Latest news in Oman? September 13th, 2026

Diplomacy and Regional Maritime SecurityOman continues intensive diplomatic efforts to de-escalate maritime tensions in the region. Negotiations with Iran and regional stakeholders have advanced regarding proposed transit routes to facilitate safer commercial passage through the Strait of Hormuz, with Muscat preparing to host further multilateral talks. Concurrently, Omani and U.S. defense officials recently held sessions of the Joint Military Committee in Washington to discuss bilateral security cooperation. Indiatimes+ 1Economy and EmploymentThe Ministry of Finance directed state entities to award procurement and service contracts valued up to OMR 5,000 specifically to self-employed Omanis and small businesses to drive local entrepreneurship. On the investment front, international private equity firm Templewater confirmed plans to direct roughly half of its latest regional fund into Omani market opportunities. Times of Oman+ 1Infrastructure and Urban DevelopmentPlans were announced for the revitalization of the Muttrah Waterfront into an 18.5-hectare mixed-use lifestyle and tourism destination. This coincides with heightened tourism initiatives following the designation of Jabal Akhdar as the GCC Tourism Capital for 2027. In the south, ongoing road connectivity projects in the Dhofar Governorate have been highlighted amid sustained late-Khareef visitor traffic. NewsNow+ 1