On the 2 July 2026, the British Omani Society (BOS) welcomed distinguished guests from across the public and private sectors to its Annual Summer Business Reception at BOS headquarters in Mayfair, London. Co-hosted with its' partner organisation in Oman, the Oman British society, the event brought together senior government representatives, healthcare professionals, business leaders and members of the UK and Omani communities to explore emerging opportunities for collaboration between the two nations.
This year's reception took place following the announcement of the UK–GCC Free Trade Agreement in May 2026. Against this backdrop, discussions focused on strengthening UK–Oman partnerships, with a special emphasis on healthcare, life sciences, innovation and investment.
Guests were welcomed by Chris Breeze, Chairman of the BOS Business Subcommittee and Managing Director of Ellipse Projects UK, who introduced the evening's Guest of Honour, H.E. Dr Hilal bin Ali bin Hilal Al Sabti, Minister of Health of the Sultanate of Oman.
In his keynote address, His Excellency outlined Oman’s healthcare priorities under Oman Vision 2040, highlighting the country’s commitment to strengthening health system governance, supporting private sector participation, improving public health outcomes, advancing digital transformation and artificial intelligence, ensuring sustainable healthcare financing, and investing in the development of healthcare talent.
The Minister also discussed the significance of the newly announced UK–GCC Free Trade Agreement, describing it as an important catalyst for deeper cooperation between Oman and the United Kingdom. He highlighted opportunities for collaboration in pharmaceutical manufacturing, innovative medicines, scientific research, pharmaceutical security and digital health technologies.
Following the keynote address, the reception was opened by Richard Stanford, Chair of the British Omani Society, who reflected on the organisation’s 50-year journey and its ongoing mission to strengthen ties between the two countries.
“This year we are celebrating our Golden Jubilee at the British Omani Society; our countries share a deep and enduring friendship. Our aim is to ensure that the close links endure for generations to come. We work across a wide range of areas, structured around four core strategic themes: Culture and People; Business and Skills; Environment and Sustainability; and Youth and Next Generation.
Today’s forum focusing on the healthcare sector is a powerful demonstration of that bond in action. The recently signed UK-GCC Free Trade Agreement is a significant opportunity for the UK and Oman in a wide range of areas. Today we have highlighted the opportunities in healthcare to build lasting collaboration, at a time when demand for healthcare innovation is set to grow significantly. We are proud to host His Excellency, and to help build on the long friendship turning it into real opportunities for both our countries.”
Guests also heard from Hon. Saleh Al Zakwani, Chair of the Oman British Society, and Professor Anthony Harnden, Chair of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Professor Harnden spoke about the strong alignment between the healthcare ambitions of Oman and the United Kingdom, expressing optimism about building closer relationships and developing collaborative approaches that improve outcomes for patients and healthcare systems alike.
‘There’s a lot of overlap of what we do in the UK, and what Oman is trying to achieve. It’s positive to see how these ambitions translate into practical improvements for patient’s day-to-day lives and I’m really looking forward to developing a relationship with Oman.’
The event was attended by Dr. Liane Saunders, His Majesty’s Ambassador to Oman, Mr Hussein Mohammed Alawi Muqaibil, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in London, alongside senior government officials, healthcare leaders and business executives representing a wide range of industries from both countries.
The Annual Summer Business Reception demonstrated the strength of UK–Oman relations and the growing momentum behind deeper cooperation in healthcare, innovation and trade. As both countries look towards new opportunities created by the UK–GCC Free Trade Agreement, the discussions highlighted a shared commitment to advancing knowledge exchange, fostering investment and delivering long-term value through strategic partnerships.