Oman’s AI push: Oman has joined the Global Organization for Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence as a founding member, signing in Shanghai alongside the World AI Conference to boost safer, more inclusive AI governance and access global expertise. Roads & transport delivery: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology is driving 61 road projects under Oman’s Eleventh Five-Year Plan, with about 22 already over 70% complete and several major links targeted for opening this year. Drones for diversification: Oman is exploring advanced drone technology for security, agriculture, infrastructure, oil & gas, and emergency response, with a workshop involving ROP, CAA, and multiple ministries and industry partners. Science from Oman’s coasts: Sultan Qaboos University announced a new plant species, Adenosciadium omanensis, named for Oman and published in a leading international botany journal. Food safety update: An Omani-led study says paper cups sold in Oman meet current food safety rules but may release polymeric particles not covered by existing testing, urging updated standards. Water security under pressure: A Gulf-wide warning follows an Iranian strike on Kuwait’s desalination plant, highlighting how vulnerable drinking-water infrastructure can be during regional conflict. Global tech governance: China’s World AI Conference highlights openness and collaboration, with WAICO positioned as a long-term forum for aligning national AI strategies and standards. Regional diplomacy: Oman is also in Manila for ASEAN foreign ministers’ talks, aiming to expand cooperation across logistics, digital transformation, emerging technologies, and green hydrogen.