Oman rediscovers its place in the world

Years ago, the Oman daily newspaper argued in an editorial that the Sultanate of Oman should look east when building its economic and strategic partnerships.
The idea was based on the need to rethink the map: countries, like individuals, can remain tied to familiar paths even after their interests and the world around them have changed.
Asia was, and remains, a logical choice for Oman as it seeks to diversify its sources of income and move beyond an economic model long dependent on oil. Asia offers emerging economies and vast, diverse markets, while Oman has centuries of trade and interaction with the continent across the Indian Ocean.
Today, however, the same map that points Oman eastwards also points south and west towards Africa. The recent visits of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to Botswana and Angola should therefore be viewed as part of an emerging Omani economic direction.
They suggest a deliberate attempt to broaden Oman's economic horizons and seek partners, markets and opportunities beyond the circles in which its trade and investment have traditionally been concentrated.
Africa should no longer be viewed through the old stereotype of a continent defined simply by untapped natural resources, poverty and political instability. There is no single 'African economy'.
The continent comprises more than 50 countries with widely differing political and economic experiences, rapidly expanding cities, growing markets and enormous infrastructure needs. At a time when growth is slowing in parts of the developed world, many African countries are still building economies that require capital, energy, ports, technology, services and modern management expertise.
Oman's approach, at its best, is based on long-term relationships and balanced interests rather than political influence or unilateral gain. Oman neither seeks spheres of political influence through its economic strategy nor wishes to enter the rivalries of major powers. What suits its character better is building partnerships in which both sides see tangible benefits. Such an approach could prove particularly valuable in Africa.
This also corresponds with Oman's own economic needs. An economy seeking to reduce its dependence on oil cannot remain confined within national borders. It needs new markets, overseas investments and companies capable of competing in different environments.
This direction also restores the Indian Ocean to its rightful place in Omani economic thinking. We have perhaps grown too accustomed to viewing Oman solely through the Gulf. Seen from the sea, however, another Oman emerges — one whose history was shaped by interaction with India, East Africa and the wider Indian Ocean world. Muscat, Suhar, Qalhat and the ports of Dhofar once belonged to an economic space far broader than the Arabian Peninsula.
Oman's relationship with Africa gives this vision particular historical depth. Omani engagement with East Africa was once extensive economically, politically and socially, reaching its height when Zanzibar became a centre of government under Sayyid Said bin Sultan.
Invoking that history today, however, should not mean attempting to recreate its political model. Its value lies in reminding us of the depth of Omani-African connections and of an era when the Indian Ocean, before modern borders were drawn, formed a shared space for commerce, migration and human exchange.
Botswana and Angola may also represent the beginning of a new reading of Africa. Significantly, Oman's recent engagement has moved towards southern Africa rather than concentrating solely on East Africa, where its historical ties are strongest.
This suggests that contemporary interests are following opportunity rather than history — and that is a healthy sign. Good economic policy benefits from history without becoming its prisoner.
Political will has opened the door through high-level visits, agreements and memoranda of understanding. But these are only the beginning. The next stage requires Oman to develop much deeper knowledge of African markets, regulations, risks and opportunities. Old stereotypes about Africa remain present in the minds of many Omani investors and must be replaced by informed economic understanding.
Years ago, 'looking east' was about expanding Oman's economic horizons. Perhaps the idea must now become broader: Oman needs to rediscover its entire geographical position.
Oman is a Gulf state, but it is also an Indian Ocean nation. Between Asia and Africa lies a vast economic space in which it can build twenty-first-century interests while drawing on its reputation and political credibility. In a world where power is again asserting itself forcefully in economics and politics, that reputation is an asset worth turning into strategy.
Translated by Badr al Dhafri
The original version of this article was published in Arabic in the print edition of the Oman newspaper on September 20.