Oman Connectivity: Oman Air and SalamAir are adding four new routes this summer, including Muscat–Singapore and Muscat–Sochi from July 2, Muscat–Tashkent from July 3, and Dubai–Salalah from July 3, while SalamAir launches Vienna (June), Medan (July) and Mogadishu (from Sept 3), boosting travel and business links. Energy Transition: Oman is pushing efficiency in oil and gas alongside renewables and emissions cuts, with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals highlighting projects such as CO2-enhanced recovery and wind power (Wind 1 & Wind 2) progressing toward operations later this year. Industrial Focus: OPAZ says it is sharpening the identity of each economic zone to attract specialised industries—pharma and food security in Salalah/Raysut, and green hydrogen, ammonia and renewables in Duqm—aiming to strengthen value chains. Real Estate Watch: Oman’s real estate prices rose 15.9% year-on-year in Q1 2026, led by residential land (+21%) and industrial land (+16.5%), with Muscat the fastest-growing governorate for residential land (+43.6%). Maritime Safety & Diplomacy: The US-Iran standoff around the Strait of Hormuz continues to ripple into Oman’s waters, as India escalates protests over US naval actions that killed Indian seafarers, while the US reiterates blockade enforcement and warns that violations won’t be tolerated. Capital Markets / Industry Expansion: OMIFCO has commissioned Nexant for a pre-feasibility study on expanding its ammonia–urea complex ahead of its IPO, with a potential third production train under review. SME & Skills: Oman is strengthening the freelance ecosystem via digital platforms and running handicraft training for young Omanis, including a nine-month programme building traditional ship models. Social Impact: Oman marked World Blood Donor Day, citing a 47% rise in blood units collected at Bausher between 2020 and 2025.