Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are bound by deeply rooted historical relations extending over several centuries, translated into cooperative partnerships across numerous fields.
As an extension of these venerable relations, the state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the United Kingdom the day after tomorrow, at the invitation of His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Head of the Commonwealth, affirms the firmly established Omani-British friendship and the keenness of the leaderships of the two countries to continue strengthening it across various fields in a manner that secures further benefits and interests.
His Majesty the Sultan has been keen to develop Oman's relations with the various countries of the world and to entrench the principles of its Renaissance, founded upon mutual respect, the establishment of the values of international peace and security, and the maximisation of common benefits. In this context, His Majesty met King Charles III at Windsor Castle in the English county of Berkshire in July 2025, where emphasis was placed during the meeting on ways to invest these robust historical relations between the two friendly countries in a manner that contributes to realising mutual interests and future visions and meets the aspirations of the peoples of the two countries.
The awarding by the late Queen Elizabeth II to His Majesty the Sultan in 2021 of the distinguished honorary Order of the Knight Grand Cross further affirms the depth of these relations and the bonds uniting the two countries and their peoples.
In pursuit of elevating strategic partnerships, enhancing interests and opening broader horizons for cooperation, His Majesty has been keen to meet British Prime Ministers.
The past years have likewise witnessed intensive meetings between senior officials of the two countries, aimed at expanding and creating new partnerships for bilateral cooperation, strengthening historical ties and broadening the partnership in the political, economic and cultural fields in a manner that realises the common interests of the two countries and their friendly peoples.
Among these meetings was that of HH Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, with His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales, at Windsor Castle.
Since the two friendly countries signed the UnshookTreaty more than 200 years ago, relations have witnessed steady growth across various fields, crowned by the signing of the Joint Defence Agreement in February 2019 and the Comprehensive Agreement on Enduring Friendship and Bilateral Cooperation in May of the same year.
These reflected the keenness of the two countries to deepen and unify shared visions in service of their security, stability and the prosperity of their peoples, as well as to enhance military cooperation embodied in numerous aspects of close cooperation and joint bilateral exercises, the most recent of which was Exercise Swift Sword / 3 “Al Saif Al Sareea 3” held in October 2018. In turn, the Comprehensive Agreement on Enduring Friendship and Bilateral Cooperation affirms the shared commitment of the two friendly countries to work together across several sectors, including the political, military, cultural, economic, investment, tourism and other fields.
In January 2022, the Sultanate of Oman, represented by Oman Investment Authority (OIA), and the United Kingdom, represented by the UK Office for Investment (OfI), signed an investment partnership agreement in the capital, London, aimed at strengthening the bonds of ties and increasing the volume of high-value investments in both countries. The signing of the agreement came within the framework of a memorandum of understanding between the UK Office for Investment and Oman Investment Authority, in reinforcement of bilateral economic relations. The agreement targets investment in specific fields such as the clean energy sector and information technology.
Statistics issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) indicate that the trade balance between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom recorded in 2025 a surplus in favour of the Sultanate of Oman amounting to OMR100.6 million, with the total trade exchange between the two countries reaching OMR384.7 million.
The statistics showed that the total Omani exports to the United Kingdom in 2025 reached approximately OMR242.7 million, while the value of Omani imports from the United Kingdom reached approximately OMR142 million.
Preliminary statistics indicated that the total trade exchange during the first seven months of 2026 reached OMR387.9 million, with the volume of Omani exports to the United Kingdom reaching approximately OMR139 million, while the volume of Omani imports from the United Kingdom reached approximately OMR248.9 million.
From the statistics, it may be observed that the volume of UK direct investment in the Sultanate of Oman is in continuous growth, rising from OMR14.9 billion in 2024 to OMR16.1 billion in 2025. The volume of UK direct investment in the Sultanate of Oman reached, by the end of the second quarter of 2026, OMR16.8 billion.
The total number of institutions in which there is investment from the United Kingdom in 2026 reached approximately 32 institutions. The statistics showed that the volume of Omani direct investments in the United Kingdom in 2025 reached approximately OMR84.6 million.
Regarding the movement of the number of visitors arriving in the Sultanate of Oman from the United Kingdom through legal outlets, their number rose from 93,700 visitors to 103,500 visitors in 2025, and their number reached, by the end of September 2026, 61,886 visitors.
On another front, the Oman-UK Joint Working Group, since its formation in 2010, has been working to enhance bilateral cooperation and partnership, addressing numerous topics and thorny issues and working to find appropriate solutions for them.
The Group also addresses topics related to commercial and investment aspects, with the 18th round of the Group's meetings held in early September 2026 in Muscat. It discussed the broadening of the horizons of relations and benefiting from British expertise and experiences in the fields of developing education, vocational training and sports, and revitalising tourism movement and enhancing cultural exchange and participations between the two countries.
Numerous associations have arisen between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom, foremost among them the British Omani Society, which was founded in 1976 and enjoys the Royal patronage of His Majesty the Sultan.
This Society weaves ties from the standpoint of the firmly established roots of friendship and shared values, to enhance mutual understanding between cultures and to enable the next generation to shape a shared prosperous future between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom.
It also works to enhance education and cultural exchange by maximising understanding between the British and Omani publics of one another, through holding lectures, seminars and social events, as well as providing scholarships and educational assistance.
The Omani-British Friendship Association, meanwhile, seeks to promote trade, partnership and the exchange of commercial and industrial investments between businesspeople in the Sultanate of Oman and Britain, and to develop relations between the two countries in the fields of education, culture, tourism and sports.
The Strategic Consultation Team between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom was also established to support economic diversification between the two friendly countries, through coordination in the fields of investment, financial reform and diversification strategies.
Badr bin Mohammed Al Manthari, the Sultanate of Oman's Ambassador to the United Kingdom, affirmed that the forthcoming Royal Visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the United Kingdom represents an important milestone in the march of Omani-British relations, which are firmly established historical relations founded upon friendship, trust and mutual respect, and which have, over long decades, been able to evolve and keep pace with changes.
The ambassador said in a statement to Oman News Agency (ONA) that this visit reflects the keenness of the leaderships of the two countries to build upon this legacy and to elevate relations to broader horizons of cooperation and partnership in service of the common interests of the two countries and their friendly peoples. It will also constitute an important opportunity to enhance the various tracks of cooperation, foremost among them economy, investment, trade, renewable energy, technology and innovation, alongside education, culture, and defence and security cooperation, opening a new chapter in the march of Omani-British relations.
It affords the opportunity to exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, and to explore new opportunities for partnership consistent with the priorities of the Oman Vision 2040 Vision and the aspirations of the two countries for the coming phase.
He added that the political and diplomatic relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom are distinguished by a high level of trust, understanding and continuous dialogue. The two countries have, across various stages, maintained regular channels of communication and consultation on bilateral, regional and international issues. He noted that the current phase represents an extension of this history, while at the same time opening the way to build a more comprehensive partnership that transcends traditional domains and responds to the economic, technological and political transformations the world is witnessing.
The ambassador explained that the economic and investment dimension represents a fundamental pillar in the Sultanate of Oman's relations with the United Kingdom, and that there are substantial opportunities to elevate this cooperation to more diverse and deeper levels. He added: "We look forward to the Royal visit granting additional momentum to mutual investments and opening the way for qualitative partnerships, particularly in clean energy, green hydrogen, technology and innovation, industry, financial services and tourism. Our ambition is for the available opportunities to be transformed into practical and sustainable projects and partnerships that achieve added value for both countries."
Regarding coordination and dialogue between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom on regional and international issues of mutual interest, the ambassador said: "The Sultanate of Oman proceeds in its foreign policy from a firm belief in the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and de-escalation, and the necessity of finding peaceful and sustainable solutions to crises. In this context, we value the level of consultation and coordination existing with the United Kingdom on numerous regional and international issues.
Amid the circumstances the region is passing through, the importance of continuing this dialogue grows, in a manner that contributes to supporting security and stability, encouraging political solutions, preserving the security of navigation and international trade, and enhancing the prospects of peace and understanding among the various parties."
He noted that education and culture are among the most firmly established fields of cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom. British universities and educational institutions have, over decades, contributed to qualifying large numbers of Omani students and cadres, an aspect we greatly cherish in our bilateral relations. He expressed his aspiration to expand this partnership through further direct cooperation between universities and scientific research institutions, and to enhance academic, research, training and innovation exchange, while giving greater space to young people, for they represent the true guarantee of the continuity and evolution of this relationship in the future.
At the conclusion of his remarks, Badr bin Mohammed Al Manthari, the Sultanate of Oman's Ambassador to the United Kingdom, affirmed that Omani-British relations today carry a clear message: "We have a venerable history of friendship and trust, and we have at the same time a shared ambition for the future. We do not view history as merely a legacy we take pride in, but as a foundation upon which we build a more diverse and modern partnership."
For her part, Dr. Liane Saunders, the United Kingdom's Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman, affirmed that the state visit to be paid by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the United Kingdom constitutes a landmark moment in the enduring relationship between the two countries, stretching back nearly four centuries.
The ambassador added in a statement to Oman News Agency (ONA) that this is the first state visit to the United Kingdom since 1982, noting that last year marked the celebration of the 225th anniversary of the bilateral agreement of 1800, often referred to as the "Unshook Treaty," which declared that the friendship between Britain and the Sultanate of Oman should remain "Unshook."
She explained that the significance of this visit lies not only in celebrating the enduring friendship, but in helping to shape a more prosperous future for relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom and enhancing cooperation on shared priorities for coming generations.
She indicated that the visit seeks to achieve concrete outcomes across the full breadth of the bilateral relationship, which is underpinned by the Comprehensive Agreement on Enduring Friendship and Bilateral Cooperation signed in 2019.
The ambassador noted that His Majesty's visit will focus on deepening the economic and investment partnership, modernising the defence relationship, expanding cooperation in the fields of culture, heritage, education and skills, and enhancing coordination in foreign policies.
She explained that the Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom enjoy a close and wide-ranging partnership, as the United Kingdom owns more than half of the total cumulative foreign direct investment in the Sultanate of Oman, and continues to support the diversification of the Omani economy through the Oman-UK Strategic Advisory Group, while remaining deeply rooted through defence, education, culture, advisory support and institutional ties. The Sultanate of Oman is likewise a trusted regional partner with a long-standing reputation for supporting dialogue and de-escalation.
The UK ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman said: "At a time of global uncertainty, Oman's strategic location, its role in regional diplomacy and its ambitious Vision 2040 programme make it an important partner for the United Kingdom across security, economic and diplomatic spheres."
She explained that the United Kingdom values the Sultanate of Oman's distinctive role as a trusted regional interlocutor capable of maintaining open diplomatic channels in the context of regional issues, welcoming the Sultanate of Oman's support for a sustainable political settlement in Yemen, and its broader contribution to easing regional tensions.
The ambassador affirmed that the United Kingdom will continue to work closely with the Sultanate of Oman to advance regional stability and support freedom of navigation, in reinforcement of the shared interest in security and the uninterrupted flow of international trade.
She noted that the Oman Vision 2040 places economic diversification at the centre of the country's future development, contributing to the creation of diverse opportunities in the fields of renewable energy, green hydrogen, advanced manufacturing, financial services, technology, logistics, tourism, agricultural technologies and education. She explained that the United Kingdom is already the largest investment partner of the Sultanate of Oman, owning more than 52 percent of foreign direct investment, and is well placed to support these ambitions.
The ambassador added that since the signing of the UK-Oman Sovereign Investment Partnership agreement between the two countries in 2022, British investment in the Sultanate of Oman has continued to grow, while the free trade agreement between the GCC states and the United Kingdom — whose joint statement concluding the relevant negotiations was recently signed — contributes to creating further opportunities to deepen trade and investment ties. She expressed her hope for enhanced cooperation particularly in fields such as clean energy, digital innovation, advanced industries, research and skills development.
She noted that education and skills constitute a key pillar in the relationship between the Sultanate of Oman and her country. The United Kingdom remains a leading higher education destination for Omani students, with around 3,000 Omanis studying in the United Kingdom each year. She noted that His Majesty's forthcoming visit will contribute to exploring opportunities for deepening cooperation in research and innovation, education and technical and vocational training, skills development, and artificial intelligence-enhanced education, and to enhancing cooperation in the fields of culture, heritage, tourism and youth engagement, in pursuit of strengthening people-to-people ties.
The ambassador said that this relationship is both enduring and forward-looking, for the state visit is an opportunity afforded once in a generation to renew the historical relationship, deepen cooperation in ways that respond to the challenges and opportunities the two countries face, and set a course of action for future generations.
Dr. Liane Saunders, the United Kingdom's Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman concluded her remarks by affirming the shared desire of both countries to strengthen defence and security ties, support economic transformation, deepen investment and trade links, expand educational and cultural cooperation, and enhance coordination on regional and international issues, ensuring the continuation of the enduring partnership to deliver prosperity for future generations in both countries.
On another front, Faisal bin Abdullah Al Rowas, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), affirmed that the Royal visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the United Kingdom opens important horizons for elevating Omani-British relations to a broader economic partnership, resting upon the firmly established relations and mutual interests uniting the two countries.
He explained that the United Kingdom is the largest foreign direct investor in the Sultanate of Oman, alongside being an important trade partner, noting that the developments witnessed in trade relations, including the conclusion of negotiations for the free trade agreement between the GCC states and the United Kingdom, enhance the prospects of growth in trade and investment exchange between the two sides.
He indicated that cooperation opportunities extend to a number of key sectors, among them renewable energy, the digital economy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, manufacturing and advanced industries, agricultural technologies and food security. These fields represent a promising space for expanding investments and exchanging expertise, and for benefiting from the potential the two countries possess, in support of diversifying the domains of economic cooperation and achieving added value for the private sector.
Al Rowas noted that Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry is working to enhance direct links between Omani and British companies, and to provide broader opportunities to become acquainted with markets, projects and investment domains in the two countries. He stressed the importance of continuing trade meetings, exchanging delegations and developing communication between private sector institutions, in a manner that contributes to building practical long-term partnerships and enhances the presence of companies in the markets of both countries.
Dr. Khalid bin Said Al Amri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Oman Economic Association, affirmed that the visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the United Kingdom represents a defining milestone in the trajectory of economic relations between the two countries. He stressed that Omani-British relations are no transient affair governed by immediate interests, but rather a legacy and a mutual trust that has withstood momentous transformations.
He explained that the visit unfolds at an exceptional economic juncture: the United Kingdom stands as the largest foreign investor in the Sultanate of Oman, the free trade agreement between the United Kingdom and the Gulf Cooperation Council concluded its negotiations in May 2026, and Oman Vision 2040 is pressing forward toward a diversified economy.
He pointed to promising sectors ripe for attracting joint investments, including renewable energy, green hydrogen, mining, logistics services, ports, tourism, food security, aquaculture, education, and health, noting the importance of directing a portion of Oman Investment Authority's portfolio toward British sectors that transfer technology and knowledge.
He indicated that Omani exports to Britain have grown increasingly diversified, with opportunities to expand them in petrochemicals, aluminium, halal foods, frankincense, perfumes, green ammonia, and tourism and logistics services.
For her part, Areej Mohsen Darwish, an Omani entrepreneur and investor in the United Kingdom, explained that the visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the United Kingdom constitutes a significant milestone in the course of Omani-British relations spanning decades, and an opportunity to reinforce the economic and investment dimension.
She stated that commercial and investment ties have existed since ancient times, and that the significance of such visits lies in imparting political and economic momentum to relations and opening wider horizons for companies to forge strategic partnerships.
She noted that the opportunity today lies in advancing toward greater cooperation in the sectors of the future economy and in linking the expertise of both countries within the framework of Oman Vision 2040, explaining that trust precedes the investment decision and that high-level visits transform political relations into effective economic channels.
She added that experience in the British market affords the investor the opportunity to diversify the portfolio and compete in an advanced environment, placing one before global standards in governance, efficiency, and innovation. She noted that the value extends to the knowledge and networks of relationships it provides, pointing out that the success of an economic relationship is measured not solely by the volume of trade exchange, but by its capacity to sustain investments and partnerships that generate added value for both sides. -ONA