STAFF REPORTER LONDON, JULY 4 The British Omani Society (BOS) successfully hosted its annual Summer Business Reception on July 2 at the BOS headquarters in Mayfair, London. The reception formed part of the Society’s 50th anniversary celebrations, bringing together senior government representatives, business leaders, healthcare professionals, and members of the UK and Omani communities.
This year’s reception took place against the backdrop of the recently announced UK–GCC Free Trade Agreement and focused on opportunities for enhanced cooperation between the UK and Oman, particularly within the healthcare sector and broader strategic industries.
Chris Breeze, Chairman of the BOS Business Sub-committee and Managing Director of Ellipse Projects UK, welcomed guests to the event, and introduced the Guest of Honour, Dr Hilal bin Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health of the Sultanate of Oman, who delivered a keynote address on prospects for healthcare cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom.
He highlighted the priorities of the Omani health sector in light of "Oman Vision 2040," which rests on the following pillars: strengthening health system governance and advancing private health sector development; reinforcing public health and enhancing the quality of care with an emphasis on early prevention; ensuring sustainable health system financing; advancing digital health through digital transformation and artificial intelligence technologies; and investing in human resources for health development.
Al Sabti also addressed the Free Trade Agreement between the United Kingdom and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, announced in May 2026, describing it as a strategic lever for deepening the partnership between the two countries, with promising implications for the future of cooperation in pharmaceutical manufacturing, innovative medicines, scientific research, pharmaceutical security, and digital health.
The panel was followed by an opportunity for guests to connect at the BOS Summer Business Reception, co-hosted by the Society's Omani counterpart organisation, the BOS. Richard Stanford, Chair of the British Omani Society, welcomed guests to the reception and reflected on the Society’s 50- year history of supporting a wide range of areas of collaboration, including commercial partnerships between the UK and Oman.
“This year we are celebrating our Golden Jubilee at the British Omani Society; our countries share a deep and enduring friendship. Our aim is to ensure that the close links endure for generations to come. We work across a wide range of areas, structured around four core strategic themes: Culture and People; Business and Skills; Environment and Sustainability; and Youth and Next Generation.
Today’s forum focusing on the healthcare sector is a powerful demonstration of that bond in action. The recently signed UK-GCC Free Trade Agreement is a significant opportunity for the UK and Oman in a wide range of areas. Today we have highlighted the opportunities in healthcare to build lasting collaboration, at a time when demand for healthcare innovation is set to grow significantly. We are proud to host the minister, and to help build on the long friendship turning it into real opportunities for both our countries.”
Attendees were then addressed by Dr Hilal al Sabti, Saleh al Zakwani, BOS Chair, and Professor Anthony Harnden, Chair of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), who said ‘There’s a lot of overlap of what we do in the UK, and what Oman is trying to achieve. It’s positive to see how these ambitions translate into practical improvements for patient’s day-to-day lives and I’m really looking forward to developing a relationship with Oman,’ The evening was attended by Dr Liane Saunders, Ambassador of the UK to Oman, officials and business executives from diverse industries across the UK and Oman.
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