London, UK – The British Omani Society (BOS) marked its 50th anniversary by hosting its annual Summer Business Reception in Mayfair on Thursday, bringing together senior government officials, business leaders, healthcare professionals and members of the Omani and UK communities to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation.

Held against the backdrop of the recently announced UK-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the event focused on strengthening partnerships between Oman and the UK, particularly in healthcare and other strategic sectors.

H E Dr Hilal bin Ali Al Sabti, Minister of Health and Guest of Honour, delivered the keynote address, outlining Oman’s healthcare priorities under Vision 2040. He said the sultanate is focusing on strengthening healthcare governance, expanding private sector participation, improving public health and preventive care, ensuring sustainable healthcare financing, accelerating digital transformation through artificial intelligence, and developing the national healthcare workforce.

Dr Al Sabti said the UK-GCC FTA, announced in May 2026, would serve as a catalyst for deeper cooperation between Oman and the UK, creating opportunities in pharmaceutical manufacturing, innovative medicines, scientific research, pharmaceutical security and digital health.

The reception followed a business forum co-hosted by BOS and the Oman British Society, providing participants an opportunity to discuss investment prospects and expand commercial and professional networks.

Richard Stanford, Chair of BOS, said the organisation has spent five decades promoting cooperation between the two countries across business, culture, education, sustainability and youth development.

“The recently signed UK-GCC FTA presents significant opportunities for both the UK and Oman across a wide range of sectors. Today’s forum has highlighted the potential for long-term collaboration in healthcare at a time when demand for innovation continues to grow,” he said.

Also addressing the gathering were Saleh Zakwani, Chair of the Oman British Society, and Prof Anthony Harnden, Chair of the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.

Harnden said there was considerable alignment between the UK’s healthcare system and Oman’s Vision 2040 objectives.

“There’s a lot of overlap in what we do in the UK and what Oman is trying to achieve. It’s encouraging to see these ambitions translating into practical improvements for patients, and I look forward to developing our relationship with Oman,” he said.