President Sheikh Mohamed and Sultan Haitham of Oman on Monday held high-level talks in Abu Dhabi as the two nations struck deals to bolster ties in key sectors such as renewable energy, technology and rail infrastructure.
The two leaders witnessed a number of agreements aimed at further strengthening relations between the Gulf neighbours as part of Sultan Haitham’s state visit.
The raft of agreements also covered investment, sustainability and education.
Sheikh Mohamed said the visit would support joint efforts to build a “stable and prosperous future” for the friendly countries.
“It was my honor to welcome my brother, King Haitham bin Tariq, to the UAE today and speak to him about the long-standing and deep ties that bind our two countries,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“The strategic and economic partnership between the UAE and Oman continues to grow stronger, and we continue to explore new opportunities for cooperation that support our peoples’ shared aspirations for a stable and prosperous future. track
Last year, a $3 billion project to build a railway between the UAE and Oman was announced.
Oman and Etihad Railway Company, a joint venture between Oman Railways and Etihad Railways, is overseeing this major transport project. The
train will reach speeds of 200km/h and connect Abu Dhabi with Sohar, north of Muscat.
An agreement was signed with Abu Dhabi’s sovereign investor Mubadala to develop a 303km route.
Long-standing relationship
President Sheikh Mohammed hosted an official reception in Abu Dhabi on Monday to commemorate the visit of Sultan Haitham of Oman.
Sheikh Mohammed had earlier welcomed King Haitham and his delegation at Abu Dhabi’s Presidential Airport.
His plane was accompanied by several UAE military aircraft as a gesture of welcome.
The two leaders will discuss the “deep-rooted, historic and brotherly relationship” between the two countries, state news agency WAM said.
The Majesty of Glory
Sheikh Mohammed hosted a reception in Qasr Al Watan, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
When the two leaders arrived at the ceremony, they were greeted by a procession of Arab horse and camel riders and Emirati ethnic groups.
Sheikh Mohammed accompanied King Haitham to inspect the guard of honor and witness the singing of the national anthems of the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
The colorful ceremony also included a 21-gun salute and a flyover by the UAE’s Al Fursan aerobatic team, during which smoke rose in the colors of the Omani flag.
Sheikh Mohammed and Sultan Haitham were greeted by a group of Emirati children waving the national flags of both countries.
Abu Dhabi’s streets and landmarks have been decked out in Omani flags and messages celebrating the state visit.
The official reception ceremony was attended by several ministers and senior officials from both countries, including Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President.
On Tuesday, Sultan Haitham also met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.
“Today, I met my brother, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, Sultan of Oman, during his auspicious visit to the United Arab Emirates,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote on X.
“Our relations are historic, our brotherhood is rooted, our economies are interconnected, and our future is one, God willing.
“Oman is a depth and a support for the Emirates, and the Emirates is a depth and a support for Oman. We ask God to perpetuate the love and brotherhood between the two peoples, and preserve the two countries, and grant us all success in our journey to build a better future for all.”
Sultan Haitham also visited Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, accompanied by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court.
They visited the tomb of the UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, recalling his legacy.
The visit, which concluded shortly before 3pm on Tuesday, aimed to promote and enhance bilateral relations on a range of issues, Wam reported.
The UAE is one of the most important trading partners of Oman, according to Dr Sayyid Al Busaidi, ambassador of Oman to the UAE.
He said the visit will accelerate and develop co-operation, integration and partnership.
Omani exports to the UAE last year exceeded one billion Omani rials, an increase of 20.4 per cent compared to 2022.
According to statistics from UAE Breaking Center for Statistics and Information, the trade value between Oman and the United Arab Emirates was approximately 5.439 billion Omani riyals at the end of last year, and will reach 5.571 billion riyals at the end of 2022. Ta. NCSI statistics are also.
It was shown that the export value of Omani products to the UAE, represented by metal products, chemical industry products, related industries, and other products and raw materials, reached more than Omani Riyal 291.7 million by the end of last year.
The value of product imports from the UAE was more than Omani Riyal 837.7 million. This includes machinery, equipment, appliances and other products.