AGP Executive Report

Oman Cricket Spotlight: Oman has been named Asia’s winner in the ICC Digital Fan Engagement of the Year category, earning a spot among global nominees for the ICC Development Awards—an upbeat sign of how the Sultanate is growing the game through platform-native storytelling. Sports—Oman’s Asian Games Road: In Singapore, Nepal restricted Oman to 94 in the men’s cricket qualifier semi-final, then beat them again by 8 wickets in the Asia Cup qualifier—setting up another high-stakes clash for Oman’s campaign. Film Buzz: The “Cocktail 2” trailer is surging worldwide, hitting #1 on YouTube’s Movie Trailer Charts in Oman and several Gulf countries and breaking into the U.S. Top 10 ahead of its 19 June release. Arts & Culture—Omani Education & Creativity: Muscat’s School Creativity Award wrapped its second edition, with 163 schools taking part across governorates, highlighting youth imagination and classroom innovation. Wellness Note: A new local conversation is pushing back on the idea that sunscreen is “just for women,” urging men to treat it as everyday protection in Oman’s summer heat.

Oman Cricket: Oman has been named Asia’s winner in the ICC Digital Fan Engagement of the Year category, earning a spot among global nominees for the ICC Development Awards. Film Buzz: Homi Adajania’s Cocktail 2 trailer shot to #1 on YouTube’s Movie Trailer Charts across eight countries, including Oman, ahead of its 19 June cinema release. Sports Calendar: The Oman Open Archery Championship returns from June 21–27 at Al Amal Club, expanding categories from Olympic and traditional bows to compound and para archery. Education & Creativity: Muscat’s School Creativity Award wrapped up with 163 schools taking part and winners crowned across primary, boys’ and girls’ categories. Wellness & Culture: A new local discussion spotlights the “male sunscreen divide” as more men in Oman rethink sun protection beyond beauty norms. Cricket Pathways: BCCI says India’s ODI squad for England will be announced during the Afghanistan series, while teenage Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s record-breaking call-up keeps momentum rolling. City Development: Rustaq’s City Walk project is now 25% complete, with plans for retail, restaurants, a cinema, clinic, fitness spaces and a motel.

Oman Cricket: Oman has been named Asia’s winner in the ICC Digital Fan Engagement of the Year category, earning a spot among global nominees for the ICC Development Awards 2025 and highlighting the Sultanate’s push to grow cricket through platform-native storytelling. Triathlon in the region: Subic Bay is set for a big weekend as the Century Tuna IRONMAN Philippines and IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay return, with the 70.3 marking its 10th anniversary and the full-distance IRONMAN featuring athletes from 45 countries. Wellness & sport spotlight: India dominated the opening day of the inaugural World Yogasana Championships 2026 in Ahmedabad, winning five of the first six gold medals, led by Abhay Burman and Ritu Mondal. Fashion & culture: Oman’s presence was noted in an international fashion showcase at Turkmentextile Expo 2026, where designers from multiple countries—including Oman—were featured. Cricket pathway for Oman: Oman qualified for the men’s cricket at the 2026 Asian Games after topping Group B in Singapore, joining Nepal, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

Oman–World Sports: Oman’s men’s cricket team booked its place at the 2026 Asian Games after topping Group B in Singapore, staying unbeaten and joining Nepal, Malaysia and Hong Kong in the tournament. Oman–Football & Community: Oman’s skating scene is set for a historic first overseas showcase, with an official invitation to a Belarus sports festival on June 6–7 tied to the opening of a new public skate park. Oman–Handball Development: Tunisian coach Kamal Hdidar has been appointed to oversee Oman’s Athlete Development Centres and national indoor handball teams, with a focus on age-group talent pathways. Oman–Wellness & Culture: A Floating Soundbath Meditation in Muscat highlights Oman’s growing wellness scene, blending hospitality with mindful, sound-based relaxation. Oman–Arts & Media: Netflix’s Smallville is climbing streaming charts again, reaching top positions in Oman alongside several regional markets. Oman–Business & Logistics: Asyad Group closed a deal to acquire a controlling stake in Uzbekistan logistics platforms, aiming to link Oman’s ports to Central Asia’s trade corridors.

Oman–Strait of Hormuz Talks: Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran and Oman will jointly manage the Strait of Hormuz under international law, with decisions ultimately coordinated by the two bordering states. Oman Business & Logistics: Asyad Group has closed a deal to buy a controlling stake in Uzbekistan logistics platforms, securing freight gateways like ULS and HLC to link Oman’s ports with Central Asia’s trade corridors. Oman Maritime Industry: Asyad Drydock marks its 2,200th drydocking milestone, reporting record repair and conversion momentum and a 10%+ rise in drydockings in early 2026. Oman Wellness Trend: A Floating Soundbath Meditation at JW Marriott Muscat highlights Oman’s growing wellness scene, blending hospitality with sound-based relaxation. Oman Sports Pathways: Oman’s skating team heads to Belarus for a first overseas freestyle roller skating showcase, while a Tunisian coach Kamal Hdidar is set to strengthen Oman’s indoor handball youth development through athlete centres. Oman in Entertainment: Netflix’s Smallville is climbing streaming charts again, reaching top positions including #6 in Oman.

Oman Sports & Inclusion: Oman’s national deaf futsal team is gearing up for its first-ever Asian Deaf Futsal Championship in Bishkek (June 26–July 5), after strong Gulf and world-level showings. Oman Motorsport: Al Faisal al Zubair has launched his 2026 international GT3 programme, unveiling a Ferrari 296 GT3 and setting a six-round campaign starting this weekend at Misano. Oman Business & Logistics: Asyad Group has closed a deal to buy a controlling stake in Uzbekistan logistics platforms, aiming to link Oman’s ports to Central Asia’s trade corridors. Oman Arts & Culture (Regional): Saudi action thriller “7 Dogs,” starring Monica Bellucci, opened strongly across the Middle East, including ticket sales in Oman. International Sports: Nepal posted 275/7 vs Malaysia in an Asia Cup qualifier, powered by Kushal Bhurtel’s 126 off 54. Press Freedom: Ghana’s Journalists Association will honour press freedom and media development ahead of World Press Freedom Day (June 6).

Oman Sports & Events: Oman’s national deaf futsal team is gearing up for its first-ever Asian Deaf Futsal Championship in Bishkek (June 26–July 5), with training in full swing and two friendlies already played. Motorsport: Omani racer Al Faisal al Zubair has officially launched his 2026 international GT3 programme, unveiling his Ferrari 296 GT3 and setting a six-round plan starting this weekend at Misano. Aquatics: Oman’s Abdulmonem bin Khamis al Alawi has been named head referee for the men’s 5km race at the Asian Open Water Swimming Championships in Bali (June 13–15). Tennis Community: The Indian Social Club (ISC) Oman wrapped up its Annual Tennis League in an Americano doubles format, with Suhail Khan, KK Girish and Shanawaz KK crowned joint champions. Arts & Culture: MoCSY is set to launch “The Splendour of Oman” on June 8, showcasing Omani women’s fashion through a creative mix of art workshops, photography, digital design and installations. Regional Arts/Entertainment: Saudi action thriller “7 Dogs,” starring Monica Bellucci, has logged a strong Arabic box office opening across the Middle East and drew ticket sales including in Oman.

Deaf Sports Breakthrough: Oman’s national deaf futsal team is gearing up for its first-ever Asian Deaf Futsal Championship in Bishkek (June 26–July 5), after strong recent Gulf and U20 World Championship showings. Tourism & Hospitality Investment: Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has signed two usufruct deals—RO12mn+ total—to build a four-star resort in Al Hamra and a five-star hotel in Mirbat, aiming to boost jobs and room supply. Creative Arts & Fashion: MoCSY will launch “The Splendour of Oman” on June 8, showcasing Omani women’s fashion through artworks created in three workshops spanning fine art, photography, digital design and installation. Motorsport Spotlight: Omani GT driver Al Faisal Al Zubair unveiled his 2026 Ferrari 296 GT3 season program with events lined up at Misano, Paul Ricard and Monza. Green Mobility Push: Oman’s EV count has reached about 5,800, with a target of 8,000 by year-end as the country ramps up its clean-energy transition. Sports Calendar (Esports): Oman’s national esports team will compete in the Asian Games Esports Qualifiers for League of Legends in Kuala Lumpur (June 12–14).

Tourism & Heritage: Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism signed two new usufruct deals for hospitality projects—an Al Hamra four-star resort and a Mirbat five-star hotel—pushing investment beyond RO12mn and aiming to boost rooms, jobs, and governorate-level tourism. Arts & Fashion: A new creative exhibition, “The Splendour of Oman,” opens June 8 at the Omani Society, spotlighting Omani women’s fashion through workshops that feed visual art, photography, digital design, and installation work. Sports (Oman on the move): Oman’s national esports team will compete in the Asian Games Esports Qualifiers for League of Legends in Kuala Lumpur (June 12–14). Motorsport Spotlight: Omani racing driver Al Faisal Al Zubair unveiled his 2026 Ferrari 296 GT3 season programme, with early action at Misano and later stops including Paul Ricard and Monza. EV Push: Oman’s EV count is about 5,800, with a target of 8,000 by year-end. Regional Arts/Entertainment: Exhibitionto highlights Omani women’s fashion arts, while streaming buzz notes Brad Pitt’s F1 staying strong on Apple TV.

Omani Fashion Spotlight: The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth will launch “The Splendour of Oman” on June 8 at the Omani Society HQ, turning traditional women’s attire into a multi-media art exhibition after three workshops bringing together visual artists, photographers, digital designers and students. Bollywood Nostalgia in Muscat: “Tribute to Legends – Sadak” lands at Sheraton Oman on June 5, with a six-hour concert celebrating Asha Bhosle, Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar and Mohammed Rafi. Media Growth at Home: Oman’s Ministry of Information reports strong digital momentum in 2025, with major gains in video and audio plays on the “Ayn” platform and expanding children’s content. Healthy Cities Check: WHO visited Barka to review progress toward international healthy city accreditation, including community partnerships and accreditation files. Trade Boost: India–Oman CEPA takes effect, bringing duty-free access for most Indian exports and quota-based concessions for items like dates. Sports & Talent: Oman’s table tennis officials selected for the ITTF World Masters in South Korea, while Oman clubs gear up for upcoming external competitions.

Bollywood Nostalgia in Muscat: “Tribute to Legends – Sadak” brings Hindi cinema’s golden-era hits to the Sheraton Oman Hotel on June 5, with a six-hour lineup running late into the night. Oman Media Growth: The Ministry of Information reports big gains on the “Ayn” platform in 2025, with total video/audio plays up to 18.7m and a strong children’s interface audience. Dhofar Tourism Boost: Kuwaiti arrivals to Oman rose 17.2% (2024–2025), with Dhofar’s khareef season driving visitor growth and capacity now topping one million in peak months. CEPA Trade Deal: India-Oman CEPA takes effect June 1, granting duty-free access for most exports and aiming to ease shipping pressures amid Gulf disruption. Sports Spotlight: Ahmad al Harthy and Oman Racing by Century Motorsport land a podium at Monza in GT World Challenge Europe. Public Health & Governance: WHO reviews Barka’s Healthy City progress, while a Shura Council briefing highlights its legislative and oversight role.

Bollywood Nostalgia in Muscat: “Tribute to Legends – Sadak” brings classic Hindi hits to the Sheraton Oman Hotel on June 5, with a six-hour concert featuring Asha Bhosle, Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar and Mohammed Rafi favourites. Tourism & Hospitality Push: Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism signed usufruct deals for a 4-star resort in Al Hamra and a 5-star hotel in Mirbat, with investment above RO 12m (about $31m). Healthy Cities Spotlight: A WHO team visited Barka to review progress on the Barka Healthy City initiatives and accreditation files. Culture Meets Community: Oman’s Shura Council hosted a delegation from the 39th Command and Staff College course, highlighting the Council’s legislative and oversight role and its partnership-building work. Sports on the Move: Oman’s Ahmad al Harthy and Oman Racing by Century Motorsport scored a Monza podium in GT World Challenge Europe; meanwhile, Omani clubs are gearing up for external AFC competitions and an Omani umpire has been named for the ITTF World Masters. Trade That Could Boost Local Makers: India-Oman CEPA took effect June 1, offering Indian exporters immediate duty-free access on 98% of Oman’s tariff lines—good news for labour-intensive sectors like textiles, leather, handicrafts and agri-exports.

Tourism & Hospitality Investment: Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has signed two usufruct deals for a 4-star resort in Al Hamra and a 5-star hotel in Mirbat, with investment above RO 12 million (about $31m), aiming to boost jobs and expand room supply. Trade & Economy: India-Oman CEPA takes effect today, bringing zero-duty access for a wide range of Indian labour-intensive exports and expanding services and professional mobility. Arts & Education: Al Batinah North students are turning visual arts into enterprise through a “Creative Industries in Visual Arts” project, while Muscat’s Stall Art Gallery hosts “In the Presence of Absence,” a group exhibition exploring memory and belonging until June 10. Sports Spotlight: Oman beach handball gears up for the IHF World Championship in Croatia (June 23–28), starting against Croatia in Group D. Culture & Community: Manah’s Oman Across the Ages Museum marks Eid Al-Adha with “Joy of Generations,” featuring folk performances, workshops, and storytelling.

Oman Creative Education: Al Batinah North students turned visual arts into enterprise through a year-long “Creative Industries in Visual Arts” project, training young artists to market their own products and build future careers. Gallery & Contemporary Art: Stall Art Gallery in Qurum hosts “In the Presence of Absence,” a five-artist exhibition exploring memory, belonging and what remains after departure, running until June 10. Tourism Investment: Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism signed usufruct contracts for a 4-star resort in Al Hamra (Al Dakhiliyah) and a 5-star hotel in Mirbat (Dhofar), with investment above OMR12 million. Mountaineering Inspiration: Nadira Al Harthy shared her emotional climb from Oman’s mountains to Mount Everest at Nepal’s Sagarmatha Day ceremony. Eid Family Culture: Oman Across Ages Museum’s “Joy of Generations” brought folk performances, face painting, children’s workshops and storytelling to Eid Al-Adha visitors. Trade & Mobility: India-Oman CEPA duty concessions kick in from June 1, expanding services and professional mobility alongside zero-duty access for major Omani exports.

Maritime Safety Alert: Oman’s Maritime Security Centre warned of a suspected floating mine west of the Inshore Traffic Zone in the Strait of Hormuz, urging seafarers to keep well clear and report any suspicious objects. Diplomacy vs. Tensions: As US-Iran ceasefire talks continue, Iran says no final agreement is in place yet and insists its focus is ending the war, while also stressing that future Hormuz management concerns only Iran and Oman. Strait Stakes: The US also reported disabling another merchant vessel attempting to breach its blockade, underscoring how Hormuz disruptions keep rattling global trade. Eid Culture in Oman: In Manah, the Oman Across Ages Museum marked Eid Al Adha with “Joy of Generations,” featuring folk performances, kids’ art activities, and interactive storytelling for families. Entertainment Buzz: The viral action sequence from the Arabic film “7 Dogs” (with Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt cameos) is drawing attention across the Gulf, including Oman.

Middle East Diplomacy: Iran’s Foreign Ministry says no final agreement has been reached with the US, even as Washington weighs a possible 60-day ceasefire extension and talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz; Iran’s Esmaeil Baghaei says negotiations focus on ending the war and rejects “must” language, while the White House says Trump will only back a deal that meets his “red lines,” including preventing nuclear weapons and securing Hormuz shipping. Oman-Hormuz Link: Iran’s top diplomat Abbas Araghchi tells Oman that Hormuz management should follow international law and sovereign responsibilities, amid reports of disputes over tolls and who controls navigation. Arts & Culture (Oman): Oman’s Al Seeb Eid festival is set to run with heritage shows and family activities, and the National Museum opens “One to a Million: Italian Design Stories,” adding to Muscat’s cultural calendar. Sports & Entertainment: Cricket fans get a headline—Shubman Gill becomes the first IPL captain to score a hundred in a playoff as Gujarat Titans reach the final.