Until 1994, the Embassy’s offices, the Ambassador’s Residence, and certain other residential accommodation was all in a group of buildings in a unique position in Old Muscat City. The location had fine views over Muscat harbour, and was right beside the Qasr al-Alam Palace, of His Majesty The Sultan.

 

In the early 1990s, HM The Sultan decided he needed the site for an expansion of the Palace.  Discussions took place about a suitable alternative site, and the Omani Government offered the British Government a site for Embassy offices in the Shatti al Qurm, and a site for the Ambassador’s Residence in the district known as al-Rowdah, between Sidab and Bustan.  The Omani Government also made a cash payment to the British Government in compensation for the costs of the move and to cover the costs of the new buildings. 

 

In early 1995 we occupied our current offices in Shatti al-Qurm.  The main Embassy building includes offices for all Sections of the Embassy, including UK Trade and Investment and UKVisas.  It is a fine modern building, fitting well with the Omani built environment.  It was formally opened by the then Foreign Secretary, Mr (later Lord) Hurd in March 1995. Behind the Embassy is a recreation club for the use of staff.  The site also contains accommodation for some staff members, and is situated conveniently for access to a number of Ministries, and near several other Embassies. 

 

The Ambassador’s Residence, built in 1993-95, is in a striking location overlooking the sea and backed by the mountains of the Bustan area.  It has fine reception rooms, and a VIP suite for accommodating senior visitors.  The architects were Huckle & Partners, and construction was carried out by Douglas OHI. The Residence is used for a number of official events every year, and was the site of the “Extravaganza” celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Treaty on Bilateral Relations signed in 1800.

 

The Embassy also owns a number of houses in the Madinat Sultan Qaboos area, which are occupied by those UK-based staff members who do not live on the Embassy compound.