Understanding UAE-Oman relations as Sultan Haitham leaves on state visit today

Proclaimed ruler of Oman in 2020, Sultan Haitham left Muscat on Monday on a 2-day state visit to the UAE. He and the Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed are expected to discuss “deep-rooted, historical and fraternal relations” between the countries.

The leaders are keen to elevate relations and maintain security and stability in the region. They will discuss cooperation details and joint work in various fields of mutual interest, in addition to regional and international issues.

Sultan Haitham’s high-profile state visit to the UAE seeks to promote and boost bilateral relations on a range of topics. Made in response to an invitation by Sheikh Mohamed, the visit highlights the deep relations binding the UAE and Oman.

Leap in economic relations between UAE and Oman

Dr Sayyid Al Busaidi, the ambassador of Oman to the UAE, noted that the visit is expected to help accelerate and develop cooperation, integration and partnership, besides ensuring more joint investment cooperation, reported The National.

Underscoring the recently leap in economic relations between both countries, he explained that Omani investment in the Emirates included financial activities, manufacturing industries, professional and technical activities, real estate, and information and communications.

The list of the most important UAE investments in Oman involves industrial, financial, banking, tourism, real estate activities, power generation, and retail trade sectors and construction, among others, the ambassador further mentioned.

Oman one of the most vital markets for UAE trade

The UAE is one of the most important trading partners of Oman. During 2023, Omani exports to the Emirates surpassed 1 billion Omani rial, representing a remarkable increase of 20.4% compared to the year before, reported The National.

This has been possible due to the ease of transporting goods and the smooth and free movement of national products through land ports. Furthermore, the private sector in both countries plays a vital role in economic development.

The UAE and Oman strive to boost cooperation between them on the principle of mutual interest in different fields. The joint supreme committee between both countries has a notable focus on economic, commercial, cultural and educational fields.

Established in 1991, the committee also works to link electricity and communications networks, coordinate land transport services and transportation procedures between the two countries through various border crossings, besides promoting areas of joint investment.