The fraternal relations between Oman and the United Arab Emirates are based on common and solid foundations – and these deep-rooted relations have further been consolidated through cultural, social, and economic cooperation.

The aspirations of the two countries’ brotherly people are a model reflecting how best ties of neighbourliness and affinity should be.

The visit made to Oman by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, today, and his meeting with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik assumes great significance.

The visit constitutes a new starting point for more tangible steps, coordination and integration towards the achievement of the shared interests of the two countries. It will motivate more action for the realisation of the prosperity for Omani and UAE peoples across all spheres.

The visit will also be an opportunity to exchange views about circumstances and developments of importance in the GCC, Arab, and regional entourage.

These relations have been distinguished since the first meeting between (the late) His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimour and (the late) HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Oman-UAE relations are compatible in many areas of shared interests that serve the peoples of the two countries over the past decades.

Since its establishment in 1991, the Supreme Joint Committee between the two countries worked hard to embody the aspirations of the two peoples of Oman and the UAE. The panel takes credit for enhancing cooperation in economic, commercial, cultural and educational fields, in addition to connecting electricity and telecommunication networks, coordinating land transport services and investment benefiting both Omani and UAE peoples.

Oman and the UAE have been the first GCC states to endorse personal identity cards in travel in lieu of passports since 1993. The UAE is Oman’s prime partner in business, as affirmed by the volume of exports, reexport and import figures.

Statistics issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) show that commercial exchange between the two countries in 2021 stood at more than RO5.5bn, compared to RO5.2bn in 2020.

UAE investments in Oman, by the end of 2021, stood at about RO1.2bn. By the end of the first quarter of 2022, total UAE investments stood at more than RO1.23bn.

UAE companies are among the largest stake takers in Oman due to the ease of transportation of national products and smooth border access. The Sultanate is also one of the most important markets for UAE trade. Oman ranked 3rd in the Arab world and 10th globally among the list of UAE trading partners and its business accounts for 20 per cent of the total UAE trade.

Tourist establishments in both countries receive groups of tourists from both countries, which joined hands to forge joint tourism investments that have contributed to attracting more tourists.

The private sectors in the two countries play a vital role in economic development, and they have been the backbone of economic diversification trends. Oman is pressing ahead with measures to encourage local and foreign investments, especially in economic diversification sectors, notably industries, logistics, mining, tourism and fisheries.

Represented by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) and the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the two countries signed an agreement in 1998 to establish Oman-UAE Businessmen Council. The Council is tasked with promoting joint cooperation and realising the aspirations of the two countries.

The private sector looks forward to this visit, which caps fraternal relations and opens new vistas for commercial relations and investment.

Oman Pavillion At Expo 2020 Dubai

The two countries worked closely and continuously to enhance cooperation in the sphere of culture by holding joint events and activities. These include the UAE Cultural Week in Oman, first held on 11 December 2006, on the occasion of celebrations marking Muscat as the Capital of Arab Culture in 2006. The event comprised four exhibitions specialised in Arabic calligraphy, coins, modern arts and cultural books and publications.

Represented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and the Ministry of Information, Oman participates in annual book fairs in the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. It must be noted that UAE-based cultural and media institutions participate in Muscat International Book Fair.

The Oman-UAE relations are based on historical ties inherited by the generations who are keen on maintaining the integrity of relations in the purviews of visions that stem from language, religion and kinship.

The citizens and residents of both Oman and the UAE are looking forward, with great hopes, to the visit of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, to Oman and his meeting with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.

The visit will elevate the level of joint cooperation in all fields and deepen fraternal ties while inspiring the two countries in their quest to explore the future with determination and steadfastness.

*This article was originally published by Oman News Agency