UK and Oman Strengthen Ties: Key Highlights from the Omani State Visit

During the recent State Visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman to the United Kingdom, which took place from 20 to 22 October 2026, both nations reaffirmed their longstanding friendship, evidenced by the close rapport between His Majesty The King and His Majesty the Sultan. The leaders expressed their mutual intent to cultivate an ambitious, forward-looking partnership aimed at future collaboration.

Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation

At a meeting held at 10 Downing Street on 21 October, Prime Minister Andy Burnham and His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik acknowledged the depth and warmth of relations between the United Kingdom and Oman. They established a framework of priorities to guide their cooperation in the years to come. These priorities encompass modernising security, defence, and national resilience cooperation; enhancing trade and investment in green and advanced industries; collaborating on regional stability and global challenges; and fostering closer ties between their peoples and institutions.

Additionally, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and His Highness Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said both expressed their commitment to nurturing the next generation of this relationship, including through their joint patronage of the British Omani Society. Furthermore, the UK Defence Secretary and the Omani Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs reiterated their dedication to the enduring defence partnership and its ongoing modernisation.

In discussions between the UK Foreign Secretary and the Omani Foreign Minister, various bilateral matters of regional and global significance were addressed. The UK Minister for Trade also engaged with the Omani Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion to facilitate the anticipated signing of the UK-Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement.

Commitment to a Comprehensive Partnership

The partnership between the United Kingdom and Oman, deeply rooted in historical ties, is sustained through resilience and renewed through innovation. This relationship is underpinned by the Comprehensive Agreement of Enduring Friendship and Bilateral Cooperation and the Joint Defence Agreement, both established in 2019. The UK-Oman Ministerial Dialogue, Joint Defence Talks, and Strategic Advisory Group are among the various forums facilitating this cooperation.

Both nations are committed to reinforcing and deepening their relationship, monitoring progress against agreed priorities, and ensuring that cooperation remains mutually beneficial. This collaboration aligns with Oman’s Vision 2040 and the UK’s growth agenda, as well as the shared objective of fostering a more secure, prosperous, and resilient world.

Advancing Security and Defence Initiatives

The United Kingdom and Oman reaffirmed the critical importance of their trusted defence partnership, with intentions to enhance defence industrial cooperation, military collaboration, and the focus on defence expertise and innovation. The Saif Sareea exercise series continues to be a prominent demonstration of their relationship, with both countries welcoming preparations for Saif Sareea IV. They also agreed to explore the next phases of long-term exercise cooperation, including future capability development and maritime security information sharing.

Furthermore, the two nations are committed to deepening collaboration in security and national resilience, particularly in areas such as cyber security, to address shared international security challenges.

Fostering Economic Growth and Innovation

The anticipated UK-Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement is expected to create significant opportunities for enhancing trade and investment between the two countries. The UK-Oman Strategic Advisory Group will serve as a principal platform for dialogue on investment and growth, facilitating knowledge exchange and structured innovation to achieve shared economic goals.

Additionally, the Sovereign Partnership for Cooperation and Promotion of Investment aims to strengthen long-term economic ties, linking the UK’s Office for Investment with the Oman Investment Authority. This partnership will focus on green growth, advanced technologies, and regional connectivity, prioritising sectors identified in both the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy and Oman’s future-industries ecosystem.

Recognising green growth as a common national priority, the two countries will collaborate on initiatives surrounding green industries and decarbonisation. UK Export Finance has announced an increase in its country limit for Oman by £1.6 billion, offering support for UK exports. This financial capacity aims to deepen commercial connections and facilitate Omani access to UK goods and expertise.

Collaborative Approaches to Regional and Global Issues

Both the United Kingdom and Oman reaffirmed their commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond. They agreed to enhance cooperation in conflict prevention, humanitarian response, and multilateral engagement. Their commitment to a two-state solution as the foundation for a just and lasting peace between Israel and Palestine was also underscored. Importance was placed on adherence to international law, particularly regarding maritime security and the safe passage of shipping in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

To bolster this cooperation, joint initiatives will be developed between His Majesty’s Diplomatic Service College and the Oman Diplomatic Academy. Both nations reiterated their commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050, demonstrating leadership in climate, nature, and environmental protection, while acknowledging the role of clean energy in fostering sustainable growth.

Building Connections for Future Generations

The historical bond between the United Kingdom and Oman has been nurtured over generations, established by sailors, soldiers, scientists, and students who have fostered deep trust and connection between the two nations. In recognising this legacy, both countries announced new initiatives aimed at strengthening ties between their peoples and institutions for future generations. They plan to enhance cooperation in areas such as heritage, air connectivity, tourism, sport, and the creative industries.

In the realm of education and skills development, the reopening of the Chevening Scholarship programme for the first time since 2021 was welcomed, alongside a British Council pilot project focusing on artificial intelligence in Omani schools. The introduction of new scholarships through the Oman Net Zero Centre and Cardiff University further illustrates the commitment to stronger educational links and professional qualifications.