Oman and the United Kingdom outlined investment plans during Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s visit, including a proposed Salalah AI data center with a first phase valued above £1 billion and more than 100 projected UK jobs.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) said Oct. 21 that Yamna, a UK-founded firm backed by British investment funds, was due to reach an agreement with Oman for the facility. The department projected more than 100 highly skilled positions in Britain and said UK-backed investors could receive returns. Its announcement gave no estimate for jobs in Oman or a construction schedule.
The FCDO also said the governments were expected to sign a separate arrangement to encourage investment in both directions. It covers financial services, health care and renewable energy, as well as space, critical minerals and technology. UK Export Finance was set to increase its financing capacity for British exports to Oman to as much as £7 billion, a capacity figure rather than a confirmed loan total.
The countries established their Sovereign Investment Partnership in 2022. Oman has invested £1.7 billion in the UK since then, according to the FCDO. The department also reported £1.1 billion in UK exports to Oman over the four quarters ending in the first quarter of 2026.
Oman’s Foreign Ministry said the two sides signed letters of intent covering space collaboration and AI in education. The education plan outlines a pilot in selected Omani secondary schools, with AI learning tools, teacher training and support for English speaking and writing skills.
The UK Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said the leaders agreed at their Downing Street meeting on Oct. 21 that the Strait of Hormuz should remain open to trade. Prime Minister Andy Burnham thanked Oman for its work to reopen the waterway, the PMO said, adding that open passage could ease pressure on global supply chains and people at home.
At a Guildhall banquet, Haitham recalled an accord that he said gave the British East India Company trade privileges and access to Omani ports in 1647. He also referred to treaties from 1798 and 1800. The FCDO said it was the first UK state visit by an Omani sultan since Queen Elizabeth II hosted Sultan Qaboos bin Said in 1982.
The FCDO said Chevening scholarship applications in Oman are scheduled to open in August 2027.
