Youths come together to strengthen ties

LONDON, NOV 8
The British Omani Society hosted its 13th New Generation Group (NGG) delegation in London from November 4 to 6, bringing together 24 emerging leaders from Oman and the United Kingdom to explore opportunities for closer bilateral cooperation in energy, technology and trade.
Held during the Society's Golden Jubilee year and following the historic State Visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the United Kingdom, the three-day programme was themed 'A Golden Legacy, A Shared Future'.
Supported by lead sponsor bp Oman, alongside sponsors Oman International Development and Investment Company (Ominvest) and Vodafone Oman, the programme featured expert discussions, institutional visits and networking opportunities aimed at building lasting connections between the next generation of Omani and British leaders.
Participants heard from a distinguished group of speakers, including Dr Andreas Krieg, Teresa Best, Henry Gates, Alderman Vincent Keaveny CBE, Laurence Burton, David Hallway and Sir Alan Duncan KCMG.
Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries across strategic diplomacy, cybersecurity, economic development, energy security, defence innovation and the evolving bilateral relationship.
Oliver Blake, NGG Chair UK, said the delegation reflected the ambition and energy underpinning UK-Oman relations, adding that the discussions would help create new opportunities for collaboration in the coming years.
Shaikh Maan bin Hamad al Rawahi, NGG Chair Oman, said the initiative continued Oman's tradition of serving as a bridge between nations by bringing together young professionals whose diverse perspectives enriched the discussions.
Speaking at the NGG 2026 reception, Maj Gen (Retd) Richard Stanford CB MBE, Chairman of the British Omani Society, said the New Generation Group remained one of the Society's important investments in the future as it marked its 50th anniversary. He expressed confidence in the next generation's ability to build on the strong foundations of the bilateral relationship.
As part of the programme, delegates visited the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), where they gained insights into Britain's diplomatic engagement with Oman and the wider Gulf region.
They also visited the London offices of bp at Canary Wharf to discuss the future of energy cooperation and leadership amid changing global circumstances.
Najla al Jamali, President of bp Oman, said the strength of Oman-UK relations was rooted in lasting personal connections and that the company was proud to support a platform enabling young leaders from both countries to exchange ideas and build relationships.
Taha Hussain, an NGG 2026 delegate and Investment Manager at Ominvest, said the experience had highlighted the responsibility of the next generation to build on the legacy of bilateral relations through meaningful dialogue and cooperation.
Bader al Zidi, CEO of Vodafone Oman, said the partnership reflected the company's commitment to connecting emerging Omani and British talent with new ideas, experiences and opportunities.
The British Omani Society thanked its sponsors, speakers, partners and delegates for supporting the initiative, which seeks to strengthen people-to-people connections and foster long-term cooperation between the two countries.