The State of Qatar and the sisterly Sultanate of Oman are linked by deep-rooted historical fraternal strategic relations, strengthened by the bonds of language, history, and common interests based on co-operation, co-ordination, and mutual respect. These relations are witnessing continuous development in various sectors thanks to the interest and patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and his brother Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of the Sultanate of Oman.
Qatari-Omani relations are well established since time immemorial, as the two brotherly peoples and the various official bodies in the two countries are keen to document, strengthen, and advance them to broad and fruitful horizons in all fields to represent a model for relations between brothers.
In the context of the common keenness to develop relations between Doha and Muscat, the state visit of His Highness the Amir to Oman on Tuesday comes at the kind invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq. During the visit, discussions will address ways to enhance the strong fraternal relations between the two brotherly countries in various fields to achieve the interests and aspirations of the two countries, in addition to discussing a number of issues of common interest.
His Highness the Amir's state visit to the Sultanate, the discussions that will be held during it, and the agreements and memoranda of understanding that will be signed within its framework are expected to contribute to advancing bilateral relations, which are now on the verge of further co-operation that will take them to promising horizons and advanced stages of prosperity, co-ordination, and economic integration in a way that achieves the aspirations of the two countries and their brotherly peoples.
The two countries have been linked by close relations that have become more solid and deep after the independence of the State of Qatar. In 1973, an Amiri decree was issued appointing the first ambassador of the State of Qatar to Oman, while the first ambassador of Oman presented his credentials in Doha in 1974.
Relations between Qatar and Oman have always been characterised by stability, steadfastness, and prosperity, as they derive their roots from the ties of history and geography and the continuous support and care of His Highness the Amir and the Sultan of of Oman until they reached their current level of development and integration in all fields and levels.
The mutual visits between the leaders of the two countries and the intensive visits by senior officials and various delegations in the two countries are a practical translation of the close historical ties between the two countries, as they have contributed over the years to strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and pushing co-operation between them forward at an increasing pace.
His Highness the Amir had paid an official visit to Oman in October 2013, and November 2021, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of the Sultanate of Oman paid a state visit to Qatar at a kind invitation from His Highness the Amir, during which bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries and ways to enhance and develop them were discussed, especially in the political, economic, investment, tourism, and transportation fields. Views were also exchanged on the prospects for strengthening Joint Gulf Action to enhance the security and stability of the region.
A joint statement issued at the conclusion of the visit affirmed the keenness of Qatar and Oman to strengthen bilateral relations and the strong political will of the leadership in the two countries to advance all aspects of co-operation at all levels, which will open new horizons of consultation, co-ordination, and co-operation between the two brotherly countries.
The two sides emphasised that the real and diverse opportunities in the two countries constitute a solid basis for strengthening relations, increasing investment opportunities, establishing partnerships, and completing value-added projects in many sectors and fields, in addition to increasing and diversifying the volume of trade exchange and enhancing the role of the private sector to achieve integration in the interests of the two countries.
Over the past few years, economic and trade co-operation between Qatar and Oman has witnessed remarkable development in the sectors of agriculture, livestock, transportation, communications, energy, tourism, education, construction, and banking services, with the volume of trade exchange between the two countries reaching $1.2bn during the first seven months of 2024.
There are 15 Qatari companies in the Omani market, and about 200 Omani companies operate in the Qatari market with 100% Omani capital. Meanwhile, about 200 other Omani companies are operating in Qatar in partnership with Qatari companies in various sectors, such as trade and contracting.
Trade and investment relations between the two brotherly countries focus on vital sectors, such as energy, industry, tourism, logistics, and other areas that serve mutual interests. The investment field between Doha and Muscat has witnessed significant development, including the Karwa Motors project and the Qatari Diar project in Ras Al Hadd.
There are also a number of joint projects in the fields of agriculture, hotels, tourism, transportation, logistics, and the real estate sector, and the value of Qatari investments in the Sultanate is estimated at about QR2bn.
A joint investment fund was established between the Omani and Qatari sides under the name of Al Hosn Investment Company (HIC), established in 2007, and the company invests in various sectors, including banking, industry, communications and technology, food, healthcare, education, tourism, oil, and gas, and resulted in investment partnerships, including the establishment of the Oman National Investment Development Company (TANMIA), the Qatar Primary Materials Company (AL-AWALIA), and others.
The Omani-Qatari Joint Committee plays a key role in strengthening and developing economic relations between the two countries.
Last December, the committee held its 23rd session in Doha, during which it reviewed aspects of co-operation between the two brotherly countries in various fields that serve their common interests, especially economic, commercial, and investment co-operation, and followed up on a number of joint projects and discussed a set of proposals and visions to enhance cooperation between the two countries and encourage joint investments in the fields of agriculture, communications, transportation, tourism, banking, and education.
To activate co-operation between businessmen from both sides, the Omani-Qatari Businessmen Council was established under the umbrella of the Qatar Chamber and the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry to strengthen trade relations, open up areas of joint investment between the two countries, activate mutual visits of trade delegations between the two countries, and participate in joint trade exhibitions.
