The Sultanate of Oman has a very long history with the East. Centuries ago, the sea connected Oman with China and with Southeast Asia. Today, Oman's friendships with China and Brunei Darussalam are strong examples of how this old connection is still alive.
Around 750 AD, an Omani merchant named Abu Ubaida Abdullah bin Al Qasim travelled to China. So Omani sailors were among the first Arabs to reach China. At that time, Sohar was a very busy port. Omani ships took frankincense, pearls, horses and dates to China, and came back with spices, porcelain and silk.
Even today, people still find pieces of Chinese pottery in Oman. On the other hand, Chinese people also came to Oman. In the 1400s, the Chinese admiral Zheng He sailed across the Indian Ocean, and his ships visited Dhofar.
On the way to China, Arab traders, including Omani sailors, passed through Southeast Asia. They carried goods, ideas and Islam. Because of this, Arab culture became part of the region, and in Brunei, people still respect the Arabic language very much.
Oman and China started official diplomatic relations on May 25, 1978. The relationship is based on respect, peace, and not interfering in each other's affairs. In 2018, after 40 years, the two countries became strategic partners. Today, under His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, they continue to meet and work together.
Trade is very important in this relationship. For many years, China has bought most of Oman's oil. In 2024, Oman's exports to China were worth about RO 9.3 billion, about 40 per cent of all Oman's exports. China also invests in Oman. In 2016, the two countries agreed to build the China-Oman Industrial Park in Duqm, which is outside the Strait of Hormuz, so its location is very useful for trade. This cooperation helps Oman Vision 2040.
Oman and Brunei are very far from each other, but they have a lot in common. Both are sea nations and believe in calm and peaceful diplomacy. They started official relations on March 24, 1984, just after Brunei Darussalam became fully independent.
Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam visited Oman in 1984, 1985 and 2009. In March 2014, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik visited Brunei, when he was Minister of Heritage and Culture. Since 1992, the two countries have held regular meetings called the Bilateral Consultative Meeting. In 2009, they created the Oman Brunei Investment Company (OBIC) with $100 million, and in 2019 its capital grew to $200 million. In 2024, they celebrated 40 years of friendship.
Coming to people and culture, Omani students study at Chinese universities, more Chinese people are learning Arabic, and some Omani students are learning Chinese too.
With Brunei, education is also a strong link. Sultan Qaboos University and University Brunei Darussalam signed an agreement in 2003. Oman gives scholarships to students from Brunei, some Bruneian teachers have studied Arabic in Oman, and there are Omani book corners in university libraries in Brunei.
The old sea routes once carried frankincense and porcelain. Today they carry oil, investment and new ideas. Oman, China and Brunei show that distance does not matter when countries share a close relationship and the same values. A bright future in investment, education, culture and tourism awaits them.
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