Sultan of Oman’s delegation and UK industry leaders strengthen UK–Oman ties through trade resilience talks

Sultan of Oman’s delegation and UK industry leaders strengthen UK–Oman ties through trade resilience talks

London, United Kingdom, 22 October 2026 – As part of the Sultan’s State Visit to the UK, an Omani delegation met with UK industry stakeholders to discuss how collaboration on supply chain continuity and maritime security can strengthen bilateral relations and regional stability in the Middle East.

In London this week, Omani officials met with key UK industry stakeholders for a high-level economic and commercial dialogue in Westminster organised by British Expertise International (BEI) and the Oman British Society (OBS). Haifa Kaifi Al Yarubi, Secretary General of the Oman British Society, and Jesal Asher-Rajda, Board Member of the Oman British Society, co-moderated the roundtable discussions alongside Robin McKenzie from British Expertise International. This collaboration helped facilitate an open exchange between Omani and British participants, focusing on shared challenges and opportunities for continued engagement. The delegation included representatives from Oman’s Financial Services Authority and the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD), among others.

Earlier this week, the UK and Oman committed to closer cooperation across security, defence and trade during His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman’s State Visit to the UK, and the two countries are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to secure maritime cooperation through strengthened information-sharing and knowledge exchange with the Omani Maritime Security Centre.

This week’s roundtable explored opportunities to expand UK-Omani trade and investment cooperation on maritime security, logistics and risk, in line with Oman’s Vision 2040 agenda, which seeks to underscore Oman’s position as a stable, forward-looking hub for investment and innovation across the Gulf. Discussions also considered the importance of maritime risk assessments, insurance frameworks and supply chain continuity, with participants exchanging perspectives on how closer engagement between Omani institutions and UK industry specialists could support greater trade resilience.

This meeting followed May 2026 talks with a senior Omani delegation and UK industry stakeholders from BEI’s membership base, ahead of the formalisation of the UK-Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement.

Dr David Landsman OBE, Executive Chair of BEI, said:

“At BEI, we work every day with consultants and experts who have a great deal to offer in supply chain logistics, maritime security and risk. The UK’s wealth of expertise in these fields creates a valuable opportunity to build industry partnerships between the UK and Oman and, ultimately, to strengthen bilateral relations. We can already see that this meeting will lead to productive new opportunities to work together.”

Saleh Zakwani, Chair of the Oman British Society, said:

“The Oman British Society is proud to support this important dialogue during His Majesty the Sultan’s State Visit. Bringing together senior Omani and British leaders reflects the strength of our bilateral relationship and our shared commitment to building resilient trade networks, encouraging investment and creating lasting opportunities for collaboration.”

Haifa Kaifi Al Yarubi, Secretary General of the Oman British Society and Roundtable Co-Moderator, said:

“Co-moderating this roundtable alongside Strategy International provided a valuable opportunity to bring Omani and British perspectives together in an open and constructive exchange. Our focus was on sharing practical experiences, understanding common challenges and identifying opportunities for stronger cooperation in maritime security and supply chain resilience.”

Dr Liane Saunders, the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman, affirmed the importance of the State Visit by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the United Kingdom, stating that “at a time of global uncertainty, Oman’s strategic location, its role in regional diplomacy and its ambitious Vision 2040 programme make it an important partner for the United Kingdom across security, economic and diplomatic spheres.”

About British Expertise International

British Expertise International (BEI) is a membership network dedicated to supporting UK-based organisations in exporting the best of UK expertise in professional services. BEI works across a range of key service sectors, including infrastructure and energy, climate and nature, education and skills, and international development. For 60 years, BEI has connected members with global opportunities by leveraging strong relationships with His Majesty’s Government (HMG), foreign governments, bilateral and multilateral donors, commercial stakeholders, and the broader private sector.

About the Oman British Society

The Oman British Society (OBS) is dedicated to strengthening the longstanding relationship between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom by fostering connections, encouraging dialogue and supporting collaboration across business, education, culture and wider society. Through its network of members, business leaders and institutional partners, the Society provides a platform for meaningful engagement between Omani and British stakeholders, facilitating knowledge exchange, professional relationships and opportunities for cooperation. The Society works to deepen mutual understanding and build lasting partnerships that contribute to the shared prosperity and continued friendship of Oman and the United Kingdom.

For further information, please contact:

Sofia Pennacchietti, Communications and External Affairs Manager

British Expertise International

Email: sp@britishexpertise.org