
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, has concluded an official visit to Oman, deepening cooperation between the two Gulf neighbours.
During the visit, Sheikh Hamdan was received by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, ruler of Oman at Al-Baraka Palace in Muscat. The leaders reaffirmed the deep-rooted historical and fraternal ties between the UAE and Oman and discussed ways to strengthen collaboration across a wide range of sectors, including economy, trade, tourism, culture, defence, and technology.
Sheikh Hamdan conveyed greetings from UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President and Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, along with best wishes for Oman’s continued development and prosperity.
Expanding Strategic Cooperation
The visit included meetings with several senior Omani officials, such as Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, and Deputy Prime Minister for Cabinet Affairs, Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said. Discussions focused on advancing mutual development goals, enhancing regional stability, and promoting greater Gulf cooperation.
Both sides emphasized the importance of high-level engagement and joint efforts to expand trade, investment, and private sector partnerships. Particular attention was given to strengthening defence coordination, exchanging military expertise, and enhancing operational capabilities between the two nations’ armed forces.
Economic Partnership in Focus
Highlighting the robust economic relationship between the UAE and Oman, Sheikh Hamdan noted that non-oil trade between the two countries exceeded AED 56.1 billion in 2024, reflecting a 9.8% year-on-year increase. Oman remains the UAE’s second-largest trading partner within the GCC. Officials expressed confidence in further boosting trade and tourism flows, building on shared opportunities and geographic proximity.
Cultural and Developmental Vision
Sheikh Hamdan also underscored the shared commitment to exchanging successful development experiences and advancing a common Gulf vision for sustainable growth. The meetings highlighted cooperation in areas such as digital transformation, education, and cultural exchange, as well as efforts to engage youth in shaping the region’s future.
The visit concluded with a luncheon hosted by Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, the Crown Prince of Oman and the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Youth. Sheikh Hamdan expressed deep appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to the UAE delegation and reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to further strengthening its strategic partnership with Oman.