Oman

A flurry of economic announcements and initiatives by the Omani government indicate a strong desire to sustain both reform progress and economic momentum amid potential headwinds.

AGSI experts assess the trends likely to shape the Gulf region and U.S. foreign policy in 2026.

Oman is positioning itself as a future regional hub for space applications and innovation and a host, regulator, and service provider embedded within the global space economy.

On January 8, AGSI hosted a virtual roundtable with its leadership and scholars as they look ahead and assess trends likely to shape the Gulf region and U.S. foreign policy during the coming year. 

Gulf states are active in the critical mineral sector, but their approaches and strategies vary widely.

By linking domestic renewable energy capacity with industrial-scale production and export corridors, Oman is building a framework to transform its hydrogen ambitions into a sustainable and globally relevant industry.

Gulf states need to prioritize enhanced regional defense cooperation with an expanded group of potential partners, consider using the financial leverage of sovereign wealth funds’ action, and ramp up diplomatic pressure to deter such attacks in the future.

A forthcoming personal income tax in Oman is symbolically significant, but it ultimately confirms – rather than upends – regional tax trends.