Saturday 27 / June / 2026
Muscat-- The Sultanate of Oman, under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, places sustained importance on strengthening its foreign relations, built on balance, openness and the forging of effective partnerships. This reflects Oman's foreign policy approach of expanding cooperation with sisterly and friendly nations, supporting shared interests, and reinforcing efforts for security and stability at both regional and international levels.
His Majesty’s forthcoming official visit to the French Republic, the day after tomorrow (Sunday) affirms the strength of the bilateral relations between the two friendly countries, which have witnessed continuous development since the establishment of diplomatic ties over five decades ago.
Omani-French relations, spanning decades, are distinguished by a character rooted in mutual respect and constructive cooperation. This has contributed to consolidating a robust partnership encompassing political, economic, cultural and scientific fields, while enhancing mutual coordination on issues of common concern.
The origins of Omani-French relations date back to the eighteenth century, with the beginning of early contacts through maritime trade in the Indian Ocean and East Africa, reflecting Oman's maritime and commercial role and its engagement in international trade networks of that era. This period was characterised by a commercial and maritime nature and gradual interaction with European powers.
In the late nineteenth century, this communication evolved to the level of French consular representation in the Sultanate of Oman, marking an important milestone in the path of bilateral relations. With the launch of the modern renaissance in 1970, relations entered a new phase marked by stability and expansion following their formal establishment in 1972, and the exchange of ambassadors for the first time in 1974, extending to encompass the fields of economy, energy, defence, culture and political coordination.
In the current phase, Omani-French relations reflect an advanced level of coordination and consultation between the leaderships of the two countries. His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and French President Emmanuel Macron have held a series of telephone conversations, the most recent on 31 May 2026, during which they discussed developments in regional and international affairs, diplomatic efforts to support security, stability, freedom of maritime navigation and international trade, as well as avenues for cooperation and partnership between the two friendly nations.
The two countries are expanding cooperation across a range of promising economic and investment sectors, including renewable energy, clean energy solutions, industry, space, logistics, tourism, technology, food security, infrastructure and defence — strengthening mutual interests and opening broader horizons for future partnership.
In April 2026, the two sides held the first round of strategic dialogue in Paris, affirming the depth of their partnership and reviewing avenues for bilateral cooperation, particularly in economic and investment sectors, energy security, culture, education and training, contributing to expanded and elevated cooperation.
On the investment front, Oman signed 17 investment and development agreements worth over RO 762 million during its participation in the MIPIM 2026 international property market in Cannes, covering projects linked to future cities and integrated residential neighbourhoods.
Oman‑France Business Council continues to strengthen economic ties and support companies seeking to invest in both markets, leveraging expertise and advanced technologies. During its October 2025 meeting in Muscat, the Council discussed investment opportunities and a work plan to enhance private sector cooperation.
Trade exchange between Oman and France rose to over RO 100 million in 2025, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information. French imports to Oman increased from RO 63.1 million in 2024 to RO70.8 million in 2025, while Omani exports to France exceeded RO 29 million, including aluminium, iron, polyethylene, pharmaceuticals and other products.
Registered companies in Oman with French participation reached about 298 by end‑2025, a 29.53 percent increase from 210 in 2024, according to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. French invested capital rose from over RO16.9 million to over RO 19.7 million, an increase of 16.84 percent, concentrated in wholesale and retail trade, professional, scientific and technical activities, and information and communications.
Both sides are working to set targets for increasing trade volumes and diversifying the commodity base, while boosting the share of non‑oil products, including industrial, food, pharmaceutical and technology goods.
A number of leading French investors and companies are expected to take part in the second edition of the “Advantage Oman” forum, scheduled for October 2026in Muscat. The forum will also be promoted in France through bodies such as Business France, chambers of commerce, business federations and investment funds, helping to showcase promising investment opportunities in the Sultanate of Oman.
Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Araimi, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to French Republic, said in a statement to Oman News Agency (ONA) that His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s official visit to France marks an important milestone in Omani‑French relations, reflecting their continued growth and deep‑rooted strategic partnership.
The visit reaffirms the depth of bilateral ties and the commitment of both leaderships to strengthening cooperation across various fields, as well as coordinating positions on regional and international issues of common concern, particularly developments in the region, he said.
The ambassador added that the visit is expected to see the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding in the economic, investment and commercial fields, helping to boost trade and investment and open new avenues for cooperation between the two countries.
The ambassador said that the Omani‑French economic relations are witnessing continued growth, with promising opportunities ahead for deeper partnership across vital sectors including renewable energy, modern technologies, innovation and logistics. Both sides are working to explore new investment opportunities that support economic diversification and sustainable development in both countries, he added.
French investments are of great interest in the Sultanate of Oman, with French companies implementing strategic projects in energy, logistics, modern technologies, recycling and space, the ambassador noted. These include the joint LNG project between OQ Group and TotalEnergies, the Manah 1 solar project, power and water projects in Barka and Sohar, and the OmanSat‑1 satellite project, reflecting mutual trust and Oman’s position as an attractive destination for quality investment.
On culture and education, cooperation builds on a historical legacy and deep civilisational ties, providing a strong foundation for academic and cultural exchange, the ambassador said. Joint programmes for teaching Arabic and French, student exchange, scholarships and training are already in place.
A key example is the annual summer French language programme for Omani students in France, now in its third edition with the Institut de Touraine, alongside scholarships offered by the Sultan Qaboos Institute for Teaching Arabic to Non‑Native Speakers to French students, with reciprocal French programmes for learning French.
Fifty‑nine Omani students are currently enrolled in French higher education institutions, and 38 doctors from the Ministry of Health are undergoing specialised training in France, reflecting the vitality and promising prospects of academic and scientific cooperation between the two countries, the ambassador added.
Nabil Hajlaoui, Ambassador of the French Republic to the Sultanate of Oman said the official visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to France holds particular significance given the current regional context, adding that it will leave a positive mark on the course of bilateral relations across all areas.
The visit crowns a series of meetings and contacts between the two sides over recent months, including ongoing telephone exchanges between the leaderships and ministers of both countries, he said.
His Majesty’s visit is set to give new momentum to Omani‑French relations through the launch of major projects that will shape cooperation in the years ahead, the ambassador added.
He noted that the visit offers France an opportunity to reaffirm its solidarity with Oman’s steadfast position, grounded in respect for international law, dialogue and the pursuit of peace.
Several French companies are investing in Oman across tourism, transport, logistics, modern technologies, space, water and waste treatment, and renewable energy, the ambassador said, adding that French firms have invested more than $1.7 billion in the energy sector over the past two years.
Economic partnerships between Omani and French parties have grown notably across various sectors in recent periods, he added.
During the visit, agreements are expected to be signed or projects worth approximately $2.25 billion to be announced in areas including water treatment, environment, transport, space, technology, energy transition and others, the ambassador said.
French companies are looking to expand their investments and demonstrate their expertise in port management, logistics, environmentally friendly transport solutions such as electric trains and metro systems, and advanced technologies including satellites, radar systems and air transport, the French Ambassador to Oman said. These sectors, he added, would contribute to achieving the targets of Oman Vision 2040.
On political coordination, he confirmed that Oman and France maintain continuous communication to exchange views and discuss shared positions, reflecting a significant alignment between the two countries and agreement on upholding peaceful solutions to crises, international law and UN resolutions.
President Emmanuel Macron of the French Republic has praised Oman’s calls for peaceful solutions and de‑escalation, as well as its ongoing mediation efforts, the ambassador said, adding that President Macron has emphasised the importance of international law, a priority for both France and Oman.
On cultural and human ties, the ambassador said the two countries are strengthening bonds through jointly funded scholarships for Omani students in France, noting growing interest in French universities and institutes, while France also receives Omani physiciansannually for specialisation and professional development.
He expressed hope for an increase in Omani students at the International French School of Muscat (LFiM), noting that the French Cultural and Learning Centre (Centre Franco Omanais) receives more than 600 French language learners each year.
The two sides are also working on an ambitious project for the Omani‑French Museum “Bait Faransa,” to be inaugurated upon completion of the restoration of the historic building, the ambassador said. A French academic cooperation project has also been launched with Oman Through Ages Museum, including training programmes and expertise exchange.
Faisal bin Abdullah Al Rowas, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) said the official visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to French Republic reflects Oman’s standing on the international stage and growing confidence in it as a reliable partner capable of building sustainable strategic partnerships with countries worldwide.
The visit confirms the depth of Omani‑French historical relations and establishes a new phase of cooperation based on expanding economic, investment and technological partnership, in line with the development priorities of both countries and their mutual interests, he said.
France is one of Oman’s important economic partners, Al Rowas said, noting that the coming period holds promising opportunities in value‑added sectors including renewable energy and green hydrogen, advanced industries, transport and logistics, digital transformation and artificial intelligence, tourism, and the blue economy.
The rapid economic transformations under Oman Vision 2040 have enhanced Oman’s investment appeal and cemented its position as a promising regional business and investment hub, providing a conducive environment for long‑term partnerships with leading French companies, he added.
The Omani private sector views the visit as a strategic opportunity to expand cooperation with French counterparts, benefit from expertise and advanced technologies, and open new horizons for joint investment and trade, strengthening the private sector’s role as a key partner in sustainable economic development, Al Rowas said.
The Chamber has worked over recent years to strengthen communication between the business communities of both countries through meetings, trade delegations and joint economic events, helping to showcase investment opportunities and expand cooperation, he added.
The visit represents a significant boost to Omani‑French relations, opening broader horizons for economic, investment and technological cooperation and attracting more quality projects, supporting economic diversification and reinforcing Oman’s position as an attractive investment destination and economic partner regionally and internationally, Al Rowas concluded.
He concluded by noting that the Oman‑France Business Council continues to serve as a cornerstone in supporting economic partnerships and advancing trade and investment relations between the two friendly countries.
Jamil bin Ali Sultan, Chairman of the Omani side of the Oman‑France Joint Business Council, said the official visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to France represents a key opportunity to strengthen the private sector’s role in both countries and to translate growing bilateral ties into more effective and sustainable economic and investment partnerships.
The Council has worked over recent years to build direct communication channels between business communities through joint meetings, trade delegations and bilateral gatherings, helping to showcase investment opportunities, exchange expertise and explore new areas for cooperation, he said.
The coming period will see the Council play a greater role in following up on the visit’s outcomes through joint work programmes, specialised sectoral meetings and closer investor dialogue, turning opportunities into practical partnerships that add value to both economies, he added.
The Council will continue encouraging trade delegations, strengthening private sector links, attracting French investment to Oman, and supporting Omani firms in building sustainable trade and investment relationships with French counterparts, benefiting from France’s advanced expertise across various sectors, he said.
The success of the visit will be reflected in the private sector’s ability to seize opportunities and build quality partnerships that boost trade exchange and joint investments, strengthening the presence of Omani and French companies in promising markets, he added.
He affirmed that the Council would continue enhancing communication between business communities and supporting initiatives that expand economic cooperation, in line with the aspirations of both leaderships and serving mutual interests.
The Royal visit is expected to give new momentum to Omani‑French relations, building on a shared vision of expanding cooperation and deepening partnership, while promoting dialogue, cooperation, security, stability and sustainable development.
