026 innovation inputs pillar, with gains across key policy and investment indicators. Green Industry: Work is progressing on Oman’s high-purity graphite refinery project in Al Buraimi, aimed at battery and energy-storage supply chains. Smart Tourism: A GCC tourism report urges data sharing and AI-driven services to support smarter, more personalized tourism across the region. Diplomacy & Shipping Risk: Indirect US-Iran talks continue via Qatar as tensions keep Strait of Hormuz shipping under pressure, with reports of incidents near the route.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: A merchant vessel was hit and caught fire while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, with crew condition and cargo details still unclear, as Iran and the US trade claims about attacks and warship positioning. Marine Life & Wildlife Protection: A Ukrainian couple in Oman faced backlash after a video appeared to show them sitting on a sea turtle; conservation groups said wild turtles shouldn’t be touched or used as photo props, and the tourist later apologised. Oman Research & Heritage: Omani researchers won first place at the Sharjah International Award for Cultural Heritage for work on the Sidr tree, linking scientific and traditional knowledge to preserve and expand cultivation. GCC Marine Monitoring Upgrade: Ecocoast partnered with Xylem to integrate real-time sensing into marine monitoring buoys across the GCC, including Oman, to speed up detection of oil spills and other emergencies. Climate Finance Push: Oman’s finance minister urged scaling up climate finance for resilient growth, stressing policy foundations, risk-sharing and more private-sector mobilisation. Green Hydrogen Outlook: Oman’s ambassador to India said Oman aims to export green hydrogen by 2030 and is seeking collaboration with India. Arab Agriculture Day: Oman highlighted sustainable rangeland management, warning that climate change, water scarcity and land degradation demand better monitoring and restoration. New Soil Science for Farming: Researchers reported a simpler, cheaper method to measure biologically active phosphorus in soil, helping explain how microbes support plant nutrition. Conservation Science: A genetic study supports recognising Arabian Sea humpback whales as a distinct subspecies, backed by Oman’s Environment Authority and partners.

Soil Science in Oman: Researchers at Sultan Qaboos University and partners, including Oman’s Environment Authority, tested a simpler, cheaper lab method to measure DNA-bound phosphorus in soil—helping track how microbes recycle nutrients and reduce fertilizer waste. Wadis Protection: A North Al Sharqiyah forum focused on environmental legislation for wadis, covering flood-risk management, sediment movement, and how to protect wadi buffer zones from risky urban expansion. Resilient Infrastructure: In Sur, Oman Water Society and partners held talks on planning infrastructure that can withstand natural hazards and keep essential services running, aligning with Oman Vision 2040. Green Hydrogen Push: IRENA and Oman’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals will host an Oct 6 workshop on making green hydrogen and derivatives more competitive, tackling cost, technology, and offtake barriers. Sea Turtle Case: Oman’s Environment Authority moved to take action after a tourist was accused of riding a sea turtle and handling a hatchling at Ras Al Jinz, sparking online outrage. Food Security: Oman is expanding potato production through targeted projects, adding to vegetables, onions, and garlic to strengthen local supply and reduce import reliance. Tourism & Nature: World Tourism Day updates highlighted a near 7% rise in Oman tourist visa arrivals, while winter visitors in Dhofar are increasingly drawn to wadis, mountains, beaches, and frankincense sites.

Wildlife Protection: Oman’s Environment Authority has launched legal action against a tourist over disturbing sea turtles at Ras Al Hadd, urging visitors to avoid touching or approaching nesting turtles to protect marine biodiversity. Tourism Accountability: A separate report says tourists sat on a sea turtle’s shell and handled hatchlings, sparking swift public backlash and airport intervention. Soil & Food Security Science: Sultan Qaboos University and Oman’s Environment Authority helped develop a simpler, cheaper lab method to measure DNA-bound phosphorus in soil, helping track how microbes make nutrients available to plants. Digital Push: Oman launched the Midad Digital Centre at Innovation Park Muscat to build skills and innovation in 5G, IoT and AI. Greening Efforts: Al Sharqiyah North rolled out the “Green Legacy, Lasting Planting” project to expand green spaces and support climate resilience. Space Sector Growth: Oman’s space investment jumped 270% to OMR74mn, with more companies and jobs driving the sector forward. Tourism Strategy: World Tourism Day in Oman focused on a digital agenda and AI to redesign the visitor journey.

Soil & Food Security: Researchers with Sultan Qaboos University, Oman’s Environment Authority and partners developed a simpler, cheaper way to measure DNA-bound phosphorus in soil, helping track how microbes recycle nutrients for better fertility and more sustainable farming. Oman’s Space Push: Oman is drafting a dedicated national space law to strengthen the regulatory setup for its fast-growing space economy, while a separate report shows private investment in the sector jumped 270% to OMR74mn (2025). Digital Tourism & Innovation: World Tourism Day in Oman focused on a “Digital Agenda and AI” approach, with the ministry backing local community-led, heritage- and nature-friendly experiences. Digital Capacity: RIA inaugurated the Midad Digital Centre at Innovation Park Muscat to build national skills in emerging tech like 5G, IoT and AI. Sustainable Rangelands: Oman marked Arab Agriculture Day by stressing rangeland sustainability amid climate change, water scarcity and land degradation, calling for modern monitoring and better grazing management. Hospitality Outlook: Oman plans to deliver 700 new hotel rooms by end-2026 as tourism demand remains sensitive to regional travel conditions. Workplace Safety: Labour Ministry wrapped up “Safe Summer 2026,” reviewing heat-risk controls and midday work permits.

Renewables & wildlife: Oman’s Riyah 1 wind project in Dhofar is carrying out bird and bat risk checks, including surveys during autumn migration and summer breeding, to guide turbine planning and monitoring as wind expands across the country. Energy transition: Oman has won the right to host the 23rd World Wind Energy Congress in 2027, with Nama Power and Water Procurement Company set to host under the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, spotlighting wind and solar growth under Oman Vision 2040. Environment law: Oman’s environmental permit rules for high-risk projects are highlighted under Royal Decree 114/2001, requiring permits before works start and impact assessments where risks can’t be avoided or treated. Tourism & sustainability: On World Tourism Day, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development points to sustainable tourism investment that links hospitality with infrastructure and local capabilities, including a Salalah tourism complex and coastal development. Tourism capacity in Oman: A report says Oman will deliver 700 new hotel rooms by end-2026, taking inventory to 40,800 keys, with Khareef and winter seasons key for H2 performance. Regional pressure on shipping: Oman reiterated calls for self-restraint and dialogue over the Strait of Hormuz crisis, as global shipping and seafarer safety remain under strain.

Oman diplomacy at UNGA: Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr al Busaidi used the 81st UN General Assembly in New York to stress dialogue, non-interference and respect for international law, warning that escalation around the Strait of Hormuz harms navigation, energy security and trade. UNICEF partnership: In separate talks, Badr met UNICEF chief Catherine Russell to review cooperation for 2026–2030 and push support for children affected by conflicts across Gaza, Sudan, Yemen and Syria. Renewables with wildlife in mind: Oman’s Riyah 1 wind project in Dhofar is assessing bird and bat collision risks, including surveys around nearby wetlands, as wind expands across habitats. Renewable energy push: Oman won the right to host the 23rd World Wind Energy Congress in 2027, backed by Nama Power and Water Procurement, as the country targets a diversified energy mix. Wind power planning: A related report notes turbines must account for seasonal wildlife movement, linking environmental studies to layout and monitoring. Environmental permitting under Omani law: A legal explainer highlights that high-risk projects need an environmental permit before work starts, with impact assessments required where damage can’t be avoided or remedied. Khareef to Sarb migration: As Dhofar’s monsoon ends, camels begin returning to grazing areas, showing how seasonal cycles are adapting to changing livelihoods. Oman business climate: Oman is rolling out a national programme to improve the investor-friendly business environment and boost non-oil trade, aiming to streamline approvals and reduce repeated paperwork. Energy output update: Duqm Refinery reported production at about 255,000 bpd (around 110% of design capacity) and revenues of roughly $7bn in 2025.