The American Express Times
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Iran ups attacks in return to war with US
Iran launched a series of missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. forces and oil infrastructure in the Middle East, prompting U.S. retaliatory strikes on Iranian military sites. This escalation threatens key energy routes like the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, heightening global concerns over regional stability and oil supply disruptions.
★ Featured Stories
HP Inc stresses sustainability and circularity amid rising tech sector environmental impact
HP Inc. has achieved a 28 percent reduction in its carbon footprint since 2019 by focusing on sustainable materials and product lifecycle management, including recycling…
Abu Dhabi posts biggest rise in global student city rankings
Four cities in the United Arab Emirates—Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Al Ain—were featured in the QS Best Student Cities 2027 list, with Abu Dhabi…
Dubai launches third phase of Ethraa programme to strengthen non-profit sector
Dubai has launched the third phase of its Ethraa programme, engaging all 146 non-profit organisations under the Community Development Authority to improve governance, operational efficiency,…
Domestic tourism in Ras Al Khaimah jumps 47% in H1 2026 amid staycation demand
Ras Al Khaimah saw a 47.1 percent increase in domestic tourism during the first half of 2026, attracting over 670,000 local visitors and maintaining steady…
★ All Stories
Hosts Oman Face Tough Challenges at Asian Hockey5s 2026
Oman’s men’s and women’s teams both suffered heavy defeats on the opening day of the Men’s and Women’s Asian Hockey5s 2026 in Muscat, with Pakistan…
Oman and Philippines to Expand Investment Ties
Oman and the Philippines will convene the Third Oman-Philippines Strategic Majlis Forum in Manila to strengthen economic ties through increased cooperation in trade, investment, and…
Royal Air Force of Oman pilots graduate in aviation training
Several Royal Air Force of Oman pilots received their aviation wings after completing an integrated training program in multiple aviation specialties at Muaskar Al Murtafaa.…
UTAS delegation takes part in summer programme in Russia
Three students from the University of Technology and Applied Sciences’ Ibra Branch participated in an International Summer Programme in Kazan, Russia, engaging in academic and…
When children need adults to listen
A study by Sultan Qaboos University revealed that delays in reporting child abuse cases in Oman are more frequent when the abuse involves physical harm,…
Former England Captain and Manager Kevin Keegan Dies at 75
Kevin Keegan, former England captain and Newcastle United player and manager, has died at age 75 after a battle with stage four cancer. He is…
What Is China’s Next Surprise for Oil Markets?
China's crude oil imports dropped to 7.12 million barrels per day in June, the lowest since 2016, while refinery operations also fell sharply amid disruptions…
Shaat Viewpoint in Dhofar attracts more visitors
Shaat Viewpoint in Oman’s Dhofar Governorate has seen a rise in visitors drawn by its panoramic views of mountains, plains, and coastline. This surge highlights…
Purple Saturday initiative to empower the disabled
Oman’s Ministry of Social Development will observe the fourth annual Purple Saturday initiative on July 25 to promote inclusion and empowerment for persons with disabilities.…
Spain’s World Cup victory demonstrates leadership and discipline
Spain won the 2022 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina thanks to Ferran Torres’ extra-time goal, marking the result of nearly 20 years of focused…
Fifa Considers Potential Expansion to 64-Team World Cup
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has suggested that expanding the World Cup from 48 to 64 teams could be considered after the 2026 tournament. Such growth…
Can Islamic Finance Fuel Tourism Growth in Oman?
Oman is leveraging Islamic finance tools like sukuk and risk-sharing models to boost investment in its growing tourism sector as part of its Vision 2040…
Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority increases readiness for Khareef Dhofar
Oman's Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority has stepped up its emergency preparedness for the Khareef Dhofar monsoon season by deploying additional personnel, establishing response points,…
Ahmad Bin Majid International School graduates achieve outstanding results
Ahmad Bin Majid International School announced that its Grade Twelve students achieved an average score of nearly 90 percent on the 2025-2026 GED exams, with…
Ed Miliband Appointed UK Foreign Secretary
Ed Miliband has been appointed as the United Kingdom’s foreign secretary nearly a decade after resigning as Labour leader. This role elevates him to one…
Oman Honey Output Nears One Million Kilogrammes
Oman’s honey production surged to 934,443 kilograms in 2025, a 49 percent increase from 2023, with Al Sharqiyah North leading regional output. Despite this growth,…
The World Cup Was Good for Business
The 2022 FIFA World Cup sparked increased commercial activity in Oman during its typically slow summer season, boosting revenue for local businesses such as restaurants,…
Oman and EU sign deal to set up mission in Muscat
Oman and the European Union signed an agreement to establish a permanent EU diplomatic mission in Muscat, formalized by Oman's Foreign Minister and the EU's…
Oman, Tanzania historic relations to scale further
The Sultanate of Oman and the United Republic of Tanzania are expanding their historic ties to include enhanced economic, social, and strategic cooperation across sectors…
UN condemns intensifying Israeli attacks in Gaza
The United Nations condemned recent Israeli airstrikes in Gaza that have killed at least 57 Palestinians, including six children, between July 13 and 20. The…
Oman Sends 13 Juniors to Cairo Tennis Camp
The Oman Tennis Association has sent 13 junior players to a training camp at Smash Tennis Academy in Cairo to prepare for upcoming regional and…
Al Mazunah Free Zone Holds Talks with Yemeni Traders
Al Mazunah Free Zone held a coordination meeting with Yemeni import and export companies to discuss trade facilitation and launch a six-month pilot for a…
‘The Odyssey’ Storms North American Box Office
Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” opened to a $124.5 million domestic debut, becoming the highest-grossing live-action opening of the year and grossing a total of $263.5…
Great Barrier Reef faces collapse as El Niño intensifies
Marine scientists have warned that the intensifying El Niño event threatens the Great Barrier Reef with severe coral bleaching and possible ecosystem collapse. This poses…
SQU students win AI award in Hong Kong
Three students from Sultan Qaboos University won the Innovative Problem Discovery Award at the Second International AI in Education Competition 2026 for their AI-driven platform…
British Prime Minister Burnham targets lower energy bills
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a reduction in energy costs by scrapping the VAT on domestic electricity bills starting October 1, lowering the average…
Oman Sail to Host 3rd Arab Women’s Sailing Championship
Oman Sail will host the third Arab Women’s Sailing Championship from October 15 to 21 at the Barceló Mussanah Resort, featuring around 30 female sailors…
Oman Crude Climbs Above $81 Amidst Tensions
The official price of Oman crude oil for September delivery rose by $2.34 to $81.79 per barrel amid gains in global benchmarks. This increase reflects…
War on Gaza Portrayed as Open Memory on Canvas
Artists from Gaza have produced poignant paintings and drawings that reflect the emotional and psychological impact of the recent conflict, emphasizing themes of dignity, memory,…
Kigali Airport receives first direct SalamAir flight
SalamAir launched its first direct flight from Muscat, Oman, to Kigali International Airport, establishing the inaugural nonstop route between the two countries. Operating twice weekly,…
Saudi crude tankers turn back from Red Sea amid Middle East conflict
Two Saudi oil tankers bound for China and India changed their routes in the Red Sea after Yemen's Ansar Allah group threatened maritime traffic amid…
France’s Police Shooting Law Puts Justice at Risk
France's National Assembly passed a bill creating a legal presumption that police shootings causing death are lawful unless proven otherwise, sparking intense national debate. Critics…
Islamic Banking Hits 19% of Oman Bank Assets: S&P
Islamic banking assets in Oman reached $25 billion in 2025, representing about 19 percent of the country’s total banking assets and marking steady growth driven…
Louvre Heist Gallery to Reopen Without Jewels
The Apollo Gallery at the Louvre has reopened nearly two years after the 2025 theft of eight valuable crown jewels, now displayed without any jewels…
4,600 students attend Scouts and Guides programmes
Around 4,600 students across Oman are taking part in summer programs organized by the Directorate-General of Scouts and Guides, featuring cultural, social, and sports activities.…
UN signals major rise in Ukraine-Russia war civilian deaths
The United Nations reported a 37 percent increase in civilian casualties in Ukraine during the first half of 2024, with intensified long-range missile and drone…
Lionel Messi to Miss Next Two Inter Miami MLS Games
Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will miss Inter Miami’s next two MLS matches and the July 29 MLS All-Star Game as they recover from…