Oman and Lebanon: developing bilateral relations

Oman and the Lebanese Republic are seeking to strengthen their cooperation in the political, security, economic and cultural fields, preparing the ground for a new stage of strategic and economic partnership between the two brotherly countries.

The forthcoming official visit by President General Joseph Aoun of the Lebanese Republic, and his meeting with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, carry particular importance, indicating that both countries are working together for the security and stability of the region.

Dr Ahmed Mohammed Alsaidi, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Republic of Lebanon, said that relations between Oman and the Lebanese Republic have been strong since the opening of the first Omani Embassy in Beirut in 1972. These relations are rooted in deep Arab and historical ties, he said.

He added that the two countries give significant attention to strengthening political and economic partnerships with brotherly states within the context of sustainable development and economic integration. This is reflected in Oman Vision 2040, which focuses on deepening partnerships with Arab countries, and in the Lebanese President’s inaugural address which highlighted the importance of building strategic relations.

Based on this shared approach, the visit is expected to enhance the partnership between the two countries, especially in the economic, commercial, tourism, agricultural and educational fields. Several memoranda of understanding are under discussion and will be signed during the meeting of the Oman–Lebanon Joint Committee in the first half of 2026.

On the Palestinian issue, the Ambassador said that Oman plays an important role amid the region’s developments and conflicts, based on its approach founded on positive neutrality, dialogue and respect for the United Nations Charter. It relies on peaceful means for dispute resolution and avoids interference in the internal affairs of states. He noted that Oman has earned international respect and gained confidence that supports its political and economic stability.

He added that the visit reflects and strengthens the strong relations between the two brotherly countries., which both offer economic potential and strategic locations that attract investment.

On political matters, he notedOman’s resolute position in supporting the sovereignty and national unity of Lebanon and its complete rejection of any violations of its sovereignty or territory. Oman will continue to support diplomatic and political efforts aimed at achieving political and economic stability for Lebanon and its people, he added.

The Ambassador explained that Oman’s Embassy in Lebanon serves as a link between government entities in the two countries. It activates economic diplomacy by encouraging investment, facilitating communication, supporting visits by economic delegations and promoting participation of companies in joint exhibitions and events. The Embassy also presents investment opportunities in Oman and holds discussions with economic bodies, investors and Lebanese officials on ways to strengthen bilateral relations.

Recent months have seen active efforts to explore partnership opportunities between the two countries. These include a meeting between the Omani Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion and the Lebanese Minister of Economy and Trade during the Oman–Lebanon Investment Forum last September, and a meeting between the Omani Minister of Education and the Lebanese Minister of Education and Higher Education in November.

Oman and the Lebanese Republic have long-standing trade relations. These ties strengthened cultural, knowledge-based and historical exchanges between the Omani and Lebanese peoples, creating an environment of cooperation across generations.

Both governments seek to provide incentives and facilities that enable the private sector to contribute to prosperity and sustainable growth.

During the first half of 2025, trade between Oman Lebanon grew by 29.4%, reaching about OMR 8.5 million (USD 22.2 million), compared with OMR 6.6m (USD 17.1m USD) in the same period of 2024, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information.

The statistics show that Oman's exports to Lebanon grew by nearly 31%, reaching around OMR 2.8m. Lebanese exports to Oman reached OMR 5.7m, with a growth rate of nearly 29 percent compared with the same period in 2024.

The number of Lebanese companies registered in Oman reached more than 1,035 by September 2025, with total invested capital estimated at OMR 191.5m. Lebanese ownership accounts for around 80%, with most investments concentrated in trade and retail, construction, manufacturing, transport and food services.

In October 2025, the two countries held the Oman–Lebanon Economic Forum in Muscat to strengthen economic relations and broaden cooperation in trade, industry and investment. The Forum included discussion sessions on investment and partnership opportunities and an exhibition featuring products and services from more than 100 companies from both countries in sectors such as industry, food, tourism and logistics. It also included bilateral meetings between Omani and Lebanese business owners.

Faisal Abdullah Al Rowas, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that economic and trade relations between Oman and the Lebanese Republic represent a distinguished model of Arab cooperation based on mutual respect and a sincere desire to strengthen development partnerships. He said these relations, which span decades, have seen steady growth in trade and joint investment, reflecting strong confidence between the two sides.

He said that deep historical and cultural ties have strengthened communication between business communities, leading to expanded cooperation in trade, services, education and tourism. The Omani and Lebanese communities also play a significant role in supporting these relations and enhancing their economic and social impact.

The OCCI Chairman added that broad opportunities are now on offer to expand economic cooperation. Oman provides an attractive business environment, advanced logistics infrastructure and investment-friendly legislation. Lebanon has strong expertise in services, technology, food industries and creative industries. These factors make the two countries suitable partners for value-added projects.

He added that the Chamber continues to deepen communication between business communities in both countries through bilateral meetings, joint economic committees, trade delegations, information and support for access to quality investment opportunities.

He noted that Omani-Lebanese cooperation in enjoying a period of increased momentum, serving shared interests, supporting economic growth in both countries and reinforcing the role of the private sector in building sustainable partnerships and creating new economic opportunities.

Rashid Amer Al Muselhi, First Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that economic relations between Oman and the Lebanese Republic have reached an advanced stage of coordination and partnership. They are driven by a clear vision to open new paths of cooperation suited to regional and global economic developments.

He said Lebanon has notable expertise in services, finance, media communications and cultural industries. These fields provide added value that aligns with Oman’s economic diversification, especially with ongoing expansion in free and economic zones and growing opportunities in technology, logistics and intra-regional trade.

He added that recent months have seen rising interest among business communities to seek joint opportunities through direct meetings, promotional programmes and commercial participation. This reflects growing confidence in Oman’s investment potential and in cooperation with Lebanese companies known for their regional presence and expertise.

He said Oman’s continuous development of its regulatory environment and its investor incentives offer important opportunities to strengthen the presence of Lebanese investors in the Omani market. Promising sectors include specialised tourism, higher education, health and information technology.

He noted that the Chamber attaches great importance to strengthening economic cooperation with Lebanon by reinforcing institutional work, activating business councils, facilitating access to information and opportunities and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in building strong commercial links.

Business executive  Abdullah Jamal said that the Lebanese President’s visit will help strengthen Omani-Lebanese relations, especially in the economic and commercial fields. It will open a new chapter of cooperation and investment between the two countries and encourage business owners to enter joint investment projects, he added.

He noted that Lebanese investors have real opportunities on offer in Oman in sectors such as industry, tourism, technology, renewable energy and special and free economic zones. Omani companies also offer opportunities to enter partnerships with their Lebanese counterparts in innovation, entrepreneurship and specialised services.

Mr Jamal said that the coming phase will see more joint initiatives to support investment and expand trade exchange, such as SalamAir resuming its flights to Beirut. This will strengthen the role of the private sector and raise the level of strategic partnerships between the two brotherly countries,

This is an unofficial English version of an Arabic report. To view the official Arabic text, click here.