AGP Executive Report

Zakat Healthcare Access: Oman’s Ministry of Health, with MERA and the Health Endowment Foundation (Athar), launched the second Zakat Beneficiaries Treatment Initiative to fund surgical and diagnostic imaging care in accredited private hospitals; registration opens July 5 and runs to Aug 20, with treatments starting September 2026. Organ Donation Awareness: Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB) held a public organ donation awareness event at Al Araimi Boulevard, featuring religious and legal panel discussions and booths to clear myths and guide donor registration. Summer Worker Safety: The Ministry of Labour urged petrol stations nationwide to strengthen heat-stress and fire-safety measures for staff during the summer period, even though the mid-day work break rules don’t directly apply to petrol stations. Digital Safety for Kids: YouTube rolled out supervised kid accounts across MENA, including Oman, with age-appropriate settings, privacy protections, and parental controls like Shorts feed timers and bedtime reminders. Teacher Training Admissions: Oman’s Ministry of Education introduced updated admission requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma in Education, including GPA and credit-hour thresholds and possible interviews/assessments. Cancer Survivorship & Early Detection: Oman Cancer Association marked its Cancer Survivor Programme, spotlighting survivor stories and the importance of early detection and ongoing follow-up.

Zakat-backed care expands: Oman’s Ministry of Health, with MERA and the Health Endowment Foundation (Athar), has launched the second Zakat Beneficiaries Treatment Initiative, using accredited private hospitals to speed up surgical and diagnostic imaging access; registration runs July 5–Aug 20, with treatments set to begin in September. Organ donation push: Oman Medical Specialty Board held organ donation awareness events in Muscat, featuring religious and legal panels plus myth-busting booths to encourage public donor registration. Cancer survivor spotlight: Oman Cancer Association marked its Cancer Survivor Programme, bringing survivors and clinicians together to stress early detection, prevention, and long-term follow-up support. Diabetes drug deal for Oman: Daewoong Pharmaceutical signed a $93.4m export agreement to supply Envlo (an SGLT-2 inhibitor) to eight MENA markets including Oman, targeting approvals in Saudi this year and launches from H1 2027. Health system capacity via private sector: The zakat initiative also aims to reduce waiting lists at referral hospitals by leveraging private healthcare capacity. Community screening: A free community health screening in Omanjor (Ga North) offered blood pressure, blood sugar, and HIV screening with counselling, reinforcing prevention and early diagnosis.

Organ Donation Push: Oman Medical Specialty Board held a community awareness event in Muscat to boost organ donation registrations, featuring panels on religious/legal aspects and medical criteria, plus an exhibition to clear myths. Medical Safety Watch: Oman’s Ministry of Health launched a campaign to help people spot counterfeit and substandard medical devices, urging checks on labels, serial numbers, expiry dates, and manufacturer logos. Community Health Screening: Ga North Health Directorate and the municipal assembly ran a free screening drive at Omanjor offering blood pressure, blood sugar, and HIV screening with counselling to support early detection. Khareef Dhofar Readiness: Royal Oman Police and the Civil Defence & Ambulance Authority deployed early support and reinforcement contingents to Dhofar, adding checkpoints, firefighting, rescue, and emergency medical services ahead of the tourist season. Oman Air Outlook: Oman Air CEO says the airline’s transformation plan stays on track, targeting profitability in 2027 despite Gulf disruption, with network adjustments and new routes. Health Tech/HR Angle: Procapita Group reports AI and people analytics are reshaping HR across Oman and the GCC, moving HR toward strategic workforce planning.

Oman Health Policy: Oman’s Department of Foreign Affairs says Filipino travellers entering under the 14-day visa-free scheme no longer need to show a negative HIV medical certificate, a move framed as strengthening health cooperation and relations with the Philippines. Healthcare Access & Rehab: Aster Al Raffah Walk Again has opened a second advanced robotic rehabilitation centre in Sohar, expanding neuro-rehab services for complex neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. Hospital Experience for Kids: Liva Insurance launched a renovation initiative for the children’s outpatient waiting area at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, adding child-friendly artwork, play and learning spaces to ease visits for patients and families. Workplace Safety in Summer: Oman’s Ministry of Labour continues strict enforcement of the midday work ban at open worksites to prevent heat stress and heatstroke during peak summer months. Community Drug Prevention: An awareness forum in Manah highlighted drug prevention efforts under the “Bridges of Hope” initiative, aligned with World Drug Day. Digital Health & Care Delivery: Oman’s Health Ministry is rolling out a national training programme for homecare service trainers to help reduce pressure on health facilities.

HIV Travel Update: Oman has removed the negative HIV medical certificate requirement for Filipino travellers entering under the 14-day visa-free scheme, following representations from Manila—an easing that supports public health efforts while keeping travel rules clearer for visitors. Child-Friendly Hospital Care: Liva Insurance, with the Zakat Al Seeb Committee, launched a renovation drive for the children’s outpatient waiting area at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, adding play, digital learning and age-focused activities to make visits less stressful for families. Robotic Rehab Expansion: Aster Al Raffah Walk Again opened its second advanced robotic rehabilitation centre in Sohar, expanding access to technology-driven neuro-rehabilitation for complex neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. Drug Prevention Awareness: An awareness forum in Manah marked World Drug Day with a “Safety Charter” panel discussion covering legal, social, health and religious angles to help protect youth and families. Women’s Health & Community Forums: Oman’s Health Ministry is rolling out national training for homecare service trainers, and a “Woman and Child Health Forum” is set to support better care pathways in Ibra. Healthcare Innovation Recognition: SS Innovations was named Outstanding Company winner at the 2026 Surgical Robotics Industry Awards, highlighting continued momentum in affordable robotic surgical technology.

Health & Travel Policy: Oman has dropped the negative HIV medical certificate requirement for Filipino travellers using the 14-day visa-free entry, a change welcomed after Manila’s request. Public Health Alert: Bangladesh’s measles outbreak has claimed four more children, pushing confirmed and suspected deaths to 716, with warnings of underreporting. Oman Healthcare Capacity: Oman’s Civil Defence and Ambulances Authority says its National Search and Rescue Team hit record performance in a simulated heavy urban rescue drill, completing readiness steps in under five hours. Local Health Services: Oman’s Ministry of Health is rolling out a national training programme for homecare service trainers, aiming to strengthen support for patients and ease pressure on facilities. Care Access Expansion: Aster Al Raffah Walk Again has launched a second Robotic Rehabilitation Centre in Oman, expanding advanced neuro-rehab access in Sohar. Oman-France Health Cooperation: Oman and France signed agreements including training for Omani medical specialists, alongside broader cooperation in logistics, transport and health.

Oman LNG milestone: Oman LNG says the LNG carrier “Muscat LNG” has arrived and loaded its first cargo, departing to international markets—boosting Oman’s LNG export capacity and maritime logistics under Oman Vision 2040. Oman–France health and economy ties: In Paris, His Majesty Sultan Haitham and President Macron signed 12 agreements and MoUs, including a deal to train Omani medical specialists and pacts covering logistics, ports and the Muscat Metro. Local development push: Al Wusta Governorate is rolling out 173+ projects worth over RO 37.5m, while Muscat’s Municipal Council reviewed the 2026 social development plan and rules tied to leases and commercial licences. Emergency readiness: Oman’s National Search and Rescue Team recorded a simulated response in under five hours, beating an international benchmark, and holds INSARAG “Heavy Urban Search and Rescue” classification. Health policy update: Oman has waived the negative HIV medical certificate requirement for Filipino travellers entering visa-free for 14 days. Workplace safety: Oman’s Ministry of Labour is stepping up enforcement of the mandatory midday summer rest break to reduce heat stress risks.

HIV Travel Rule Update: Filipino travellers entering Oman for 14 days under the visa-free scheme no longer need to present a negative HIV medical certificate, after Oman waived the requirement following a request from the Philippines’ DFA. Heat-Safety Enforcement: Oman’s Ministry of Labour is stepping up inspections to ensure mandatory midday summer work breaks are followed on open construction sites, with checks on rest areas, cold water, first-aid readiness and heat-risk documentation. Home Care Capacity: Oman’s Ministry of Health launched a “Training of Trainers” programme for home care services in Muscat and Al Sharqiyah North, aiming to build national trainers and improve care quality at patients’ homes. Public Health Awareness: Royal Oman Police opened a drug-abuse prevention exhibition at Muscat Mall, bringing together health and social partners to strengthen community awareness ahead of prevention-focused efforts. Food Security Research: Oman’s Mango Gene Bank in Sohar is preserving hundreds of mango varieties to support agricultural biodiversity and future breeding for resilient production. Clinical Research: AB Science reported completion of Step 3 in Phase 1 for AB8939 plus venetoclax in refractory/relapsed AML, with no dose-limiting toxicities observed. Diabetes Therapy Expansion: Arcera Life Sciences and Daewoong expanded their partnership to bring enavogliflozin to Middle East markets for type 2 diabetes care.

Homecare Training Boost: Oman’s Ministry of Health has kicked off the second edition of its national “Training of Trainers” programme for homecare service trainers in Ibra, aiming to build qualified local cadres and improve the quality of care delivered at patients’ homes. Tourism Season Readiness: Dhofar’s Municipal Council reviewed Khareef Dhofar 2026 preparations, including event locations, marketing plans, and readiness to welcome visitors, while also discussing health and environmental priorities such as protecting the Khor Kharfot Archaeological Reserve. Food Security via Genetics: Oman’s Mango Gene Bank in Sohar is expanding conservation for crop genetic resources, preserving 252 mango varieties across 708 trees to support research and strengthen long-term food security. Regional Health & Safety Focus: Oman participated in a GCC joint meeting on commercial and industrial cooperation, where an integrated Gulf system was discussed to strengthen food, pharmaceutical, water, and logistics security amid supply-chain disruptions and regional tensions. Tourism Economy Update: Omran Group highlighted progress on upscale tourism and resort projects nationwide, while Al Mouj Muscat marked 20 years with an independent study estimating RO 878m contribution to Oman’s GDP over two decades.

Wildlife & Transport: Oman Air signed the Buckingham Palace Declaration, joining a global push to curb illegal wildlife trade by tightening detection and information sharing across aviation and logistics. Organ Donation in Oman: Royal Hospital, with Khoula Hospital and Oman’s organ donation centre, completed a brain-dead donor procedure saving four patients via heart, liver and kidneys. Chronic Wound Research: University of Nizwa researchers won a National Research Award for a gene-targeting, engineered dressing approach aimed at faster healing in chronic wounds, including diabetes-related cases. Public Health Enforcement: Oman’s Consumer Protection Authority seized smokeless chewing tobacco, cigarettes and alcohol in a Shinas raid, launching legal proceedings and urging public reporting. Food Security: Mazoon Dairy expanded its integrated dairy farm and manufacturing operations to strengthen Oman’s domestic supply and reduce import dependence. Emergency Response Readiness: Oman’s National Search and Rescue Team completed an international deployment simulation in under five hours, reflecting high preparedness. Cancer Screening Drive: A local clinic announced free breast and cervical cancer screenings for eligible uninsured/under-insured women aged 40+ (with qualification details via the listed contact). Regional Health Context: UN-led evacuation efforts for seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz were paused after an attack, underscoring ongoing safety risks for medical and rescue access.

Organ Transplants in Oman: Oman carried out a landmark brain-dead donor operation, transplanting a heart, liver and two kidneys to save four patients, coordinated between Royal Hospital, Khoula Hospital and the Omani Center for Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation. Emergency Response Readiness: Oman’s National Search and Rescue Team (CDAA) completed an international simulated deployment in under five hours, beating the INSARAG Heavy benchmark of 12 hours, highlighting strong preparedness and medical readiness. Cancer Screening Access: CRMC announced free breast and cervical cancer screenings for uninsured/under-insured women aged 40+ who meet income guidelines, focusing on early detection. Regional Health & Safety in Conflict Zones: The UN/IMO evacuation of seafarers from the Strait of Hormuz has been paused after a vessel was attacked, with officials urging risk assessments before ships decide routes. Public Health in Extreme Weather: France’s Diamond League in Paris will proceed under strict heat-safety measures after a prior heatwave caused medical emergencies, including added water, shade and athlete cooling support.

Organ Donation in Oman: Oman carried out a landmark brain-dead donor operation, with teams at Khoula Hospital, Royal Hospital and the Omani Center for Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation coordinating to transplant a heart, liver and two kidneys—saving four patients after the donor’s family consented. Women’s Cancer Screening (Oman): Cuyuna Regional Medical Center (CRMC) is running free breast and cervical cancer screenings for uninsured/under-insured women aged 40+ who meet income guidelines, aiming to boost early detection and treatment access. Heat-Health Safety: France’s Diamond League in Paris will go ahead under strict heat measures after a recent heatwave caused medical emergencies, with adjusted event timing, extra water and misting, and enhanced medical support. Oman & Health Travel: If you’re traveling from Oman to India, new mandatory health forms and Ebola-related screening steps are being introduced for arrivals. Regional Health Risks: The Strait of Hormuz remains tense after a ship was hit, prompting UN pauses and disruptions to evacuations—raising concerns for the safety of seafarers and the wider health impact of instability.

Oman Health & Wellness: Oman’s Ministry of Health and partners are urging travellers to India to complete mandatory online health declarations before boarding, as India’s Air Suvidha 2.0 portal rolls out Ebola-related screening for international arrivals. Regional Health & Safety: The UN’s International Maritime Organization paused its Strait of Hormuz evacuation plan after a vessel was hit near Oman, raising fresh concerns for the safety of stranded seafarers and the wider health risks that come with disrupted rescue and supply routes. Oman Tourism & Lifestyle: Omran is expected to award the Ras Al Shajar nature adventure park contract in Q3, with work targeting a 2028 completion—an eco-focused boost for outdoor recreation in Qurayat. Wellness & Community: International Day of Yoga celebrations in Muscat highlighted “Healthy Ageing,” reinforcing Oman’s push for preventive, lifestyle-based health. Healthcare Business: UAE/Oman private healthcare operator NMC reported revenue growth and progress toward exiting administration, a reminder of how regional healthcare capacity and access can shift with ownership changes.

Ebola Screening for Oman–India Travelers: India has relaunched its Air Suvidha portal (v2.0), making a mandatory online health declaration for international arrivals before boarding, tied to the WHO’s Ebola/Bundibugyo public health emergency in the DRC and Uganda. Maritime Safety in Oman’s Waters: The UN International Maritime Organization paused its Strait of Hormuz evacuation/escort plan after a cargo vessel was hit by a projectile off Oman; UKMTO reported damage but no injuries or environmental impact, while Iran warned ships outside designated routes won’t be covered by safe-passage guarantees. Hormuz Tensions and Health Ripple Effects: US and GCC leaders pushed for toll-free, unrestricted navigation, but the renewed disruption risk is already feeding uncertainty for global supply chains that affect medicines, food, and healthcare access. Oman Healthcare Business Update: UAE private hospital operator NMC said it expects to exit administration and be taken over by creditors, with revenue growth from its UAE and Oman operations—an important signal for regional healthcare capacity and investment. Oman Infrastructure With Medical Links: Work began on Oman’s $550m Sohar petrochemicals project producing PTA/PET used in packaging, including medical supplies.

Maritime Safety in Oman’s Waters: The UN maritime agency paused its evacuation of ships through the Strait of Hormuz after the British military reported a cargo vessel was hit by a projectile off Oman’s coast. The UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre said there were no injuries or environmental impact, but the IMO chief said the plan will stay on hold until safety guarantees are confirmed. Regional Health Ripple Effects: With about 11,000 seafarers still waiting to leave the Persian Gulf and shipping disruptions continuing, the crisis raises knock-on risks for access to medicines and medical supplies across the region. Oman Health Infrastructure: Oman’s Ministry of Health awarded the Oman Genome Centre and Bio Bank project contract in Al Seeb, Muscat, supporting future healthcare research capacity. Aviation for Care: Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority launched an Advanced Air Mobility programme to prepare for drone and electric aircraft use, including healthcare delivery. Wellness & Community: Oman’s ROP marks International Day Against Drug Abuse, while Oman’s tourism and hospitality sector continues to expand with new openings like Swiss-Belhotel Nizwa.

Oman Genome & Bio bank: Oman’s Ministry of Health has awarded the Oman Genome Centre and Bio Bank project contract in Al Seeb, Muscat, with bids ranging from OMR 3.998m to OMR 6.798m and a reported award around OMR 4.56m—an important step for local research capacity. Cancer care quality check: The Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre (SQCCCRC) has maintained its JCI international accreditation, reinforcing its focus on patient safety, clinical quality, infection control and continuous improvement. Advanced air mobility for healthcare delivery: Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority launched an Advanced Air Mobility programme under Aviation Strategy 2040, aiming to integrate drones and electric aircraft for services including logistics and healthcare delivery, supported by new regulation, drone traffic management and supervised testing. Drug abuse prevention push: Royal Oman Police will mark International Day Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking (26 June) with public awareness activities, a sports event at Al Mouj Walk (27 June) and an exhibition at Muscat Mall (28 June). Regional health & safety at sea: As Strait of Hormuz tensions ease, the UN maritime agency says it aims to evacuate most stranded seafarers—about 11,000 people aboard roughly 600 vessels—over the coming weeks, highlighting the human cost of shipping disruptions. Tourism with wellness upgrades: Omran Group begins major renovation of Al Bustan Palace (Ritz-Carlton) from 1 July 2026, upgrading rooms, dining, spa and wellness facilities to boost guest experience. International child rights: Oman was re-elected to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child for 2027–2031, underlining its ongoing commitment to children’s rights.