Global recognition and diverse achievements of Muscat, Oman, across several key sectors including tourism, urban planning, and technology. The capital city has earned prestigious accolades for its world-class aviation services and its commitment to creating a sustainable, smart city through innovative structural planning. Numerous international indices highlight Muscat as a leader in public safety, environmental cleanliness, and overall quality of life, ranking it among the best cities in Asia.

In a recent comprehensive study by Travelbag, the capital of Oman, Muscat, was distinguished as the fifth most scenic city globally at night. This ranking was determined by evaluating various data points, including minimal light and noise pollution, high public safety ratings, and the volume of photogenic landmarks shared on social media.




Experience the future of Omani currency! On January 11, 2026, the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) will officially release its first-ever one-rial polymer banknote. This landmark issue is not just a practical upgrade but a symbolic celebration of the nation's progress and identity.

January 2026 in Oman offers a diverse and action-packed schedule for outdoor enthusiasts, ranging from elite technical expeditions to family-friendly heritage walks. The cool winter climate serves as the backdrop for a variety of professionally guided tours and community-led challenges across the Hajar Mountains and the Wahiba Sands. High-End Professional Expeditions For those seeking organized luxury and technical rigor, Husaak Adventures provides multi-day trips.

Formally signed on December 18, 2025, at Al Baraka Palace in Muscat, the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) represents a landmark achievement in the 70-year relationship between the two nations. This comprehensive pact covers nearly every major economic sector, including energy (oil, gas, and renewables), technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics.

Moein (also referred to as Mu’een or Maeen) is Oman’s first national large language model (LLM), specifically engineered to bolster digital sovereignty and modernize the Sultanate's public sector. Unveiled at COMEX 2025, this "homegrown" generative AI is a flagship initiative of the National AI and Advanced Technologies Program (2024–2026) and is deeply integrated into the Oman Vision 2040 strategy for digital transformation and economic diversification




The Oman Camel Racing Federation’s annual race meet is scheduled for mid-January 2026, running from January 18 to 21, 2026. This four-day event is the Federation’s most prominent yearly competition, supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth. The exact race venue (camel racetrack) was still to be confirmed as of early January, but it will take place in one of Oman’s major camel racing tracks (the previous year’s edition was held in Sohar).

ADNOC Drilling has finalized the acquisition of a 70% controlling stake in a land-rig joint venture with SLB, establishing an immediate operational presence in Oman's onshore drilling services market. This strategic move brings six active rigs and contracted work from day one, marking a significant entry for the company.

Oman’s Environment Authority (EA), in partnership with GUtech, launched a country-wide air pollution study in late 2025. The objectives are to analyse the chemical composition of fine particulates (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀) and identify their natural versus industrial sources, thereby informing strategies to improve air quality, protect public health, and support applied research.

The Blanco Activities Oman camp is a multi‐day sports and activity program for children. Blanco Activities (a family‐run sports program) “shapes active, confident kids through fun…holiday camps” The January 15–17, 2026 camp will be held at The Academy Muscat (Cheltenham Muscat School) in Muscat (Oman’s capital, on the coast). It’s a family‐friendly kids’ camp (age ~5–14) offering “sports, games, and creative activities” led by experienced coaches in a “safe, supportive environment”




Oman achieved a significant milestone in its energy transition as renewable sources contributed 9.46% of electricity on the national grid in 2025, generating 4.26 terawatt-hours from 1,550 MW of installed capacity across four operational projects. To meet the ambitious 30% renewable target by 2030, the Sultanate must more than triple its current capacity to approximately 8.8 GW.

The Ministry of Finance has successfully completed its 10th local sovereign sukuk issuance, raising RO200 million with a seven-year maturity and 4.15% annual profit rate. The issuance achieved an oversubscription of more than 1.85 times, with the final order book surpassing RO277 million, demonstrating strong investor confidence in Oman's fiscal strategy.

Cricket fans across Oman were treated to a special opportunity as the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Trophy made its way to the Sultanate in December 2025. The trophy was displayed for public viewing at Oman Avenues Mall and the Oman Cricket Academy in Al Amerat, generating excitement ahead of the February 2026 tournament where Oman will compete as one of 20 participating nations.

The second Tech and Telecom CEOs' Forum, organized by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry on December 23, 2025, brought together industry leaders to discuss 'Future Technologies and the Knowledge Economy.' The OCCI Chairman emphasized that the technology sector is a primary engine of economic growth and digital economy has become fundamental to diversifying national income.

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has issued comprehensive regulations for adventure tourism operators effective 2026, requiring prior written approval, mandatory equipment inspections, and strict legal compliance. The rules cover activities in the Hajar Mountains, deep wadis, desert landscapes, and coastal areas, with penalties including fines and operational suspension for non-compliance.

The Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Turkey have activated a mutual visa exemption agreement effective November 1, 2025, allowing Omani citizens visa-free travel to Turkey for up to 90 days. Economists predict the agreement will significantly boost bilateral trade, tourism, and business connectivity between the two nations.
