Official State Visit of the Emir of Qatar to Oman and Meeting with Sultan Haitham – January 28, 2025

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, commenced his official two-day state visit to Oman on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.

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Official Welcome at the Royal Airport

His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik personally welcomed the Emir of Qatar upon his arrival at the Royal Airport and wished him and his accompanying delegation a pleasant stay in Oman.

The official welcoming delegation included:

• HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs
• Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court
• Gen. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Numani, Minister of the Royal Office
• Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal Al Busaidi, Minister of Interior
• Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister and Head of the Honorary Delegation
• Sheikh Mubarak bin Fahad Al Thani, Qatar’s Ambassador to Oman

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Welcome Ceremony at Al Alam Palace

After the airport reception, the convoy of Sultan Haitham and the Emir of Qatar proceeded to Al Alam Palace for the official welcoming ceremony.

• Traditional Omani folk bands performed to greet the distinguished guest.
• A 21-gun salute was fired in honor of Sheikh Tamim’s visit.
• The Qatari national anthem was played, followed by a ceremonial guard of honor.

His Majesty then introduced Sheikh Tamim to high-ranking Omani officials, members of the Royal Family, and military commanders, while the Emir of Qatar greeted members of the Omani delegation.

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Official Talks at Al Alam Palace

Sultan Haitham and Sheikh Tamim held an official session of talks at Al Alam Palace, where they discussed:

✅ Strengthening economic cooperation and investment opportunities
✅ Enhancing bilateral trade relations
✅ Discussing regional and international affairs
✅ Promoting peace, security, and stability in the region

The discussions aimed to explore new avenues for strategic partnership and economic growth between Oman and Qatar.

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Omani-Qatari Relations: Advancing Towards Economic Integration

The Sultanate of Oman and the State of Qatar share long-standing diplomatic and economic relations, guided by the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

✅ Omani-Qatari Joint Committee: Established in 1995, this committee has held 23 meetings to enhance bilateral cooperation and investment partnerships.

✅ Bilateral Trade Growth:

• By the end of 2023, trade between Oman and Qatar reached OMR 1.113 billion, with OMR 284.7 million in Omani exports to Qatar and OMR 828.6 million in imports from Qatar.
• By November 2024, trade volume reached OMR 950.8 million, with OMR 205.9 million in Omani exports (0.9% of Oman’s total exports) and OMR 754.9 million in Qatari imports (5% of Oman’s total imports).

✅ Qatari Investments in Oman:

• Qatar’s investments in Oman grew 12% by 2023, reaching OMR 730 million.
• By the third quarter of 2024, there were 15 Qatari companies actively investing in Oman.

✅ Al Hosn Investment Company:
Established in 2007, this joint Omani-Qatari investment fund is a 50-50 partnership between Qatar Holding (Qatar Investment Authority) and Oman Investment Authority. It has investments in banking, industry, telecommunications, food, healthcare, education, tourism, and oil & gas.

✅ Collaboration in Renewable Energy:
Oman and Qatar share a common vision for clean energy projects, including green hydrogen, solar, and wind energy initiatives.

✅ Business & Trade Development:

• The Omani-Qatari Business Council fosters trade relations and expands joint investment opportunities.
• Qatari investments in Oman cover manufacturing, food security, education, banking, communications, logistics, and tourism.

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State Banquet at Al Alam Palace

His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik hosted an official state banquet at Al Alam Palace in honor of Sheikh Tamim and his delegation.

✅ The banquet was attended by high-ranking Omani officials, foreign diplomats, parliament members, and military commanders.
✅ Commemorative gifts were exchanged between Sultan Haitham and Sheikh Tamim, symbolizing the strong and historic ties between Oman and Qatar.

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Conclusion

The state visit of the Emir of Qatar to Oman marks a significant step in strengthening Omani-Qatari relations.

🔹 The high-level talks focused on expanding trade, investment, and regional stability.
🔹 Ongoing economic and investment collaborations are set to enhance long-term prosperity for both nations.
🔹 This visit reinforces Oman and Qatar’s shared commitment to economic integration and regional cooperation.