The British Omani Society (BOS) successfully hosted a two‑day New Generation Group (NGG) delegation in London, convening 24 emerging leaders from Oman and the United Kingdom to explore key areas of bilateral cooperation. The programme, held from November 26–28, 2025, focused on diplomacy, trade, renewable energy, and technology, underscoring the Society’s commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration between the two nations.
The delegation featured a series of lectures, interactive panel discussions, and networking sessions at BOS headquarters in Mayfair. Distinguished experts examined the multifaceted Oman–UK relationship, highlighting opportunities to strengthen cooperation in a rapidly evolving global context.
In his opening remarks at the NGG reception, Sheikh Ma’an Hamad Al Rawahi, NGG Oman Chair, emphasized the importance of equipping the next generation of leaders with the knowledge, skills, and networks required to advance Oman’s Vision 2040. He noted the centrality of energy and trade to the future of bilateral relations.
Discussions throughout the programme addressed a wide range of strategic topics, including diplomacy in a changing international order, energy cooperation and sustainability, Omani, British, and international trade relations in the 21st century, modern methods of construction for sustainable development, innovation and technology bridging the UK–Oman tech ecosystem, the Sovereign Investment Partnership and joint investment opportunities, and network‑centric statecraft in the Gulf.
The delegation benefited from the insights of notable speakers, including Sir Alan Duncan KCMG, Mikey Clark, Professor Tim Evans, Jose Amorim, Andrew Roughan, Andrew Williamson, and Dr Andreas Krieg. Their contributions enriched the dialogue and underscored the breadth of expertise shaping the bilateral relationship.
Oliver Blake, NGG UK Chair, expressed gratitude to all speakers, participants, and longstanding NGG sponsor bp, remarking: “This delegation has been another huge success in bringing together the future guardians of our deep friendship with a specific focus on energy, trade and technology.”
Major General (Retd) Richard Stanford CB MBE, Chairman of BOS, reflected on the importance of engaging young people in the long‑standing friendship between Oman and the UK: “This event underscored the importance of engaging our young people in the long-standing friendship between our two nations, and the responsibility of the new generation to uphold these ties.”
Delegates also shared their appreciation for the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue. Ahmed Al Mayahi, PhD Student at the University of Reading and President of the Omani Student Association in London, stated: “Meeting new people with ranges of backgrounds and expertise has allowed me to further my understanding of the historic and strategic cooperation between Oman and the United Kingdom.”
Jonathon Anstee, MPhil Student in Modern Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Oxford, noted: “It was a privilege to connect with like‑minded people from across the United Kingdom and the Sultanate of Oman while engaging with key opinion leaders in a range of fields.”
The delegation had the opportunity to visit bp London offices, where participants received a detailed briefing on the company’s sustainable practices. Discussions emphasized the importance of “getting it right,” with a clear focus on supporting local communities. The Society extends its gratitude to Tural K. Valiyev and Leo Morris for facilitating this valuable session, and to BP Oman for their generous sponsorship of the delegation.
For the final session, delegates visited the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Tom Allen, Deputy Director and Head of the Gulf Department, provided a regional update that underscored the importance of UK–Oman cooperation in navigating regional dynamics. Delegates were also given a tour of the historic FCDO building, gaining insight into its heritage and role in shaping British diplomacy.
The 2025 NGG delegation reaffirmed the enduring Oman–UK partnership and highlighted the responsibility of the next generation to sustain and expand this relationship. With energy, trade, and technology at the forefront, the British Omani Society remains committed to fostering cooperation and preparing future leaders for the opportunities and challenges ahead.