Latest news with #Omani-British
Muscat Daily
10-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman-British Society symposium explores innovation, trade ties and Vision 2040 goals
Muscat – The Oman-British Society (OBS) hosted a symposium on Thursday to explore the future of economic development, legal frameworks, and innovation in the sultanate. Titled 'Unlocking Oman's Future: Law, Trade, and Innovation in Action', the event brought together economists, academics, policymakers, and business leaders to discuss strategies for fostering sustainable economic growth in Oman. Key topics included legal reforms, trade facilitation, technological innovation, and renewable energy, with particular emphasis on the emerging green hydrogen sector. Speaking at the opening of symposium, Saleh Zakwani, Chairman of the Oman-British Society, reaffirmed the Society's longstanding role in strengthening the deep-rooted relationship between Oman and the United Kingdom. He noted that the Oman-British Society, founded in 1991, has consistently worked to deepen bilateral ties, particularly in trade, investment, and partnership development. Zakwani underscored OBS's focus on enhancing commercial and industrial cooperation and broadening collaboration in education, culture, tourism, and sports between the UK and Oman. 'To advance these goals, the Society hosts meetings, seminars, lectures, and discussion forums, all aimed at nurturing friendship, trust, and mutual understanding between Oman and the UK,' he said. He added that the Society's influence is amplified by the calibre of its members, who are able to raise issues of public interest with decision-makers, thereby helping to facilitate greater trade and investment. Haifa al Khaifi, Secretary General of the Oman-British Society, said, 'It was an honour for the OBS to host this pivotal gathering, which brought together thought leaders and innovators to explore how law, trade, and innovation can unlock Oman's vast potential. The event underscored the deep-rooted Omani-British partnership, with the UK now accounting for 51% of total foreign direct investment into Oman – a testament to our enduring trust and shared vision.' She added that from green hydrogen to smart cities, Oman is charting a resilient, diversified future under Vision 2040. 'I am proud to witness this momentum and remain committed to fostering meaningful connections that will shape a prosperous, collaborative future for Oman and its longstanding partners.' The symposium provided a comprehensive overview of Oman's steady transition towards a diversified, resilient, and investor-friendly economy in line with Vision 2040. During the event, Mohammed al Hinai, a seasoned economic adviser specialising in trade, investment strategy, and economic development, spoke to Muscat Daily on the enduring strength of Omani-British relations. 'Our cooperation spans sectors such as technology, energy, and mineral resources. British companies have long invested in Oman, and this trend continues to grow,' he said. Hinai emphasised the UK's position as a European technology hub, a role that benefits Omani companies by supporting their growth in both financial and technological domains. He described such symposiums as essential for reviewing progress and stimulating dialogue in key fields such as trade, innovation, and green energy. Several speakers at the event highlighted the importance of innovation-driven policy, legal modernisation, and creating an enabling environment for start-ups and foreign investors. The role of academic and research institutions in supporting Oman's shift towards a knowledge-based economy also emerged as a key theme. In a detailed presentation, Alkesh Joshi, EY Oman Tax Leader and EY MENA Sustainability Tax Leader, outlined the country's progress towards Vision 2040 goals, citing advances in diversification, fiscal stability, and investment attractiveness. He opened his address by stressing the importance of measuring Vision 2040 implementation through performance indicators. Joshi also pointed to Oman's improved global rankings. Highlighting Oman's demographic strengths, Joshi remarked that 73% of the country's 5.2mn population fall within the 15–50 age group, offering a vibrant talent pool and consumer base. On the macroeconomic front, he said Oman's GDP performance remains competitive within the GCC, while public debt management has improved markedly. The Oman-British Society symposium concluded with a panel discussion focusing on policy recommendations and collaborative efforts between Oman and the UK to accelerate economic diversification under Oman Vision 2040.
Muscat Daily
27-04-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
H M Sultan Haitham, Lammy review strategic relations
Muscat – His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik gave an audience at Al Barakah Palace on Sunday to David Lammy, United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs. The meeting reviewed the historical and strategic relations between the two countries, as well as the Omani-British partnership that boosts economic diversification in the sultanate. Lammy lauded His Majesty the Sultan's modern development policies and the tangible impact of these across the country, while reaffirming the British government's keenness to bolstering cooperation and investment in various fields. His Majesty the Sultan expressed his appreciation for the bilateral cooperation and coordination between the two countries' governments, welcoming current partnerships and future prospects. Lammy also touched on several regional and international developments and heard His Majesty the Sultan's perspectives on these matters. He expressed interest in the ceasefire efforts in Gaza and the pursuit of peace and stability, as well as the ongoing US-Iranian negotiations through Omani mediation to reach a new agreement concerning Tehran's nuclear programme for peaceful purposes. Oman, UK bilateral cooperation Later in the day, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, received Lammy in his office. During the meeting, the two ministers affirmed the joint desire to follow up on all areas of cooperation and ways of promoting these to serve joint interests. Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, with David Lammy, United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs The two also emphasised the importance of continued consultation, coordination and cooperation in all efforts that would strengthen the foundations of regional security, stability and peace. They also supported resolving issues through dialogue and diplomatic means, ensuring greater benefits for all countries and peoples. Lammy underlined Oman's support for negotiations aimed at finalising a free trade agreement between the GCC countries and the UK. The meeting was attended by Munthir Mahfoudh al Manthri, Head of Europe Department in Foreign Ministry, Sir Oliver Robbins, Permanent Undersecretary at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and Lianne Sanders, UK Ambassador to Oman.
Observer
27-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
HM gives audience to UK Foreign Secretary
Muscat: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik gave an audience at Al Barakah Palace on Sunday to David Lammy, the United Kingdom's (UK) Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs. The audience reviewed the historical and strategic relations between the two countries, as well as the Omani-British partnership that boosts economic diversification in the Sultanate of Oman. David Lammy, UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs lauded His Majesty the Sultan's modern development policies and their tangible impact across the country, reaffirming the British government's keenness to bolstering cooperation and investment in various fields. His Majesty the Sultan expressed his appreciation for the bilateral cooperation and coordination between the two countries' governments, welcoming the current partnership pathways and their future prospects. The UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs also touched on several regional and international developments, listening to His Majesty's perspectives on these matters. The visiting minister expressed interest in the ceasefire efforts in Gaza and the pursuit of peace and stability, as well as ongoing US-Iranian negotiations through Omani mediation to reach a new agreement concerning Iran's nuclear program for peaceful purposes. The meeting was attended by Sayyid Badr Hamad al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, Sir Oliver Robbins, Permanent Under-Secretary at UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Dr Lianne Sanders, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the Sultanate of Oman.
Muscat Daily
27-04-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
His Majesty the Sultan receives UK Foreign Secretary
Muscat – His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik received David Lammy, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom, at Al Barakah Palace. During the audience, the two sides discussed the longstanding historical and strategic relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom, and the Omani-British partnership that continues to bolster economic diversification efforts in the Sultanate. David Lammy commended the modern development policies introduced under the leadership of His Majesty the Sultan, noting their visible and positive impact across the country. He affirmed the British Government's eagerness to further encourage cooperation and deepen investment relations in a range of sectors. His Majesty the Sultan expressed his appreciation for the robust cooperation and coordination between the governments of the two countries and voiced his satisfaction with the partnership's current trajectory and its promising future prospects. Regional and international developments were also reviewed during the meeting. His Excellency the British Foreign Secretary expressed particular interest in the ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and to advance peace and stability in the region. Discussions further touched upon the diplomatic efforts, facilitated by Omani mediation, aimed at reaching a new agreement between the United States and Iran concerning the peaceful use of Iran's nuclear programme.
Zawya
10-03-2025
- Zawya
Oman's archaeological mission unearths ancient artefacts
Suhar – An Omani-British archaeological team has made a series of groundbreaking discoveries at Sohar Fort and its surrounding areas, further solidifying the city's role as a key port and maritime gateway between Oman, China and India in ancient times. Among the findings is a small crystal bead, resembling a stamp/seal, engraved with the name Allah in Arabic. The mission also uncovered a clay mould believed to have been used for minting coins, offering fresh insights into the economic activities that flourished in the region. Historically, Suhar is recognised as one of Oman's oldest cities and a vital maritime hub during the early Islamic period. Its strategic location made it a critical commercial link for travellers and traders navigating between China, India and the Arabian Peninsula. These latest discoveries provide new evidence of Suhar's importance as a bustling maritime and trade centre during antiquity. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
