UK and Oman Enhance Investment and Security Collaboration During Sultan’s State Visit

• A new AI data center project in Oman is expected to attract $1.3 billion in initial investment and create 100 jobs in the UK.
• Talks during Sultan Haitham’s visit to London will also address regional security and trade through the Strait of Hormuz.

Updated 10 min 48 sec ago

October 22, 2026 00:31

LONDON: Britain and Oman are set to deepen their investment ties during Sultan Haitham bin Tariq’s state visit, with a planned artificial intelligence data center in Oman projected to draw more than $1.3 billion in initial investment and generate over 100 highly skilled jobs in the UK, the UK government announced on Wednesday.

The announcement precedes the sultan’s meeting with Prime Minister Andy Burnham at 10 Downing Street, as the countries prepare to sign an agreement aimed at accelerating mutual investments. This pact will expand the UK-Oman Sovereign Investment Partnership, focusing on renewable energy, technology, critical minerals, space, healthcare, and financial services.

Britain’s export credit agency, UK Export Finance, also plans to increase its financing capacity for British exports to Oman to as much as £7 billion ($9.37 billion). The investment initiative includes an agreement with Yamna, a British-founded infrastructure developer backed by UK investment funds, to build an AI data center in Salalah, Oman. The project’s first phase is expected to attract over £1 billion in investment, leveraging British expertise to create jobs in the UK and deliver returns for British-backed investors.

Prime Minister Burnham highlighted the existing trade relationship as a foundation for growth, citing a £1.7 billion trade bond. “I am confident we can build on this further,” he stated, as reported by the Times of Oman.

Talks have also emphasized regional security, including Oman’s diplomatic efforts in the Middle East and the critical importance of trade through the Strait of Hormuz. Burnham told the sultan, “Your Majesty, your government, and the people of Oman are working tirelessly to find solutions, build partnerships, and ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open to trade.”

A planned maritime agreement will strengthen information sharing and expertise exchanges with the Omani Maritime Security Center, underscoring Oman’s role in regional stability and trade safeguarding. The sultan affirmed close coordination: “We maintain constant contact, coordinating our actions and supporting each other in addressing regional challenges.”

Beyond investment and security, the visit is set to yield agreements on education and space cooperation. Britain’s Chevening Scholarship Programme will resume in Oman, with applications opening in August 2027, offering opportunities for Omanis to study at UK institutions. Additionally, the countries plan to sign an agreement on the responsible use of AI in education, supporting English-language learning and safe teacher adoption of the technology.

A separate accord between the UK Space Agency and the Omani government will promote collaboration on policy, scientific research, and innovation. The sultan’s three-day state visit, hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, celebrates a relationship spanning nearly four centuries. “We have many foundations from our long history,” the sultan said. “Together, we will achieve great success in the years ahead.”

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