Oman Investment & Innovation: Oman Investment Authority (OIA) is widening its global innovation footprint with investments in Cambridge Capital Innovation and Oxford Science Projects, aiming to speed up knowledge and technology transfer in life sciences, healthcare and advanced tech. FDI Momentum: Oman’s foreign direct investment stock rose 8.7% to OMR32.2bn in Q1 2026, with new inflows of OMR2.5bn, as reforms and the Invest in Oman platform keep attracting investors. Strait of Hormuz Shipping Risk: The US and UK are planning a high-level London meeting to form an international coalition to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, as the US-Iran standoff keeps disrupting maritime trade. Energy Watch: Oil eased after a spike above $100 as OPEC signalled more supply, with Reuters reporting Oman among countries expected to raise September production targets. Social & Business Inclusion: Oman launched “Purple Saturday” to promote accessibility for persons with disabilities, encouraging retailers to offer discounts and improve inclusive shopping experiences. Maritime Safety Concerns: UNOPS says a confidence-building mechanism is ready to help secure safe transit through Hormuz, but requires agreement from the parties involved.