Brotherly bonds, convergent visions
Sultan Haitham’s visit to Saudi Arabia heralds launch of dynamic partnership and renewal of historical ties
For more than half a century, relations between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Oman have been characterized by cooperation, mutual respect and understanding on various regional and international issues. Likewise, connections at the people-to-people level run deep thanks to bonds of history, shared Arab customs and traditions, and a common Gulf Arab heritage.
Finding new ways to expand the partnership between the Kingdom and the sultanate will feature high on the agenda during Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al-Said’s two-day visit to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of King Salman. The Omani ruler arrives in Riyadh on Sunday for wide-ranging talks.
Sultan Haitham is being accompanied by senior ministers and diplomats, notably Deputy Prime Minister for Defense Affairs Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al-Said, Interior Minister Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal Al-Busaidi, and Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al-Busaidi.
“Saudi Arabia is the largest economy in the Arab world and its leading economic engine, home to a quarter of the world’s petroleum reserves and the largest free market in the Middle East and North Africa region. It’s a key, valued trading partner of Oman,” Sayyid Faisal bin Turki Al-Said, Oman’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, who will be accompanying the sultan’s delegation, told Arab News.
Sultan Haitham’s assumption of power, in January 2020, came at a critical moment in the sultanate’s history. He took over the reins when large parts of the world, including the Arab region, faced challenges on multiple fronts; political, economic, social and health.
The sultan opted for a path of modernization and change without delay, introducing reforms to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of the Omani people while taking measures to preserve the stability and security of the country.
Trade talks involving representatives from the public and private sectors of both countries were underway long before Sultan Haitham’s arrival in Saudi Arabia, with many more business forums already scheduled.
“The Saudi-Omani Business Council will have a very important complementing role with regards to identifying both trade and investment opportunities during its first official virtual meeting that was held recently,” said Faisal Al-Said, referring to just one of the latest collaborations.
“Both sides agreed to exchange visits and identify key priority areas. Currently the council comprises some 40 members representing various key sectors in both countries.”
In 2006, Saudi Arabia and Oman agreed to open a new border crossing to help facilitate expansion of trade.
Their engineers teamed up to build a Saudi-funded highway through Rub Al-Khali (the Empty Quarter), connecting Al-Ahsa in the Kingdom’s Eastern Province to Ibri in Oman, shaving some 16 hours off the journey time between the two countries.
Officials expect to be able to open the road to civil and commercial traffic by the end of 2021, which will potentially inaugurate a new era of business activities.
“The road link between Saudi Arabia and Oman is progressing well and will soon be open for both travelers and businesses alike,” said Faisal Al-Said.
“The road holds immense importance when it comes to the new expected business and economic
partnership between the two nations,” he said.
Once open, the new highway will cut the cost of import-export logistics, especially for merchants operating out of Oman’s ports of Sohar and Duqm, not to mention the potential boost to tourism — a sector both countries are keen to expand.
Other partnerships include the development of Khazaen Economic City, the Salalah 2 gas-fired power station and the Salalah desalination plant. Saudi Arabia is also a big importer of Omani fish, making
the development of the sultanate’s fisheries a matter of tremendous common interest.
“Many business owners on both sides see the road link as a major contributor and a catalyst for growing bilateral trade,” said Faisal Al-Said.
“The important link will provide other businesses an opportunity to explore the much-required supporting services and logistics as well,” he said.
Sultan Haitham has welcomed the initiatives in previous talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin
Salman. The two countries have also begun sharing expertise in industrial development, city planning and mineral extraction, with ministerial delegations recently meeting via video link to discuss new collaborations.
“Under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, as part of Vision 2040, we’re capitalizing on our strategic strengths in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, fisheries, mining, tourism and technology,” said Faisal Al-Said.
We’re capitalizing on strengths in sectors such as mining, tourism and technology.