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UK in Oman
London 22:01, 16 May 2012
Muscat 01:01, 17 May 2012
   

The UK and Oman: our relationship

The relationship between the UK and Oman is a long and fruitful one stretching back hundreds of years. It continues to be one of the strongest in the Gulf region and the UK is committed to expanding the levels of current co-operation.

People 


Around 7,000 British citizens live and work in Oman – the largest western expatriate group in the country. Many Omanis have houses or business interests in the UK and see the UK as a second home. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Bin Taimour Al Said completed part of his secondary education in Suffolk and subsequently attended Sandhurst Military Academy. Her Majesty The Queen last visited Oman in 1979 and this was followed by Sultan Qaboos' state visit to the UK in 1982.

Political


Ties between the UK and Oman stretch back over 200 years with treaties of friendship signed in 1798, 1800, 1891 and 1951. The 1800 Treaty stated that friendship between the two countries should “endure till the end of time or the sun and moon cease in their revolving careers.” Such is the enduring nature of that sentiment that HM The Queen quoted it in a speech during the 1982 State Visit to the UK by HM Sultan Qaboos.

As well as the forthcoming State Visit to Oman, there have been a number of recent high level visitors in both directions with more planned in the coming months. This includes HRH The Duke of York, the Deputy Prime Minster, the Foreign Secretary, and the HE Maqbool Sultan, the Omani Minister of Commerce and Industry.

As a country with many longstanding friendly relationships, Oman’s advice on regional foreign policy issues is greatly valued by the UK.

The British Government is strongly committed to elevating relations with all partners across the Gulf, including Oman. There are ambitious plans to expand existing co-operation in culture, education, defence and security, trade and investment, and foreign policy co-operation.

As the Prime Minister said on 6 October: “This government has set a new direction right across our foreign policy. Our principles are simple. Don't neglect important relationships. Already we are restoring ties with India, with allies in the Gulf, with our friends in the Commonwealth.”

Defence


The UK has a very strong defence and security relationship with Oman. Nearly 100 British military personnel are on loan to the Omani Armed Forces – the second largest such group anywhere in the world.

The UK provides world-class defence training and education to many to the of the Gulf countries, including Oman, in institutions such as Sandhurst. The Royal College of Defence Studies regularly sends groups of students on its renowned course to Oman as part of their learning experience. Oman also provides location and expertise training to UK forces – last year for example a group of UK paratroopers were trained by Omani trainers in Oman.

More recently a UK naval vessel helped to update the underwater survey of Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat in order improve access and safety for all shipping.

Economic/Commercial


The UK is the largest foreign investor in Oman with substantial investments in a number of areas. UK companies such as BP, Carillion, WS Atkins, Mott MacDonald and Shell are actively supporting Oman’s development.

Historically trade has been the cornerstone of the UK/Oman relationship with the first Trade treaty signed in 1646.

In 2009 UK export in goods to Oman totalled £349 million – up 66% on the 2006 figure. Omani exports to the UK were £113 million. Trade in services such as training, education and services are present in many sectors.

Major UK exports are in security, precision engineering products, industrial equipment and educational supplies.

The UK is Oman’s eight largest trading partner. British goods and services are well received and British Standards are widely used and accepted.

A double taxation agreement between the UK and Oman was concluded in 1998 and updated in 2009, the UK’s first such agreement with a Gulf country.

Education and Culture


Education is a key branch of UK/Oman partnership and co-operation, over 20 UK universities and higher education institutions have either affiliates or programmes running in Oman.

In 2008 there was a 42% increase in the number of Omani students studying in the UK. Around 2000 go to the UK for higher studies each year – the highest number of Omani overseas students outside of the Arab world.

In June 2009 around 900 Omani teachers of English in state schools completed a Leeds university graduation programme taught in Oman. The majority of Omani English teachers in state schools have a British degree.

The British Council in Oman enjoys a high reputation and conducts several socio-educational and cultural programmes which promote bilateral ties.