Oman and UK Sign Letters of Intent in Space and AI in Education

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, October 22, 2026

Oman and the United Kingdom signed cooperation agreements during Sultan Haitham bin Tarik's state visit to collaborate on space sector development and the responsible use of AI in education. The agreements include a pilot program to integrate AI tools for English language learning in Omani secondary schools, supporting Oman Vision 2040’s goals to modernize education and prepare students for higher education and the workforce.

The Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom formalized cooperation agreements on Wednesday in London during the state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the UK. The two countries signed letters of intent focused on space sector collaboration and the responsible application of artificial intelligence (AI) in education.

The first agreement aims to enhance joint efforts in the space sector by facilitating the exchange of expertise related to space policies, scientific research, and innovation. This partnership involves the UK Space Agency and the Government of Oman, reflecting a mutual commitment to advancing their capabilities and knowledge in space technologies.

The second letter addresses the integration of AI tools to support English language learning and to assist educators in adopting AI responsibly in classroom settings. This initiative is designed to improve teaching and learning approaches through the use of emerging technologies, with a particular focus on strengthening students’ spoken and written English skills.

On the Omani side, the agreements were signed by Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, and Dr Madeeha bint Ahmed al Shaibani, Minister of Education. The UK delegation included Dr Alice Bunn, Co-Director of the UK Space Agency, and Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council.

Dr Madeeha highlighted that the collaboration aligns with Oman Vision 2040, underlining the effort to modernize education by integrating AI technologies. She noted that a pilot program will be implemented in select secondary schools to enhance students' English communication abilities, preparing them better for higher education pathways and the labor market. The project also focuses on building teacher competencies while ensuring the ethical and safe use of technology.

Both countries will jointly evaluate the pilot program’s outcomes to determine its effectiveness and explore possibilities for broader implementation, aiming to base future educational advancements on empirical evidence.

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