British Omani Society Marks Golden Jubilee with Reception

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, October 22, 2026

The British Omani Society celebrated its fiftieth anniversary with a reception at Lancaster House during Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s state visit to the UK, attended by prominent Omani and British officials. The event highlighted the Society’s role in enhancing bilateral relations through initiatives in technology transfer, youth development, cultural exchange, and educational support, while fostering further diplomatic and economic cooperation.

The British Omani Society marked its fiftieth anniversary with a reception at Lancaster House in London on Wednesday, coinciding with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s state visit to the United Kingdom. The event commemorated the Society’s Golden Jubilee and underscored ongoing efforts to strengthen UK-Oman relations.

Her Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of Oman, attended the reception along with members of the official delegation. Upon arrival, HH Sayyid Theyazin was formally received by Stephen Doughty, the UK Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa; Major General (Retd) Richard Stanford, Chairman of the British Omani Society’s Board of Directors; and other British officials. A group photograph was taken to mark the occasion, and HH Sayyid Theyazin personally greeted members of the Society’s Board.

In his remarks, HH Sayyid Theyazin expressed satisfaction in celebrating the milestone, acknowledging the Society’s significant contributions to nurturing bilateral ties over the past five decades. He emphasized the pivotal role the Society has played in initiatives such as the Smart Industries Initiative, which facilitates technology transfer between the two countries. He further highlighted programs aimed at the younger generation, including the New Generation Group and Outward Bound Oman, designed to support Omani youth development.

Additionally, HH Sayyid Theyazin noted the Society’s efforts in promoting cultural exchange through Arabic language instruction for non-native speakers and assisting Omani students studying in the UK by providing scholarships and practical training opportunities.

Alongside the reception, bilateral meetings took place involving senior Omani officials and diplomats, as well as Dr. Liane Saunders, the UK Ambassador to Oman, fostering further dialogue on cooperative ventures and strengthening diplomatic and economic relations.

The event reflected the longstanding partnership and shared interests between Oman and the United Kingdom, reinforced by both governmental and civil society engagement facilitated by the British Omani Society since its inception in 1976.

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