Oil & Shipping Shock: Brent jumped to about $94 a barrel as US-Iran talks cooled and attacks near the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman kept supply fears elevated, with multiple tanker incidents reported near Oman. Oman Maritime Risk: A sanctioned Russian “shadow fleet” tanker is linked to a possible oil spill off Oman, raising environmental and enforcement concerns for the region’s waters. DP World Expansion (UAE): DP World signed a 50-year deal with Fujairah Ports Authority to develop two new deepwater container and cargo terminals (Al Rugaylat and Dibba), aiming to reroute trade capacity away from Hormuz constraints. EU-Oman Diplomacy: The EU and Oman agreed to establish an EU diplomatic mission in Muscat, with cooperation flagged across energy, logistics, banking, minerals, maritime security and training. Oman Social Protection: Oman’s Social Protection Fund moved to operationalise sick and extraordinary leave insurance, with applications via its electronic portal starting Aug 1. Tourism Push (Dhofar): Salalah’s Salalah Eye observation wheel is set to open Aug 15 during Khareef, targeting year-round visitor demand. Workplace & Local Markets: Oman’s workplace leave insurance reform and Dhofar’s Shaat Viewpoint stall space pressure both point to rising demand for better systems—whether for workers’ income security or seasonal household livelihoods.