Oman-UK relations of over 200 years

The relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom trace back over two centuries and the two sides always explore ways of improving them on various fronts, including but not limited to, diplomatic, trade and commerce, cultural and people-to-people relations.

In 1800, Oman and Britain signed a treaty expressing the hope that ‘the friendship of the two states may remain unshook till the end of time, and till the sun and the moon have finished their revolving career.’

The British Embassy in Muscat is planning a celebration for the coronation of King Charles lll on Saturday (May 6), at the Al Bustan Ritz Carlton Hotel with the support of the Anglo-Omani Society in the UK and the British Business Forum and the community along with the citizens of Oman.

On the occasion of the coronation of King Charles lll, Maggie Jeans OBE, a long-time resident of the Sultanate, recollects some of Oman's special relationship with the UK.

“Many others in Oman and around the world will watch this historic event live on television. The UK does pomp and circumstance probably better than any nation. Lovers of pageantry will not be disappointed when the gold carriages, a gift from the people of Australia, are rolled out, surrounded by a retinue of liveried footmen.

In 2021, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik travelled to London and met with HRH Prince Charles, now King Charles III, himself a frequent visitor to Oman over the years. On Tuesday, December 15, 2021, Queen Elizabeth II presented His Majesty Sultan Haitham with the GCMG - a Knighthood - at Windsor Castle. They were accompanied on this visit by Her Highness the Honourable Lady Assayida Ahd Abdullah Hamed al Busaidi, Spouse of the Sultan of Oman, and HH Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham bin Tarik al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth.

There have been many Royal visits over the years in both directions.

The late Queen Elizabeth II last visited Oman in November 2010 with HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

More recent visitors include Prince William. Royal visitors from the UK across the years have also included Prince Harry, Prince Andrew and Princess Anne. Boris Johnson's visit when he was Foreign Secretary was particularly memorable as shown in TV news clips at the time with late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. Over the years, the style of visits has become less formal as this photo of Prince William with a group of Omani fishermen shows.

Many illustrious British explorers have also ventured to Oman. The late James (Jan) Morris accompanied His Highness Sultan Said bin Taimur on a journey from Salalah to Muscat for the first time by a motor car in 1955 as an official observer. Wilfred Thesiger crossed the Empty Quarter and published "Arabian Sands" in 1959. Tim Severin recreated the voyages from the mythical Tales of the Arabian Nights and sailed to China in a boat built in Qantab. His book "The Sinbad Voyage" was published in 1982. A large number of British artists, archaeologists, adventurers, sculptors, writers and musicians have spent time in Oman over the years.

Historic ties between Oman and Britain are explained in ‘Unshook Till the End of Time’ published in 2012 and written by two former British ambassadors, Robert Alston and Stuart Laing, and also available in Arabic.

The rare photograph from 1960 was published in the UK entitled "Foreign Students Taking Afternoon Classes in Art at Bitten High School". The 4 students are seen in the UK with their art teacher.

The British Loan Service is still active in Oman and there have been several joint military exercises in recent years which are beneficial to both nations.

The Anglo-Omani Society was formed in 1975 by the first ambassador of Oman, Sir Donald Hawley, to provide some continuity for British expatriates who served or would serve Oman in the future under the patronage of the late Sultan Qaboos.

In 1991, AOS was involved in the formation of the Oman British Friendship Association and more recently with the establishment of the Oman British Business Council. Today, the AOS has established a Young Generation Group in 2013 to strengthen the friendship between the younger generations of both Oman and the UK. AOS also offers several outreach programmes and internships, including tuition in Arabic.

Many Omani students study in the UK, with over 3,000 currently enrolled in UK universities, and there is a large British Alumni Association organised via the British Council in Oman. There is cooperation in commerce and industry, specifically oil and gas and involvement in the development of Duqm as a major hub in the region. Britain is also one of Oman's leading foreign investors.

The accession to the throne of King Charles III marks a new chapter in Omani-British relations at a crucial time in the region. Oman and Britain are two free spirits held together by a shared history, mutual trust and shared values. Oman's foreign policy is second to none. In real terms this special relationship translates into investment and practical mutual support.

MAGGIE JEANS (OBE)