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Muscat Daily
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Qatar Emir begins 2-day state visit to Oman
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.


Observer
27-01-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman-Qatar: A partnership going from strength to strength
The state visit of Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, to Oman today, marks a significant milestone in the historical relationship between the two nations. This visit is not merely ceremonial but rather symbolises a deep commitment to enhancing bilateral relations across various sectors including trade, investment and cultural exchanges. Emir Shaikh Tamim's visit to Oman and his meeting with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik signifies a new chapter in Oman-Qatar relations marked by a robust commitment to mutual growth across multiple domains. They include but not limited to political engagement, economic cooperation through trade and investment expansion, as well as cultural understanding. The relations between the Emir of Qatar and His Majesty the Sultan are characterised by strong bilateral ties, mutual respect and a shared vision for regional stability and cooperation. These relations are deeply rooted in historical connections, cultural affinities and shared interests in fostering peace and development within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) framework. Oman and Qatar have maintained a long-standing partnership characterised by mutual respect and cooperation. The Oman-Qatar Joint Committee has been pivotal since its establishment in 1995, facilitating collaboration particularly in energy, manufacturing and tourism sectors. Recent statistics indicate that trade between the two countries has seen remarkable growth. By the end of 2023, bilateral trade reached RO 1.113 billion, with Omani exports to Qatar valued at RO 284.7 million and imports from Qatar at RO 828.6 million. In 2024, as of November, trade volume continued to thrive with approximately RO 950.8 million recorded — RO 205.9 million in exports and RO 754.9 million in imports from Qatar. This upward trend reflects both nations' commitment to fostering economic ties that benefit their respective populations. Qatari investments in Oman have also experienced substantial growth. These investments span various sectors including food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, education, banking, technology, construction, tourism, logistics, mining, real estate and insurance. Beyond economic ties, cultural exchange plays a vital role in strengthening Oman-Qatar relations. The visit of the Qatari Emir is expected to enhance cooperation across political and cultural spheres as well. Officials from both countries have emphasised that this visit will provide an opportunity for dialogue on global challenges while reinforcing their shared vision for stability and prosperity within the region. Looking ahead, both nations are keen on exploring new avenues for collaboration particularly in renewable energy projects such as clean energy initiatives and green hydrogen production. Bilateral agreements are anticipated during this visit which will further open doors for private sector collaboration and investment opportunities.


Muscat Daily
26-01-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Qatar Emir's visit to Oman on Tuesday to strengthen ties
Muscat – The Sultanate of Oman and the State of Qatar continue to strengthen bilateral relations, focusing on expanding cooperation in trade, investment and cultural ties for mutual benefit. On Tuesday, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, Emir of Qatar, will arrive in Oman for a state visit, marking an important moment in the history of Oman-Qatar relations. To be hosted at Al Alam Palace, the visit underscores the commitment of both nations to deepen partnership and explore new avenues of collaboration. Trade between Oman and Qatar has grown steadily with data from National Centre for Statistics and Information showing bilateral trade reached RO1.113bn in 2023. Of this, RO284.7mn were Omani exports to Qatar, while imports from Qatar stood at RO828.6mn. In 2024 by November, trade volume had reached approximately RO950.8mn, including RO205.9mn in Omani exports and RO754.9mn in imports from Qatar. H E Sayyid Ammar bin Abdullah al Busaidi, Oman's Ambassador to Qatar Qatari investments in Oman have also seen a notable increase, rising 12% to RO730mn at the end of 2023, compared to RO651.9mn in 2022. H E Sayyid Ammar bin Abdullah al Busaidi, Oman's Ambassador to Qatar, described the emir's visit as a vital step in reinforcing the long-standing relations between the two countries. 'This visit will enhance cooperation across political, economic and cultural sectors, further cementing our partnership,' he said. H E Busaidi highlighted Oman-Qatar Businessmen Council's role in fostering trade relations. Operating under Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the council facilitates trade delegations, joint exhibitions and investment opportunities, serving as a key driver of economic collaboration. The growing partnership between Oman and Qatar reflects their shared vision to promote development and prosperity for their peoples, with both nations committed to exploring broader horizons for cooperation.