Muscat – Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, arrived on a two-day state visit to the Sultanate of Oman on Tuesday.

His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik led the welcoming party for Sheikh Tamim.

When the guest’s jet entered the Omani airspace, it was escorted by a squadron of military aircrafts of the Royal Air Force of Oman till its arrival at Royal Airport, in a manifestation of warm welcome.

When the jet touched ground at Royal Airport, His Majesty the Sultan met the guest at the foot of the ramp, welcoming him and wishing him and his accompanying delegation a pleasant stay in Oman.

Then, His Majesty the Sultan and Sheikh Tamim headed to the hall, flanked by two rows of the guard of honour of Royal Guard of Oman (RGO).

After a short break, the motorcade of the two leaders left the Royal Airport, heading to Al Alam Palace for an official reception.

As the motorcade of the two leaders passed Muscat Gate, a unit of Royal Camel Corps lined both sides of the road, welcoming the guest. Then, a cavalcade from Royal Cavalry and RGO Cavalry escorted the official motorcade till the National Museum, to the accompaniment of a mounted military music band.

Upon arrival of the motorcade at the yard leading to Al Alam Palace, a  reception was held, with the participation of folklore bands that lined the passage, chanting slogans of warm welcome to the guest. After that, the artillery fired a 21-gun salute for the guest.

Upon arrival of the motorcade at the courtyard of Al Alam Palace, a welcome tune was played in an atmosphere of fanfare and ambiance.

After that, His Majesty the Sultan accompanied Sheikh Tamim to the Dais of Honour where the National Anthem of the State of Qatar was played.

Then, His Majesty the Sultan shook hands with members of the official delegation accompanying the emir, wishing them a pleasant stay and a successful visit. On his turn, Sheikh Tamim shook hands with some members of the Royal Family, chairmen of State Council and Majlis A’Shura, ministers, advisors and commanders of Sultan’s Armed Forces.

The Emir of Qatar is being accompanied by an official delegation comprising Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs; Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al Thani, President of Qatar Olympic Committee; Abdullah bin Mohammed al Khulaifi, Chief of Amiri Diwan; Ali bin Ahmed al Kuwari, Minister of Finance and Head of Oman-Qatar Joint Committee; Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al Thani, Minister of Culture; Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, Minister of Sports and Youth; Sheikh Faisal bin Thani al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry; Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al Khulaifi, Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Saad bin Nasser al Kaabi, Director of Department of Studies and Research at Amiri Diwan; Mohammed Saif al Sowaidi, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Investment Authority; Sheikh Mubarak bin Fahad al Thani, Ambassador of Qatar to Oman; and Abdulla bin Saif al Mansouri, Director of GCC Affairs Department at Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Along with His Majesty the Sultan, Sheikh Tamim was received by H H Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Council of Ministers; H H Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs; H H Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs; H H Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth; Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal al Busaidi, Minister of Diwan of Royal Court; Gen Sultan bin Mohammed al Nu’mani, Minister of Royal Office; Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal al Busaidi, Minister of Interior; Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidi, Foreign Minister (Head of Mission of Honour); Sayyid Ammar bin Abdullah al Busaidi, Ambassador of Oman to Qatar; Sheikh Mubarak bin Fahad al Thani, Ambassador of Qatar to Oman; members of the mission of honour and members of the Qatari Embassy in Muscat.

Later in the evening, His Majesty the Sultan hosted a dinner banquet for Sheikh Tamim prior to which they exchanged commemorative gifts to mark the visit.