{
  "id": 15551209,
  "title": "Oman could become a cornerstone of Gulf energy security, but risks remain",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/oman-could-become-a-cornerstone-of-gulf-energy-security-but-risks-15551209",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-19T03:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/energy/2026/10/19/oman-could-become-a-cornerstone-of-gulf-energy-security-but-risks-remain/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Oman, once a maritime empire spanning from Mozambique to Gwadar in Pakistan, now occupies a crucial position overlooking the Strait of Hormuz. The country has experienced economic growth despite regional conflict, with a projected 4.1% expansion. Oman's debt has decreased significantly, and it benefits from high oil and gas exports, as well as heavy industries in refined petroleum, fertilisers, and aluminium. Construction of the Hafeet Rail, linking industrial Sohar to Al Ain and Abu Dhabi, began in May 2024, with completion expected by late 2027. A direct connection to the GCC electricity grid is also planned for late next year, benefiting the renewable sector. However, Oman has faced drone attacks on its oil terminals and ships, but suffered less damage than its Gulf neighbors. In 2016, Oman announced plans for a 200-million-barrel petroleum storage terminal at Duqm to reorient exports away from Iran and potentially attract other GCC nations. Saudi Aramco is now studying a pipeline to Duqm, estimated at $7 billion, bypassing Hormuz and the Bab Al Mandeb strait. Oman's strategic centrality carries risks, including potential attacks and the possibility that peace may render much of the infrastructure unnecessary. Additionally, the projects may compete with existing Gulf terminals, and strained Gulf relations due to Muscat's proximity to Tehran during mediation.",
  "summary": "In its heyday, Oman’s maritime empire stretched from Mozambique and Zanzibar to Gwadar in Pakistan. The modern sultanate does not extend so far, but it still holds an important position overlooking the Strait of Hormuz. Oman has gained economically from the conflict, while seeking to mediate peace. Now it could make itself a foundation stone of Gulf security. The war has forced the IMF to…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "Oman could become a cornerstone of Gulf energy security, but risks remain",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/oman-could-become-a-cornerstone-of-gulf-energy-security-but-risks",
        "published": "2026-10-19T03:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}