On July 3 2025, the British Omani Society, in partnership with the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in London, and the Omani British Society, hosted a high-level summer business panel and networking reception at its headquarters in Mayfair. The event brought together senior government officials, diplomats, and business leaders from both the United Kingdom and Oman to explore the future of bilateral trade and investment.
Set against the backdrop of ongoing UK-GCC Free Trade Agreement negotiations, the evening offered a timely platform to reaffirm Oman’s position as a stable, fast-developing, and opportunity-rich destination for international business. The event also underscored the growing momentum behind UK-Oman economic cooperation.
The evening opened with welcome remarks from BOS Chair Richard Stanford, who introduced the Society’s mission and its role in fostering UK-Oman relations. He then moderated a dynamic panel discussion featuring H.E. Pankaj Khimji, Adviser for Foreign Trade and International Cooperation at Oman’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Sir Philip Barton, former Permanent Undersecretary of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Chris Breeze, Managing Director of Ellipse Projects UK and Chair of the BOS Business Subcommittee.
H.E. Pankaj Khimji set the tone with an overview of Oman’s recent foreign trade developments, followed by a wide-ranging discussion on trade dynamics, investment opportunities, and the evolving UK-Oman partnership.
“The discussions today have again highlighted the growing momentum in UK-Oman trade relations and the shared ambition to deepen this economic cooperation through mutual investment. These ties are built on a long and deep history of connections. Now is a time of great opportunity for British and Omani trade to expand and diversify.”
- Richard Stanford
Following the panel, guests gathered for the BOS Summer Business Reception, co-hosted with the Oman British Society, chaired by the Hon Saleh Zakwani. Attendees were addressed by Guest of Honour H.E. Pankaj Khimji and Tom Wintle, the UK’s Chief Negotiator for the GCC Free Trade Agreement.
The reception welcomed the Ambassadors of both nations, alongside a diverse group of business leaders and government representatives. Conversations throughout the evening reflected a shared enthusiasm for innovation, collaboration, and long-term partnership.
A highlight of the evening was the signing of a new agreement between Espace Engineering Consultants (Oman) and Formation Architects (UK), aimed at bringing British expertise into urban development projects in Oman. The partnership stands as a tangible example of the deepening ties between the two countries across strategic sectors.
As the UK and Oman continue to strengthen their economic relationship, events like this underscore the enduring value of dialogue, diplomacy, and shared vision.
