Muscat – Oman and the United Kingdom are looking to deepen economic, defence and diplomatic cooperation as His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik begins a state visit to Britain on Monday, the first such visit by an Omani Sultan since 1982.

On the invitation of King Charles III, the visit aims to build on more than two centuries of relations and expand cooperation in clean energy, technology, trade, education and investment.

Dr Liane Saunders, the UK Ambassador to Oman, said, “At a time when the international landscape is in turmoil, Oman’s strategic location, its role in regional diplomacy and its ambitious programme through Vision 2040 make it an important partner for the UK in the security, economic and diplomatic fields.”

She added that the visit would focus on strengthening economic and investment ties, modernising defence cooperation, expanding collaboration in culture, heritage, education and skills, and enhancing foreign policy coordination.

The visit follows the 225th anniversary of a bilateral agreement signed in 1800, commonly known as the Unshook Treaty of 1800. The partnership was further strengthened by a Joint Defence Agreement signed in February 2019 and a Comprehensive Agreement of Firm Friendship and Bilateral Cooperation in May that year.

Investment and trade

Investment remains a key pillar of the relationship. British direct investment in Oman rose from RO14.9bn in 2024 to RO16.1bn in 2025, reaching RO16.8bn by the end of the second quarter of 2026, according to figures cited by ONA.

The UK accounts for more than half of Oman’s cumulative foreign direct investment, UK Ambassador said, highlighting its contribution to the diversification of the Omani economy.

Bilateral trade reached RO384.7mn in 2025, with Oman recording a trade surplus of RO100.6mn. Omani exports to the UK totalled RO242.7mn, while imports stood at RO142mn.

Preliminary figures for the first seven months of 2026 put bilateral trade at RO387.9mn. Omani exports amounted to RO139mn, while imports reached RO248.9mn.

A sovereign investment partnership agreement signed in 2022 has supported closer economic links. The two sides are also looking to capitalise on progress towards a free trade agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the UK.

Priority sectors include clean energy, green hydrogen, digital innovation, advanced industries, research and skills development.

Saleh Zakwani, Chairman of the Omani British Society, said the visit comes as economic relations continue to develop through investment partnerships, with the UK remaining Oman’s largest foreign investor.

“The UK is not merely a trading partner but a source of extensive experience across various fields. Combining this expertise with Oman’s ambitious Vision 2040 will help us achieve its objectives. This is the essence of this historic visit,” he told ONA.

Education and regional cooperation

Education is another established area of bilateral cooperation, with approximately 3,000 Omani students studying in the UK annually, according to UK Ambassador.

The visit is expected to explore opportunities for collaboration in research, innovation, technical and vocational education, skills development and the use of artificial intelligence in education.

Regional diplomacy and maritime security are also important aspects of the partnership. She said the UK valued Oman’s role in maintaining diplomatic channels, supporting a sustainable political settlement in Yemen and easing regional tensions.

According to Badr bin Mohammed Al Mundhiri, Oman’s Ambassador to the UK, the visit would provide an opportunity to expand cooperation in investment, technology, tourism and innovation, while advancing shared priorities under Vision 2040.

He said both countries sought to translate investment opportunities into practical, sustainable projects that deliver value to their economies and people.