A grand reception and gala dinner was hosted on Monday evening by The Omani British Society, at The Diplomatic Club, to mark the 225th anniversary of the ‘Unshook Treaty of 1800’ between Oman and Great Britain. What began as a key step in strengthening British influence in the region – with a hope for enduring friendship – has now blossomed into a mature, equal relationship

The Treaty of Friendship, Commerce, and Navigation, signed in 1800 between the Sultanate of Oman and Great Britain, remains one of the world’s oldest and most enduring diplomatic agreements. Known affectionately as the ‘Unshook Treaty’, it symbolises over two centuries of mutual respect, trust, and collaboration between the two nations.

This year’s gathering carried added significance as it also marked the Arabic publication of the acclaimed book ‘Unshook Till the End of Time’, a landmark study chronicling the enduring partnership between Oman and the United Kingdom.

The reception, followed by a gala dinner, was graced by many distinguished guests, including H E Dr Liane Saunders, British ambassador to Oman, who presented opening remarks, and Sheikh Khalid al Muslahi, Undersecretary for Administrative and Financial Affairs, Foreign Ministry, who delivered the keynote address as ‘Guest of Honour’.

To mark this historic milestone, the evening’s programme included cultural performances and reflections celebrating the strength and continuity of this unique relationship, one that continues to shape regional dialogue, maritime security, and cultural and economic ties between Oman and the United Kingdom. The gala dinner that followed featured cuisine specially curated for the event, reflecting a fusion of Omani and British heritage.

Saleh Zakwani, Chairman, Omani British Society, commented, “Marking 225 years since the Unshook Treaty invites us to reflect on a partnership built on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to stability and progress. Oman and the United Kingdom have navigated centuries of change side by side, proving that enduring relationships are anchored in mutual understanding. As we look to the future, this anniversary serves as a reminder that our friendship is not only historic, but essential to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.”

As Oman prepared for the launch of the Arabic edition of Unshook Till the End of Time, the acclaimed history of Omani–British relations over the past two centuries, interest in the long and often remarkable partnership between the two nations was once again in the spotlight. And it can now be relished by a wider Arabic readership, especially those only conversant with Arabic.

Co-authored by former British ambassadors Stuart Laing and Robert Alston, the book traces more than three centuries of diplomacy, maritime cooperation, political complexity and – perhaps most strikingly – an enduring sense of trust between Muscat and London.

Few are better placed to reflect on this relationship than Stuart Laing himself. A distinguished diplomat and former British ambassador to Oman, Laing brings both academic rigour and first-hand experience to the subject. His perspective bridges the historical and the contemporary, the archival and the lived. With the Arabic edition now poised to reach a new generation of Omani readers, the conversation acquires fresh relevance.

In an exclusive interview to Muscat Daily, Laing speaks about the making of the book, the nuances of translation, and why the ties between Britain and Oman have remained, in his words, ‘unshook’ across the centuries. Excerpts:

When you and Robert Alston set out to write Unshook Till the End of Time, what was the central story about Omani–British relations you felt had not been fully told?

Two aspects came to the fore as I was writing the earlier part of the book – one was the importance of India, and trade to and from India, for both Britain and the Ruler in Muscat. And the second was the way that abolition of the Indian Ocean slave trade affected the relationship through the 19^th century.

Over the past two centuries, which period revealed the most surprising or misunderstood aspect of the relationship between the two nations?

I was surprised at the friction that arose during the reign of Sultan Faisal in Turki in the last decade of the 19^th century. British policy-makers sought a network of treaties with Oman and Gulf rulers to provide a kind of ring of protection for their interests in India. Sultan Faisal sought stronger independence from British influence.

Were there archival letters, diary content/documents, or encounters that fundamentally reshaped how you viewed this centuries-long partnership?

What I found most interesting were British Foreign Office papers on the relationship with Sultan Sa’id bin Taymur in the last year or two of his reign.

Oman has always stood apart in the Indian Ocean world. In your research, what qualities made Britain approach Oman differently from its other regional relationships?

From the earliest stages of Britain’s conduct towards the Ruler in Muscat, it was clear that this territory would not become a colony, and subject to British administration, as had happened elsewhere, leading to the build-up of the British Empire.

The title’s phrase ‘Unshook till the end of time’ suggests a relationship rooted in trust. What, in your view, has been the deepest source of that trust?

Probably, it goes back to the time at the end of the 18^th and start of the 19^th century, when shared interests in security of navigation in the Gulf led to joint naval and military operations.

With the launch of the Arabic edition, how do you expect Omani readers – especially younger ones – to interpret the narrative differently or more intimately?

I have no pre-conceptions. The reason for my gratitude to those who have produced this translation is that it will open up our work to a much wider audience, and Arabic-reading students and others will be able to make up their own minds about the importance of this history.

Did the translation process reveal any moments where historical or diplomatic nuance had to be especially carefully handled?

No. Obviously the events leading to the assumption of power by the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said in 1970 had to be handled carefully, but this comes out in both languages.

During your tenure as ambassador, did you find echoes of the earlier centuries described in the book – continuities in attitude, diplomacy, or cultural style?

Yes, to a small extent, in that I found a shared approach to many issues in defence and commerce, arising from a long experience of bilateral dealing, and deep awareness on both sides of the other’s cultural and educational background. But, as Ambassador from 2003 onward, for 4 years, I was living in a country of maturity playing a significant part in international affairs. The patronising approach taken by British governments in earlier periods had completely disappeared.

If you were mentoring young diplomats from Oman or the UK today, what historical lesson from the past two centuries would you consider indispensable?

All diplomats should do their best to learn about the cultural background of the countries where they serve. It is too easy to think, ‘My history is important, and yours is not’. Actually, we are all shaped by our historical background.

If a Volume II were ever written covering 1970 to the present, what themes would be impossible to ignore in explaining how the relationship continues to evolve?

Any historian or modern commentator writing about the last 50-60 years will want to describe how both societies, British and Omani, have adapted to changes in the international scene, not only in the Gulf and Indian Ocean, but also globally, with huge improvements in education and use of advanced technology. And they will also want to look forward, as I do, to the continued benefits to British and Omani people arising from this friendship that hopes to continue ‘unshook till the end of time’.

Cordial partnerships (Co-hosts of the event speak)

The 225th anniversary is not only a celebration of the historic Oman–UK relationship, but also a reminder of how enduring partnerships are built on trust, respect and shared values. As Europcar Oman & Bahrain, we are proud to contribute in a small way to this milestone, and to support the continued growth of business, cultural and people-to-people ties between our two countries.

Nitin Sapre, CEO, Europecar Oman & Bahrain

HSBC is honoured to support Oman’s ambitions in multiple ways—from this partnership to the recent Oman Day event recently held in the UK. As Oman looks to build on established trade corridors and long-standing friendships such as with the UK or eastward to new growth markets, HSBC’s global banking platform and deep client connections remain core assets for businesses and investors. Our role—as a bridge to new markets, ideas, and capital—continues to deepen, and we are proud to be part of the fabric of Oman’s engagement with the wider world.

Elie el Asmar, CEO, HSBC

‘Unshook: Till the End of Time’ perfectly captures the strength and enduring resilience of the Oman and UK relationship. As we celebrate 225 years of friendship, it’s the people behind this partnership who truly bring it to life. Having contributed to Oman’s legal and business landscape for almost 45 years and with the support of our colleagues across the UK and beyond, Dentons is proud to stand with The Omani British Society in supporting this milestone. We look forward to supporting further collaboration and shared growth between these two great nations in the years ahead.

Sadaf Buchanan, Partner, Dentons

It is our pleasure and privilege to be part of this remarkable event. Celebrating 225 years of friendship is not only a historic milestone but a testament to what the Sultanate of Oman – under the visionary leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham – and the Diplomatic Club stand for: connecting cultures and building lasting partnerships.      

Charm Majolica, Director, The Diplomatic Club

As we mark 225 years since the Unshook Treaty of 1800, we celebrate one of the world’s most enduring examples of friendship and mutual respect. The Oman-UK partnership has grown across diplomacy, trade, culture, and education, and continues to evolve with purpose and trust. At the Omani British Society, we are proud to play a humble but meaningful role in strengthening these ties, creating spaces for dialogue, deepening cultural understanding, and ensuring this remarkable relationship thrives for generations to come.

Haifa al Khaifi, Secretary General – The Omani British Society

At Standard Chartered, we’re honoured to commemorate 225 years of enduring Oman-UK relations. I am proud to represent Standard Chartered Oman in celebrating this significant milestone. Our role as a strategic partner at this event underscores our commitment to fostering robust bilateral ties and supporting economic growth. The Oman-UK business corridor is a vital link that drives innovation, trade, and investment opportunities, and we will continue to work towards a flourishing economic and business relationship between the two nations.

Hussain al Yafai, CEO, Standard Chartered Bank

I am honoured to celebrate the enduring friendship between Oman and the United Kingdom. This special event and the launch of ‘Unshook: Till the End of Time’ highlight the rich history and cultural ties that unite our nations. I am proud to support initiatives that deepen understanding, foster dialogue, and celebrate the remarkable connections that continue to flourish.

Hon. Lujaina Mohsin Darwish, Chairperson, MHD

Two hundred and twenty-five years stands as a defining milestone, a tribute to the partnership and shared growth shaped by the unified vision of Oman and the United Kingdom. This occasion reminds us that enduring relationships are built on legacy and the courage to shape the future together. Oman Arab Bank is honoured to support a chapter that continues to inspire progress, opportunity, and meaningful impact for both nations and their people.

Sulaiman al Harthi, CEO, Oman Arab Bank

Glimses of the Gala