The British Omani Society (BOS) welcomed His Highness Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said as Guest of Honour at a special reception held at Lancaster House to mark the Society's 50th Anniversary.
The reception brought together senior representatives from government, business, education, culture, heritage and environmental organisations from the United Kingdom and the Sultanate of Oman, celebrating fifty years of the British Omani Society's contribution to strengthening understanding, friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
The presence of His Highness Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said underscored the importance of the contemporary UK-Oman relationship and the enduring connections between the peoples of both nations. The reception also marked an important moment in the Society's history, looking ahead to a new chapter of patronage and leadership as it enters its second half-century.
During the reception, it was announced that His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales will assume joint Patronage of the British Omani Society, succeeding His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. Together, these appointments reflect the Society's enduring role in strengthening relations between Oman and the United Kingdom and its commitment to supporting future generations in building upon this longstanding friendship.
During the reception, guests heard remarks from His Highness Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, Major General (Retired) Richard Stanford, Chairman of the British Omani Society, Stephen Doughty MP, Minister for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories, and Gordon Birrell, Upstream Executive Vice President, bp.
In his remarks, His Highness paid tribute to the volunteers, trustees and partners whose dedication enables the British Omani Society to deliver its wide-ranging programme of activities. He highlighted the Society’s contribution to the goals of Oman Vision 2040 through initiatives spanning business, youth development, education, culture and environmental sustainability, and reflected on the enduring value of UK-Oman cooperation.
Richard Stanford, Chairman of the British Omani Society, said: “As we celebrate fifty years of the British Omani Society, we are proud of the friendships and partnerships that have strengthened relations between our two countries. Our Golden Jubilee is an opportunity not only to reflect on our shared history, but to invest in the next generation who will shape this relationship for decades to come.”
Speaking at the event during the State Visit of His Majesty the Sultan of Oman to the United Kingdom, Minister for the Middle East, Stephen Doughty said:
“Warm friendship is proof of the relationship foundations between our nations - seen across environmentalists, educators, business leaders, volunteers and many more.
The British Omani society has helped students and scholars pursue opportunities, connected businesses and professionals, promoted culture and heritage and education. It’s the fundamental friendships that strengthen the understanding between us.”
The event showcased examples of successful UK-Oman collaboration across four key themes: Youth & Education, Economy & Prosperity, Society & Culture, and Environment & Sustainability. Guests had the opportunity to meet representatives and participants from a range of initiatives and institutions that continue to strengthen connections between the two countries.
A further highlight of the reception was the announcement and signing of a new partnership agreement between the British Omani Society and bp, reinforcing a shared commitment to supporting future generations through educational, cultural and professional exchange.
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Nader Zaki, Regional President, Middle East and North Africa, bp, said:
“bp’s relationship with Oman has developed over more than a century, alongside the longstanding ties between Oman and the UK. This new partnership with the British Omani Society builds on that history and our existing support for the New Generation Group, creating further opportunities for young people to connect, exchange knowledge and build relationships across both countries”
The reception served as both a celebration of five decades of achievement and a reaffirmation of the close friendship, mutual understanding and enduring partnership between the peoples of Oman and the United Kingdom.