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The Emirates News Agency reported that UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman during a fraternal visit to Abu Dhabi on Monday. The two leaders examined longstanding ties between their countries and explored additional avenues to expand collaboration, with particular focus on the economic and development spheres to advance mutual interests and the welfare of both populations. They further exchanged perspectives on a range of regional and international matters, centering on escalating challenges across the Middle East and initiatives aimed at promoting security, stability and peace throughout the area.
According to the Emirates News Agency, the discussions underscored the leaders’ commitment to sustained dialogue on shared concerns, especially given the complex challenges confronting the region and the imperative for enhanced coordination to protect its overall security and stability. The meeting occurred as Sultan Haitham bin Tariq arrived in the UAE earlier that day, where he was received at the Presidential Airport in Abu Dhabi by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan along with several senior sheikhs, ministers and officials. Attendees from the UAE side included Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, as well as Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The Omani delegation comprised key figures such as Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, and Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of State and Governor of Muscat, alongside other ministers and senior officials, the Emirates News Agency added. This high-level engagement builds upon the deep historical and cultural connections that have defined relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman since the founding of the GCC in 1981. Both nations have consistently aligned on Gulf security matters, with joint initiatives spanning defense, infrastructure and cross-border trade facilitation.
Omani trade statistics indicate that bilateral commerce with the UAE climbed 40 percent to OMR 3.3 billion in the first five months of 2026, cementing the UAE as Oman’s foremost trading partner for imports, re-exports and non-oil goods. The two countries have set a target to expand total bilateral trade to OMR 6.3 billion, equivalent to around AED 60 billion, by the end of 2026, reflecting ambitious plans for deeper integration in logistics, energy and investment sectors. These economic bonds complement broader development partnerships, including collaborative projects in renewable energy and tourism that have accelerated in recent years.
The leaders’ review of Middle East dynamics aligns with longstanding diplomatic efforts by both states to mediate conflicts and support stability, a pattern evident in their coordinated positions within the Arab League and the GCC. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq have held multiple such consultations in the past 18 months, each reaffirming the value of regular high-level exchanges amid evolving regional conditions. The visit and associated talks signal continued momentum in a relationship that officials from both sides have described as a cornerstone for Gulf cooperation.
