AGP Executive Report

Maritime Security in the Gulf: UKMTO says several merchant vessels in the northern Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman were hit by “disabling fire” during military activity, with no confirmed details yet on casualties or environmental impact—captains are urged to stay alert. Hormuz Environmental Risk: With US-Iran tensions escalating and tankers repeatedly targeted, analysts warn the Strait of Hormuz could become an “environmental tinderbox” if attacks trigger fires, sinkings or oil spills. Energy Prices and Climate Link: Brent crude pushed above $100 a barrel on Sept 9 as conflict fears raise supply disruption worries, adding pressure to regional shipping routes and energy markets. Oman’s Green Mobility Push: Hyundai Motor Group signed MoUs with Oman’s transport and energy bodies for smart city and eco-friendly mobility, including a pilot hydrogen city bus and ultra-fast EV charging in Muscat. EV Charging Rules: Oman will introduce new EV charging fees from Oct 1 (50–120 baisa per kWh depending on charger capacity), aiming to bring transparency and support charging infrastructure growth. Oman Climate Week Focus: Oman Climate Week (Sept 14–16) is framed as a shift from climate ambition to climate action, with talks spanning renewables, green hydrogen, circular economy, water security, biodiversity and smart cities.

EV Charging Policy: Oman will introduce regulated public EV charging fees from October 1, 2026, set at 50–120 Baisa per kWh depending on charger capacity, aiming to bring price transparency and support sustainable expansion of charging infrastructure. Climate Action Platform: Oman Climate Week is framed as a shift from climate ambition to climate action, with renewable energy, green hydrogen, circular economy, water security, carbon markets and biodiversity on the agenda (Sept 14–16). Urban Sustainability: Oman hosted the 20th General Conference of the Arab Towns Organisation in Salalah under “More Innovative and Sustainable Cities,” focusing on sustainable urban development and digital transformation. Clean Air & Data for SDGs: Oman marked International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, while ESCWA’s 17th statistical session in Al Jabal Al Akhdar highlighted the need for reliable data to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. Marine Life Research: Gulf of Oman scientists are studying how warmer, more acidic, lower-oxygen seas may affect wildlife, including sea turtles and coral reefs, using AI to track individuals. Energy & Environment Risk: A new report warns that oil demand may plateau/peak between 2030 and 2035, with major fiscal exposure for oil-dependent states including Oman.

Clean Air Focus: Oman marked the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies (7 September) under “Clean Air for Climate Action,” with the Environment Authority highlighting air-quality monitoring, emission tracking and tools to cut pollution. Smart Mobility & EV Pricing: Oman Airports tested a self-driving electric vehicle at Salalah Airport, while the Ministry of Transport set EV charging fees from 1 October (50–120 baisa/kWh) to regulate the market and support sustainable charging growth. Sustainable Cities Dialogue: The 20th General Conference of the Arab Towns Organization opened in Salalah on “More Innovative and Sustainable Cities,” putting climate change and environmental sustainability at the centre of urban planning discussions. Green Logistics Deals: Asyad Group signed agreements in Salalah on autonomous freight, green hydrogen mobility and onshore power supply for vessels, aiming for lower-emission logistics aligned with Oman’s net-zero push. Maritime Risk Warning: Global shipping rules are under strain as wars and shadow fleets erode navigation norms, with the Strait of Hormuz highlighted as a key pressure point. Oman–China Zones: Oman and China discussed investment cooperation in special economic zones and free zones, including renewable energy supply chains and advanced manufacturing.

Oman’s EV push: Muscat set new electric vehicle charging fees from October 1, with tariffs of 50–120 baisa per kWh depending on charger capacity, aiming to bring more transparency and support sustainable charging expansion. Clean air focus: Oman marked International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies (7 September) under “Clean Air for Climate Action,” highlighting air-quality monitoring, pollution-source tracking, and tighter emission regulation. Hydrogen & smart mobility: Hyundai Motor Group signed an MoU with Oman’s transport ministry at the Gulf Green Mobility Forum, backing smart-city cooperation and eco-friendly mobility, including a pilot hydrogen city bus and ultra-fast EV charging in Muscat. Health with a sustainability angle: Sohar International backed Oman’s “Pulse of Life” initiative via an MoU with Athar, funding ABPI devices and training to improve early detection of peripheral arterial disease. Urban development in Dhofar: The Arab Towns Organization held its 64th meeting in Salalah, discussing digital city management, sustainable transport, and balancing growth with environmental conservation. Water security in Dhofar: Oman is also exploring fog harvesting in Dhofar to boost non-conventional water sources. Regional shipping risk: Iran said it will declare a restricted maritime zone beyond the Strait of Hormuz and warned vessels could face sanctions, while Iran also claims talks with Oman on a temporary corridor are nearing completion.

Maritime Security & Environment: Iran says it will announce a “restricted/prohibited” zone beyond the Strait of Hormuz in the coming days, starting from the US naval blockade line and extending into parts of the Persian Gulf, warning that any vessel entering without coordination could be put on Iran’s sanctions list—while Tehran also claims it won’t sink ships for now due to environmental concerns. Shipping Disruption & Oil Risks: With commercial traffic reported at its lowest since May and tanker attacks continuing, analysts warn the escalation could push oil prices sharply higher, raising the risk of more pollution incidents across the Gulf and Oman coastlines. Oman–Rwanda Partnership: Oman and Rwanda are deepening ties through new air connectivity and logistics cooperation, plus emerging-tech collaboration in areas like AI, cloud computing and dry ports. AI for National Data: Oman launched the results of its AI-powered household income and expenditure survey, aiming to make official statistics faster, more accurate and more sustainable for policy planning. Heat & Children’s Rights: A UNICEF Oman-linked study highlights how extreme heat is affecting children’s education and wellbeing, stressing higher vulnerability to dehydration and heat stress. Wildlife Conservation: Oman’s “Environment Protectors” programme helped return 6,146 baby turtles to the sea and addressed stranded adult turtles, alongside beach clean-ups and public awareness. Green Mobility: OQ and Asyad signed hydrogen offtake/term-sheet moves to boost low-carbon logistics and mobility in Oman.

Groundwater & Climate Resilience: Kuwait’s KISR, with the IAEA, is running a regional meeting on protecting groundwater using nuclear techniques to map vulnerability and set protection zones amid climate change and pollution pressures, with Oman among participating countries. Marine Wildlife Protection: Oman’s “Environment Protectors” programme helped return 6,146 baby turtles to the sea and handled 264 stranded adult turtles, alongside beach clean-ups and awareness for over 12,000 visitors. Green Hydrogen for Mobility: OQ Alternative Energy and Asyad signed an offtake term sheet to scale green hydrogen use for mobility in Oman, linking Duqm production to transport decarbonisation. Hydrogen Public Transport Pilot: Hyundai Motor Group and Oman’s transport authorities plan a hydrogen-powered city bus in Muscat via Mwasalat, with a passenger-service pilot from late 2026 into 2027. Renewables & Net-Zero Push: Oman is expanding renewable energy under updated net-zero and carbon markets rules, with the Oman Centre for Net Zero set to track progress. Cross-Border Power for Yemen: Oman and Yemen signed an agreement to connect electricity networks, aiming to ease Mahra’s chronic power shortages through integration with Oman’s Dhofar grid. Sea-Turtle Season Logistics: Turtle nesting areas also saw vehicle monitoring and compliance checks during the egg-hatching and hatchling movement period. Regional Energy Security: OPEC+ kept October output levels steady as Hormuz disruption and wider tensions continue to cloud shipping and supply risks. Sustainable Port Spotlight: Khalifa Bin Salman Port in Bahrain received a “Sustainable Institution” award for a large solar rollout that powers port operations and cuts carbon footprint.

Green Hydrogen Push: OQ Alternative Energy and Asyad Group signed an offtake term sheet and MoU to study green hydrogen use in Oman’s transport and logistics, linking Duqm production to real mobility applications. Clean Mobility in Muscat: Mwasalat will pilot a Hyundai hydrogen-powered city bus on regular routes from Q3 2026 to Q3 2027, with performance and environmental checks against diesel services. Standards for Sustainability: Oman’s Standards and Specifications Index rose 33.8% by end-Q2 2026, with new GCC standards covering AI environmental sustainability, EV charging, renewable energy systems, logistics and tourism environmental guidelines. Solar Port Win: APM Terminals Bahrain’s Khalifa Bin Salman Port won a “Sustainable Institution” award after a BD3.8m solar project cutting carbon footprint by 71% in 2025. Water & Heat Resilience: Dhofar is exploring fog harvesting in mountains to boost non-conventional water sources. Regional Shipping Risk: UKMTO reported merchant vessels in the northern Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman were hit by “disabling fire,” with no confirmed casualty or environmental impact. Tourism Demand: Oman welcomed 6.94 lakh Indian visitors in 2025, up 11%, with 3.81 lakh arrivals in Jan–Jun 2026.

Maritime Security Shock: The US says it struck three Iranian crude tankers on 5 September, “permanently disabling” two and “completely destroying” one, after Iran’s IRGC launched ballistic missiles at US warships near the Strait of Hormuz—while UKMTO reported merchant vessels hit by “disabling fire” amid ongoing military activity. Oman’s Hormuz Stance: Oman rejected Iran’s reported proposal to jointly impose Strait of Hormuz service fees, with Muscat aiming to avoid confrontation as the US blockade and tariff threats loom. Green Hydrogen Push: OQ Alternative Energy and Asyad signed key terms to study green hydrogen use in Oman’s transport and logistics, and Oman joined the International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE) to scale value chains and standards. Low-Carbon Mobility & Transport: Oman’s transport ministry inaugurated 380km of new roads in Dhofar, while Oman Vision 2040-linked mobility deals also point to hydrogen and EV pilots. Standards for Cleaner Growth: Oman’s Standards and Specifications Index rose 33.8% by Q2 2026, expanding technical specs for areas including energy efficiency, renewables, EVs, logistics and tourism.

Green Mobility & Transport: Oman’s Vision 2040 push got a boost at the Gulf Green Mobility Forum in Salalah, where Hyundai Motor Group signed MoUs with Oman’s transport and tech ministry to support hydrogen fuel-cell public transport and EV charging, including a Muscat pilot for Oman’s first hydrogen city bus and plans for ultra-fast EV chargers. Regional Sustainability Recognition: Bahrain also walked away with two Gulf Green Mobility Forum awards, including a solar sustainability win for Khalifa Bin Salman Port and a leadership honour for a mobility official. Water & Environment Risk (Regional): Oman rejected Iran’s proposal to jointly charge service fees for Strait of Hormuz passage, with the dispute framed around environmental and security services—an issue that matters for maritime safety and pollution control. Health Milestone: Oman completed its fourth heart transplant, with four lives saved from one brain-dead donor, highlighting growing national organ donation coordination. EU-GCC Climate/Environment Diplomacy: EU and GCC leaders set a second summit in Saudi Arabia on Oct. 24, with climate change, energy and the environment listed among key cooperation areas.

Green Mobility in Oman: Hyundai Motor Group signed MOUs with Oman’s transport ministry and Oman Oil Marketing Co to speed up hydrogen and EV public transport, including Oman’s first hydrogen fuel-cell city bus and ultra-fast EV charging infrastructure. Renewables Pipeline: Oman’s PWP invited bids for legal consultancy on three Solar 2030 projects totaling 3,000MW, aiming for commercial operations in 2030. EU-GCC Cooperation: Saudi Arabia will host the second EU-GCC summit on Oct. 24, with Oman among the GCC states, as trade and strategic ties deepen. Strait of Hormuz Fees Rejected: Oman turned down Iran’s proposal to jointly charge service fees for ships, citing concerns over environmental and security tolling. Shipping Safety & Environment Risks: Reports say multiple tankers were hit near Oman in Hormuz attacks, raising fresh concerns for maritime safety and potential pollution impacts. Water Security Shock Abroad: A rare microalgae bloom temporarily knocked out most Israeli desalination plants, a reminder of how fragile water systems can be.

Green Mobility in Oman: Hyundai Motor Group signed MOUs with Oman’s transport ministry and Oman Oil Marketing Company to speed up a green mobility shift under Vision 2040, including Oman’s first hydrogen fuel-cell city bus and ultra-fast EV charging infrastructure in Salalah and Muscat. Renewables Pipeline: Oman Power and Water Procurement (PWP) invited bids for legal consultancy for three Solar 2030 projects totaling 3,000MW, targeting commercial operations in Q2 2030. Dhofar Clean-Energy Planning: The Salalah Engineering Forum urged a phased plan to ready Oman’s electricity grid for higher renewables, plus smart-energy pilot projects and a lasting industry–university research platform. Plastic & Clean-Air Push: A new debate piece highlights how plastic promotion and weak air-cleaning habits can undermine environmental health. Hormuz Fees Rebuff: Oman rejected Iran’s proposal to jointly collect service fees for Strait of Hormuz passage, with Muscat saying it would not approve charges tied to environmental and security services. Shipping Risk Escalation: Reports describe near-simultaneous projectile attacks on Liberia-flagged and Saudi tankers near Oman, raising fresh concerns for maritime safety in the “Omani corridor.” Youth & Environment: Oman reaffirmed support for UN youth empowerment, while Dhofar’s Khareef season showcased youth projects and local business gains.

Strait of Hormuz Shipping Risk: Oman has quietly rejected Iran’s pitch to charge service fees for commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, despite IRGC claims—keeping the focus on mediation rather than tolling. Maritime Security in Oman’s Corridor: A Saudi crude tanker and a second vessel were hit by unknown projectiles near Khasab, with UK maritime authorities reporting incidents as US-Iran tensions keep shipping risk elevated. Qatar–Oman Trade Push: Qatar’s commerce minister met Omani counterparts to deepen trade, investment and private-sector cooperation, with both sides reviewing joint opportunities in logistics and transport. Dhofar Youth & Khareef Economy: Khareef Dhofar Season 2026 wrapped up with hundreds of events, spotlighting youth projects and SMEs alongside tourism and Omani products. Water & Environment Innovation: Oman is exploring fog harvesting in Dhofar to boost non-conventional water sources, as part of wider efforts to tackle water and climate challenges. Mosquito Control Knowledge Share: MRCU and the University of Glasgow took part in an Oman symposium on mosquito vector control, sharing regional experience to reduce disease risks. Youth Empowerment at UN: Oman reaffirmed its commitment to UNICEF and youth participation under UN Youth Strategy 2030. Green Mobility Forum: Salalah hosted the Gulf Green Mobility Forum’s “Wasal” programme, focusing on express delivery regulation, digital transformation and a gradual shift toward electric bicycles.

Strait of Hormuz Energy Shock: The U.S. escorted 40 commercial vessels carrying about 18 million barrels through Hormuz on Sept. 1, even as strikes and counterstrikes continued—highlighting how quickly the world’s oil lifeline can swing from near-standstill to heavy flow. Maritime Risk and Environment: Reports also point to tanker attacks and claims of mine-related incidents near Oman, raising fresh concerns for marine safety and the risk of pollution and invasive species spread. Oman Climate Prep for COP31: Oman’s Environment Authority kicked off early national preparations for COP31, setting up teams for oversight, negotiations and media to coordinate climate action priorities. Dhofar Water Innovation: Oman is testing fog harvesting in Dhofar mountains during Khareef to study non-conventional water potential, using low-energy collection stations. Mosquito Control in Oman: MRCU shared Gulf mosquito management experience at an international symposium in Salalah, with WHO highlighting dengue, Zika and chikungunya risks. Cooling Demand Trend: A new “cooling economy” story shows how rising heat is driving massive power demand—an issue that matters for Oman’s energy and air quality planning. Oman-UNICEF Commitment: Oman reaffirmed support for UNICEF and children’s rights ahead of its final term in the Executive Board.

Fog Harvesting in Dhofar: Oman’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources is testing fog harvesting in Dhofar’s mountains to turn Khareef moisture into a non-conventional water source, with 12 collection stations across nine locations to measure how much can be captured. COP31 Prep in Muscat: The Environment Authority kicked off early national implementation work for COP31, bringing together Oman’s negotiation, media, and oversight teams to align action plans and responsibilities for the climate summit. Strait of Hormuz Environmental Risk: Fresh reports of tanker attacks and “mined corridor” claims around Hormuz raise pollution and biosecurity concerns for the Omani corridor, with shipping disruptions and environmental stakes growing as vessels are hit near Oman’s coast. Oman’s Climate Cooperation: Oman chaired a semi-annual meeting of the Federation of Arab Scientific Research Councils, reviewing research awards, innovation networks, and plans to activate Arab scientific exchange and green innovation programmes. Oman–UNICEF Commitment: Oman reaffirmed its support for UNICEF and partners to protect children’s rights and well-being at the UN’s 2026 UNICEF Executive Board session. Shrimp Season Starts: Oman’s shrimp fishing season runs Sept 1 to Nov 30, with rules banning fishing and certain nets outside the season to protect stocks.

Oman–UN Child Protection: Oman reaffirmed its commitment to UNICEF and international partners to protect children’s rights, ahead of its final UNICEF Executive Board session for 2026 in New York. SME Support in Salalah: BankDhofar hosted an SME Growth Forum, spotlighting financing and digital solutions for small businesses as Oman pushes Vision 2040 diversification. Oman’s Shrimp Season Starts: Oman’s shrimp fishing season runs Sept 1–Nov 30, with strict rules on gear and trading outside the window to safeguard marine resources. Banking Meets AI at MEBIS 2026: The Middle East Banking Innovation Summit (MEBIS 2026) is set for Sept 16–17 in Dubai, focusing on how banks should use AI, payments, data and cybersecurity responsibly. Strait of Hormuz Environmental Risk: Renewed US-Iran strikes and tanker-for-tanker attacks near Oman raise pollution concerns, including reports of a supertanker hit and listing near the Omani coast. School-Year Safety Drive: Royal Oman Police launched a traffic plan for the new school year, warning against speeding, phone use and unsafe overtaking near schools. Energy Transition Training: Al Sharqiyah South trained officials on “New Energy,” covering energy transition, efficiency and emissions reduction.

Strait of Hormuz Security: Two Saudi crude supertankers were hit by unknown projectiles within minutes while transiting outbound near Oman, with UKMTO reporting no casualties or environmental impact so far—raising fresh fears for one of the world’s key energy routes. US-Iran Escalation: The US says it has begun new strikes on IRGC targets in Iran after “attempted attacks” on commercial shipping in Hormuz, as Iran signals readiness to return to a June ceasefire if Washington resumes commitments. Oman-Saudi Coordination: Omani analysts say Gulf, maritime security are central to Riyadh–Muscat talks, with Oman and Saudi Arabia framed as key partners for stabilising regional shipping and energy flows. Oman’s Energy Transition Capacity: Al Sharqiyah South trains officials on the “new energy” shift, covering energy transition, efficiency and emissions reduction. Halal Tourism Standards: A Salalah workshop pushes recognised standards and certification to help Oman turn Muslim travel demand into consistent, scalable service. Native Biodiversity Spotlight: Oman highlights the Būt tree (Monotheca buxifolia), a highland wild plant valued for edible fruit and conservation. Plastic Pollution Backlash: A report says plastics industry groups are pushing classroom “lesson plans” that downplay environmental harm, prompting calls for stricter school rules. Power Infrastructure Finance: Sohar International and NBO sign a $720m refinancing facility for Phoenix Power after a 15-year PPA extension, supporting reliability of Oman’s power system.