Oman Trade & Finance: Oman’s trade surplus hit OMR5.5bn by end-July 2026, with exports rising to OMR15.9bn and imports up to OMR10.4bn; the central bank also allotted OMR19.7mn via treasury bills (91- and 182-day tenors), supporting short-term liquidity. Housing & Urban Growth: Oman kicked off the Home & Building Expo and World Habitat Day 2026 under “Urban October,” with over RO 1bn in signed housing, service and tourism project agreements. Energy & Shipping Risk: Despite tanker attacks and Hormuz tensions, Middle East crude exports (excluding Iran) reached pre-war levels on several September days, while OPEC+ kept November output steady and warned that attacks on energy infrastructure and shipping routes can raise volatility. Aviation Security Shock (Oman link): Investigations into the Flydubai cockpit attack continue, with reports saying the co-pilot aimed to crash into Ben Gurion Airport; Australia is probing his past, and questions are growing over pilot screening and cross-border checks. Skills & Jobs: PDO marked graduation of 366 Omani youths under its Emdad programme, reinforcing in-country value and energy-sector hiring pipelines. Investment & Residency: Oman launched Golden Residency for foreign investors and business owners, listing six eligibility conditions tied to capital and job creation. Aviation Investment in Oman: The Civil Aviation Investment Forum highlighted opportunities around Muscat, Salalah and Sohar airports, including airport cities, logistics, free zones and advanced air mobility.