The UK government has announced plans for more than £1 billion in investment during Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s state visit, linking commercial cooperation with a wider diplomatic and security partnership with Oman.
In its 21 October announcement, the government said an agreement intended to accelerate investment would cover sectors including renewable energy, technology, critical minerals, healthcare and financial services. UK Export Finance is also set to increase financing capacity for exports to Oman to as much as £7 billion.
A planned AI data centre in Salalah forms part of the package. The government said its first phase was expected to exceed £1 billion; the project remains an announced investment rather than a completed development.
The two countries were also expected to agree stronger maritime information sharing with the Omani Maritime Security Centre. Education and space cooperation featured in the visit’s agenda.
The announcements illustrate how the bilateral relationship combines investment, skills and maritime cooperation. Delivery of the proposed projects and agreements will determine their longer-term impact.
By Editorial Desk. Source announcement: 21 October 2026.
Image: Muscat’s coastline and surrounding mountains in Oman. Photo by saad alawi on Pexels. Illustrative photograph; not from the reported event.