Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik departed for the United Kingdom on Monday for a four-day state visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between the two countries.
According to the Oman News Agency (ONA), the visit is taking place at the invitation of King Charles III, who, alongside Queen Camilla, will host the Omani ruler at Windsor Castle from October 20 to 22.
The trip marks the first state visit by an Omani ruler to Britain in more than four decades, following Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s visit in March 1982, when he was received by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Oman’s Diwan of Royal Court said the visit would focus on strengthening the longstanding partnership between Muscat and London.
Sultan Haitham and King Charles are expected to discuss opportunities for broader cooperation, alongside important regional and international developments.
The leaders will also examine ways to improve diplomatic coordination and deepen engagement across sectors of mutual interest.
The Omani monarch is accompanied by a senior delegation that includes Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, and Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi.
Oman and the United Kingdom share diplomatic and economic ties extending over two centuries, with cooperation encompassing defence, commerce, investment and education.
Last year, the two countries commemorated the 225th anniversary of their bilateral agreement signed in 1800, reflecting the historical foundations of their relationship.
King Charles has previously travelled to Oman four times during his tenure as Prince of Wales. His most recent visit took place in January 2020 following the death of Sultan Qaboos.
The British monarch also received Sultan Haitham for a private meeting at Windsor Castle in July 2025.
The latest visit provides an opportunity for both countries to reinforce their established relationship while exploring further cooperation on diplomatic, economic and security matters.