The Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continue to strengthen their bilateral relations, advancing cooperation across political, economic, and social domains. This progress reflects the shared vision and commitment of their leaders, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman and King Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud of Saudi Arabia.
Rooted in longstanding historical, geographic, and social ties, the two countries have built a foundation of mutual understanding and coordinated efforts. Ibrahim bin Saad bin Bishan, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Oman, highlighted the significance of Sultan Haitham’s recent private visit to Saudi Arabia as a reaffirmation of the deep and enduring relations between the nations and their peoples.
The ambassador noted that the ties extend beyond immediate interests, drawing on a legacy of trust and mutual respect developed over more than five decades. This relationship is framed by a common vision to promote regional security, stability, and development, positioning both countries as strategic partners with a shared destiny.
Bilateral cooperation has been institutionalized through mechanisms such as the Saudi-Omani Coordination Council, established following Sultan Haitham’s official visit to Saudi Arabia in June 2021, which marked his first overseas trip after assuming power. The council aims to enhance collaboration across various sectors, underpinning ongoing high-level exchanges including visits by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in December 2021 and September 2023.
Continued engagement at ministerial levels supports this coordination, with regular meetings between the foreign ministers and officials across diverse fields. These forums facilitate dialogue and joint initiatives designed to promote integration and serve the interests of both nations.
Economic relations have expanded considerably, supported by infrastructure developments such as the launch of the Empty Quarter border crossing in December 2021, the first direct land port linking the two countries. This crossing has significantly increased trade and mobility, with bilateral trade volume rising to approximately RO 1.322 billion in 2025, up from RO 1.051 billion in 2021.
Investment flows also reflect growing economic integration. Saudi direct investment in Oman reached nearly RO 72.8 million in 2025, while Omani investments in Saudi Arabia totaled about RO 115.9 million. The opening of a Saudi Public Investment Fund office in Oman is expected to further boost investment prospects and private sector cooperation.
Trade figures from the first half of 2026 indicate continued momentum, with bilateral trade exceeding RO 1.08 billion. Omani exports to Saudi Arabia amounted to RO 547.6 million, while imports from the Kingdom were approximately RO 538.6 million. Total trade in 2025 stood at RO 2.475 billion, with a balanced exchange of goods between the two countries.
Tourism and people-to-people ties are also growing, exemplified by 80,917 Saudi visitors to Oman recorded by August 2026, following over 116,000 visitors in 2025. Cross-border travel via the Empty Quarter crossing has facilitated the movement of hundreds of thousands of citizens and residents from both countries and the broader Gulf region.
Looking ahead, Saudi-Omani cooperation is expanding into new sectors including clean energy, green hydrogen projects, electrical interconnection, and the Gulf railway network. Joint tourism initiatives aim to develop destinations through shared marketing efforts and exchange programs, signaling a future-oriented partnership committed to regional stability, prosperity, and sustainable development within the Gulf Cooperation Council framework.