The British Omani Society were honoured to fund the a UK Youth Delegation's Visit to Oman, as part of our charitable objectives to advance the education of British nationals by the promotion of learning and a wider knowledge by assisting individuals and organisations by providing bursaries, awards, scholarships, training, apprenticeships and financial and logistical support. Read more here.
Blog written by Aurelia Finch, Co-Director of the UK-MENA Network
In December 2025, the Oxford Diplomatic Society and the UK-MENA Network had the great pleasure of leading a delegation of students and young professionals from the UK to the Sultanate of Oman, generously funded by the British Omani Society. The purpose of the visit was to deepen understanding and the appreciation of Oman’s past, present, and future through the lens of diplomacy and culture, while strengthening British-Omani relations among the UK’s emerging young leaders.
The delegation brought together a diverse group of participants from institutions including the University of Oxford, Durham University, LSE and SOAS, working across academia, diplomacy, defence, aviation, charity, law, and open-source intelligence. Through the mix of official meetings, cultural visits, and informal exchanges, the delegation gained valuable, on-the-ground insights into Oman’s distinct diplomatic culture, societal values, and unique heritage.
A central feature of the visit was the opportunity to meet and engage with senior Omani and international dignitaries. The delegation met with Their Excellency Dr Liane Saunders, British Ambassador to Oman, alongside the German and Dutch Ambassadors, His Excellency Dirk Lölke and Her Excellency Maartje Peters, where participants discussed the future of bilateral relations, and the unique and unshaking relationship between Britain and Oman. The delegation also had the honour of meeting Her Excellency Dr Madiha bint Ahmed Al Shaibaniyah, Minister of Education, His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa Al Harthy, Undersecretary for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Ambassador Sheikh Humaid bin Ali Al-Ma’ani, Director General of Oman’s Diplomatic Academy, and a visit to the Royal Academy of Management, led by His Excellency Dr Ali Qassim Jawad. The visits highlighted Oman’s commitment to open dialogue and consultation, accessible education, and leadership development. Participants also engaged with Oman Vision 2040, toured Sultan Qaboos University, and visited cultural landmarks including the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Royal Opera House, and the Oman Across Ages museum.
Beyond formal diplomacy, the delegation participated in meaningful community engagement. A networking event organised by the British Council brought together Omani students and young professionals from a wide range of sectors, allowing for the exchange of ideas, experiences, and potential collaborations, and providing the opportunity for young Omanis to engage directly in international dialogue.
This direct immersion of Oman allowed the delegation to witness the country’s values of dialogue, mutual respect, and harmony as principles actively shaping governance, diplomacy, and education, pervading daily life in Oman. Equally striking was the sultanate’s approach to heritage preservation, balancing modernisation with a deep respect for both history and the environment.
One of the most memorable highlights was the visit to Jabal Akhdar, allowing the delegation to appreciate more rural Oman, along with its unique flora and fauna. The delegation explored historic mountain villages and walked along the ancient falaj irrigation systems, on the way to visiting a rose factory and a banana farm. Conversations with local driver-guides provided further depth, offering personal perspectives on Omani society, regional history, and national development. The delegation also had the opportunity to visit vibrant Matrah, the charming city of Nizwa, and Wadi Shab, further contextualising Oman’s trading heritage, cultural continuity, and tourism sector.
For the majority of participants, this visit marked their first encounter with Oman, and the Gulf region, making the experience particularly meaningful, and one which will inspire and inform professional and academic decisions of the delegation. With renewed momentum, the UK-MENA Network and Oxford Diplomatic Society look forward to building on this experience, fostering future collaborations and continuing to strengthen British-Omani relations through dialogue, exchange, and shared understanding.