AGP Executive Report

Food Safety & Quality: Oman strengthens food safety laws via the Food Safety and Quality Centre’s updated legislative framework, aiming to protect consumers, boost food security, and keep pace with modern technologies and emerging risks. Human Trafficking Watch: Oman warns that fake overseas job offers are increasingly used to trap victims in forced labour, cybercrime and other exploitation, urging vigilance as World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is marked. Food Security Investments: Al Buraimi offers 153 food security investment opportunities through the Tatweer platform, spanning crops, livestock, veterinary services and tissue culture labs to support Oman Vision 2040. Public Health Guidance: Oman’s Health Ministry urges Dhofar visitors to take mosquito precautions during Khareef season. Maritime Health Risk: Scientists warn a “superspreader” biological event could be imminent as more than 1,000 ships idle in the Strait of Hormuz, potentially spreading marine microbes worldwide when vessels resume movement. Water & Wastewater Infrastructure: Barka’s sewage and irrigation pipeline project reaches 78% completion, supporting environmental sustainability and better use of reclaimed water.

Food Safety: Oman strengthens food safety laws through the Food Safety and Quality Centre, updating its legislative and regulatory framework to match international best practices and protect consumer health. Regional Health & Risk: With oil spill threats in the region, Oman’s Environment Authority urges immediate action plans—rapid assessment, monitoring, and coordinated cleanup—to limit harm to marine life, fisheries, tourism, and public health. Maritime Medical Supply: A vital dialysis-related medical cargo was released after 95 days following piracy involving an Iranian-flagged vessel, helping restore access to equipment needed for dialysis treatment production. Public Health in Oman: Oman’s Health Ministry advises Dhofar visitors to take mosquito precautions during Khareef season. Workforce & Health Policy: Oman’s Labour Horizons Forum 2026 in Salalah calls for a national observatory on the future of work, using AI and data to anticipate skills needs and support employment policy. Community Wellness: Muscat’s Sports Summer 2026 wraps up with inclusive activities, including disability-focused badminton and a girls’ football training centre.

Hormuz diplomacy & health impacts: The U.S. and Iran have extended a pause in direct attacks as talks continue with Oman on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with officials aiming for progress on a path to more formal negotiations. Medical supply relief: Iran’s Red Crescent says vital dialysis-related medical cargo was released 95 days after it was seized from an Iranian-flagged vessel, helping restore supplies needed for treatment equipment. Oman jobs push: Oman plans to create about 300,000 jobs for nationals over the next five years under its Eleventh Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), with major hiring expected in the private sector alongside expanded schools, universities, and healthcare. Oman agriculture & wellness link: Qayrun Hairiti Farm in Dhofar successfully cultivated cocoa after more than a decade, with cocoa powder used across food, some pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Public health safety note: Oman Environment Authority warned people not to approach or capture snakes, stressing safe distance and respect for wildlife. Sports & community activity: Sports Summer 2026 wrapped in Muscat, drawing 1,630 beneficiaries and highlighting inclusive programmes including disability sports and a girls’ football training centre.

Oman Jobs Push: Oman plans to create about 300,000 jobs for nationals over the next five years under its Eleventh Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), with an average of 60,000 roles annually and a big push into private-sector hiring, alongside expanded schools, universities and healthcare. Health Tech Boost: A new stem cell bank initiative in Oman will offer free umbilical cord blood storage for 100 newborns each year for five years for families under the Social Protection System, aiming to expand regenerative medicine access. Road Safety Training: UNITAR and FIA launched the MENA “Safe Mobility for All and for Life” programme, including Oman, to support road-safety projects using training and evidence-based methods. Child Safety Alert: Oman’s Ministry of Commerce banned the sale of “Na! Na! Na! Surprise” dolls due to potential chemical health risks for children. Public Health Guidance: Oman’s Health Ministry urged Dhofar visitors to take mosquito precautions during Khareef season. Workforce Forum: Oman’s 2026 Labour Forum in Salalah focused on moving from social assistance toward safer, sustainable participation in formal employment.

Oman Consumer Safety: Oman’s Ministry of Commerce has banned the sale and distribution of “Na! Na! Na! Surprise” dolls, citing chemical health risks for children. Regenerative Medicine in Oman: A new stem cell bank initiative will offer free umbilical cord blood storage for 100 newborns each year for five years for families registered under Oman’s Social Protection System, aiming to expand access to regenerative medicine. Public Health & Travel Safety: Oman’s Health Ministry urged Dhofar visitors to take mosquito precautions during Khareef season. Road Safety Programme: UNITAR, FIA and the FIA Foundation launched the MENA edition of the Safe Mobility for All and for Life programme, with Oman among participating countries, to strengthen road safety planning and training. Food Security Investment: Al Wusta Governorate is boosting food security with RO 857m in projects across fisheries, livestock, agriculture and aquaculture. Labour & Social Protection: Oman’s Work Horizons Forum in Salalah focused on moving people from direct assistance toward sustainable participation in formal employment, including smarter targeting of support. Human Rights Oversight: The Oman Human Rights Commission reported handling 1,479 human rights cases in 2025, with follow-ups and legal guidance for complainants.

Oman Health & Safety Alerts: Oman’s Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) issued public guidance on what to do if a new infectious disease emerges, outlining roles for ambulance services and urging people to follow official instructions, isolate if symptomatic, and call 9999 in urgent cases. Mosquito Precautions for Khareef: Oman’s Health Ministry reminded Dhofar visitors to protect themselves from mosquitoes during Khareef season, recommending repellent, proper clothing, and prompt medical care for unusual symptoms. Consumer Health Protection: Oman’s Ministry of Commerce banned the sale and circulation of the “Na! Na! Na! Surprise” interactive children’s doll (Model No. 3435) over chemical safety concerns, ordering retailers to stop selling and consumers to avoid using it. Quality of Life (Health Lens): Oman ranked third globally and first in Asia in Numbeo’s Mid-Year 2026 Quality of Life Index, citing strong safety and healthcare scores alongside cost and pollution factors.

Oman–Philippines Investment Push: Oman and the Philippines are teaming up to position both countries as regional gateways linking Southeast Asia with the GCC, with talks focused on food security, renewable energy, logistics and technology after bilateral trade reportedly reached about $250m. Oman’s Recycling Drive: Oman says it has hit around a 39% recycling rate, recycling about 1.37m tonnes of waste, with 96 recycling facilities and 26 plastic recycling factories helping build a circular economy. Dhofar Khareef & Community Plans: As Khareef 2026 begins, Dhofar officials are reviewing options for reviving traditional family camps, while tourism operators in Salalah are rolling out seasonal hospitality packages. Health & Food Safety in Oman: Oman’s Health Ministry issued food safety guidance for travellers to help prevent food poisoning. Regional Shipping Tensions: A brief pause in US and Iran strikes is reported as Oman and Qatar push for a diplomatic pause on Hormuz navigation, but Red Sea risks remain high amid Houthi–Saudi escalations.

Oman Labour & Jobs: Salalah hosted the Work Forum 2026, launched by the Ministry of Labour at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex, as officials praised the National Employment Policy for preparing Oman’s workforce for future labour-market needs. Strait of Hormuz talks: Iran reported progress with Oman on managing maritime traffic and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with an apparent pause in overnight US strikes tied to diplomacy—though shipping and regional risks remain high. Consumer safety alert: Oman’s ministry warned people to stop using the “Na! Na! Na! Surprise” interactive baby doll (Model 3435) after GCC Ajel flagged chemical health hazards for children. Investment & health-tech links: Oman Investment Authority is expanding into life sciences and medical-device related tech via Cambridge and Oxford innovation ecosystems, while Invest Oman reported RO 460.74m in projects in H1 2026, including healthcare. Dhofar recycling & sustainability: Oman reached about a 39% recycling rate (1.37m tonnes) with 96 recycling facilities operating, as plastic recycling capacity continues to grow. Sports (youth hockey): India won gold in the FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship in Muscat by beating Pakistan 3-1, while India’s women took silver after a 2-4 loss to China.

Middle East Security & Shipping: Iran said it saw a “peaceful night” with no new U.S. strikes after nearly two weeks of daily attacks, but tensions stayed high as Saudi air-raid alerts sounded in Yanbu and Jizan and the Red Sea remained volatile. Houthi–Saudi Escalation: Houthis claimed missile and drone attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities in Yanbu and Jizan, warning of wider disruption to shipping through Bab el-Mandeb. Oman Diplomacy on Hormuz: Reports say Oman and Qatar are pushing a diplomatic pause, with an Oman delegation meeting Iranian officials to discuss reopening navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Oman Environment & Waste: Oman hit about a 39% recycling rate (around 1.37 million tonnes) with 96 recycling facilities, including 26 plastic recycling plants. Oman Health & Food Safety: Oman’s Health Ministry issued food safety guidance for travellers to prevent food poisoning. Dhofar & Community Life: Dhofar is exploring options to revive traditional family camps for Khareef, while Khareef 2026 hospitality ramps up in Salalah.

Oman–Iran Shipping Talks: Oman sent a delegation to Tehran to discuss managing shipping in the Strait of Hormuz as the US-Iran standoff keeps disrupting regional sea routes. US–Iran Escalation: Iran reported a “peaceful night” after nearly two weeks of US strikes, but tensions stayed high; US forces also disabled another merchant vessel trying to breach the blockade near Iranian ports. Regional Security Alerts: Sirens sounded in Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu and Jizan and missile warnings were reported in Bahrain, with no casualties confirmed. OIA Investment Push: Oman Investment Authority expanded its global innovation footprint via investments in Cambridge and Oxford ecosystems, targeting life sciences and healthcare startups. Oman FDI Update: Oman’s foreign direct investment stock rose 8.7% to OMR32.2bn in Q1 2026, with new inflows reaching OMR2.5bn. Healthcare Cooperation: Tajikistan and Oman discussed joint medical projects, including training and links between healthcare institutions.

Oman–Iran Maritime Talks: Oman sent a delegation to Tehran to discuss navigation arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz as US and Iran strikes continue, with Oman stressing vital waterways must stay open for freedom of navigation. Maritime Security Focus: Oman also reaffirmed support for maritime security and cooperation with ASEAN at a Manila meeting marking the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, calling for dialogue and international law to keep sea lanes safe. Healthcare Innovation in the Gulf: Aster Hospital in Mankhool, UAE, rolled out a new optical heart imaging system (OCT) for more detailed views during complex coronary procedures, aiming for better precision in treatment decisions. Oman Overseas Workforce Processing: Oman inaugurated an integrated Oman Visa and Medical Screening Center in Manila to streamline work-visa procedures and mandatory medical checks for Filipino applicants. Health Advisory for Heat: Oman issued a health advisory as temperatures are expected to reach around 50°C, urging residents to take precautions.

Oman Visa & Medical Screening: Oman inaugurated an integrated Oman Visa and Medical Screening Center in Manila to streamline work-visa processing and mandatory medical checks for Filipino applicants, with steps designed to protect personal data and documents. Maritime Security: Oman reaffirmed support for maritime security and freedom of navigation at an ASEAN meeting in Manila, stressing that key waterways like the Strait of Hormuz must stay open and accessible. Digital Government: Oman hit 75% on the UN ESCWA GEMS Maturity Index for 2025, up from 72% in 2024, covering services across sectors including health, labor, tourism, justice, and finance. Healthcare Training Spotlight: Aspetar’s Surgery Observer Programme drew 69 international observers worldwide over the past year, highlighting growing demand for orthopaedic and sports medicine training. Banking Stability: Fitch said Oman’s banking sector should stay resilient amid regional turmoil, citing contained war exposure, strong capital buffers, and support from higher oil prices and Oman Vision 2040.

Oman Health & Care: Oman’s Ministry of Health and the Oman Alzheimer’s Society are stepping up dementia and Alzheimer’s awareness as cases are projected to reach 124,800 by 2050, with Alzheimer’s incidence among people over 60 estimated at 1.5 per 1,000 person-years; the push aligns with the “The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do” theme ahead of Alzheimer’s Month. Health Infrastructure: Al Sharqiyah North is expanding healthcare for 320,000+ people, adding closer-to-home services and specialised care such as corneal transplants, shoulder replacements and eardrum repair, plus 100+ morbid obesity surgeries to reduce referrals. Workforce & Patient Safety: Oman inaugurated an integrated visa and medical screening centre in Manila for Philippine workers, aiming to streamline work visa procedures and medical exams in one location. Digital Health Services: Oman scored 75% in the UN ESCWA GEMS maturity index for 2025, covering services including health and improving user-focused digital delivery. Community Health in Extreme Heat: Indian Schools Oman issued a safety-focused reopening plan after parents raised concerns about resuming classes during 45–50°C summer temperatures.

Oman Health & Care Updates: Oman’s Ministry of Health has issued food safety guidance for travellers to help prevent food poisoning while on the move. Health Infrastructure Growth: Al Sharqiyah North says its health sector expansion is now supporting more than 320,000 people, with new hospitals and health centres plus specialised services such as corneal transplants, shoulder replacements and eardrum repair. Workplace Health Protection: Oman’s Social Protection Fund is rolling out a new Sick Leave and Extraordinary Leave Insurance Branch, with applications via its electronic portal from Aug 1 and first payments expected in early August. Digital Health Enablement: Ooredoo Oman has deployed indoor 5G at Salalah Hospital to support faster connectivity for telemedicine, connected medical devices and real-time digital care. Medical Training Spotlight: Aspetar’s Surgery Observer Programme drew 69 international observers over the past year, highlighting growing global demand for orthopaedic and sports medicine training. Student Safety in Extreme Heat: Indian Schools Oman has suspended all outdoor activities, including PE and assemblies, and introduced hydration and air-conditioning checks as part of a heat safety protocol.

North Al Sharqiyah Health Expansion: Oman’s North Al Sharqiyah governorate says its health sector has expanded under Oman Vision 2040, improving services for 320,000 people across multiple wilayats, with new hospitals/centres and more specialised care including corneal transplants, shoulder replacements, eardrum repair, and 100+ morbid obesity surgeries. Heat Safety for Students: Indian Schools Oman has resumed with a strict summer protocol after parent concerns, suspending all outdoor activities (PE, sports, assemblies), adding hydration breaks, chilled hygienic water, and mandatory AC checks and repairs for classrooms and school buses. Workplace Sick Leave Insurance: Oman’s Social Protection Fund is rolling out the operating framework for Sick Leave and Extraordinary Leave Insurance from July 19, with applications via its e-portal from August 1 and first payments expected in early August. Hospital Connectivity for Care: Ooredoo Oman and Huawei have deployed indoor 5G at Salalah Hospital, aiming to support telemedicine, connected devices, and real-time digital care. Rare Disease Treatment Clarification: Royal Hospital clarified that a patient’s Hereditary Coproporphyria treatment was postponed based on clinical condition and protocols—not due to medication shortages—after the patient left the Sultanate without notice. Dementia Awareness Push: Oman’s MoH and Oman Alzheimer’s Society are highlighting rising dementia and Alzheimer’s risk, backing earlier diagnosis messaging ahead of Alzheimer’s Month. Salalah Tourism Boost: Dhofar’s Salalah Eye observation wheel (55m) is set to open Aug 15, 2026, with air-conditioned cabins and 360-degree views during Khareef.

Heat Safety in Schools (Oman): Indian Schools Oman has issued a summer heat safety protocol after parent concerns, suspending all outdoor activities (PE, sports, morning assemblies) until conditions are safe, adding regular hydration breaks, chilled hygienic drinking water, and mandatory checks/repairs for air-conditioning in classrooms, labs, common areas and school buses. Rare Disease Care (Oman): Royal Hospital clarified that treatment for a patient with Hereditary Coproporphyria was not delayed due to medication shortages; doses were postponed based on her clinical condition and established protocols after she left the Sultanate without notice. Road Safety (Oman): Royal Oman Police urged safer driving after two fatal crashes on routes linking Dhofar, including a teacher and three children killed in a collision and another fatal accident involving a woman returning from Haima. Gulf Health Context: Kuwait reported repeated attacks on power and desalination infrastructure, raising concerns for water-dependent health and daily life across the region.