Political and diplomatic relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom are among the longest established relationships in the region. Described as “deep, historic and enduring”, the friendship between the two countries dates back to a Treaty signed in 1798.

The State visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the United Kingdom marks the first such visit since 1982, but diplomatic relations are continually developing through high-level visits and regular institutional exchanges. Among the most prominent of these is the Oman–UK Joint Working Group, which held its 18th meeting in Muscat in September 2026.

In 2019, the two countries signed a Comprehensive Agreement on Cooperation, reflecting a mutual commitment to take forward their centuries-old relationship. That relationship extends beyond bilateral affairs to include coordination on regional security and stability.

Researchers and specialists in political affairs and international relations have been speaking to the Oman News Agency, about how His Majesty’s State visit to the United Kingdom reflects the strength of the longstanding relationship between the two countries and how it is expected to have a positive impact on the future of bilateral cooperation.

Awadh bin Said Baquwer, a Member of Majlis A’Dawla (State Council), said that the friendship between Oman and the UK dates back to the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1798 during the reign of Sultan Sultan bin Ahmed Al Busaidi.

He noted that the strategic maritime role of both countries have played a key part in facilitating trade and cultural exchange, particularly since the beginning of Oman’s Renaissance in 1970 and throughout the Renewed Renaissance under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.

Dr Abdullah Baabood, an academic specialising in international relations and Gulf and Middle Eastern affairs, said that Oman–UK relations are unique within the framework of regional alliances. They represent neither a conventional alliance nor a simple historical connection, but a deeply rooted partnership that reflects an evolving understanding of how to safeguard national sovereignty amid growing regional pressures.

He noted that cooperation between the two countries spans the fields of politics, diplomacy, economics, trade and defence. This cooperation was further strengthened in 2019 with the signing of a Joint Defence Agreement, he added.

Dr Imran Al Abri, Head of the Political Science Department at the College of Economics and Political Science at Sultan Qaboos University, said Oman–UK relations are among the oldest continuous relationships in the region.

Noting that the relationship has evolved through successive phases, with its nature changing in response to shifts in the balance of power, he sees promising areas for future cooperation relating to green hydrogen, renewable energy, the logistics and industrial hub at Duqm, maritime security amid disruptions to shipping routes, education, scientific research, financial services and technology.