Royal Visit to Strengthen Oman-France Relations: What It Means for Business Opportunities and Investments in Oman
MUSCAT, JUNE 27 — The Omani French Friendship Association (OFA) is gearing up to play a pivotal role in transforming the results of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s upcoming royal visit to France on June 28 into concrete business, investment, and cultural collaborations, according to OFA President Sulaiman al Harthy.
The visit, which underscores the strengthening economic ties between Oman and France, will be accompanied by a high-level Omani delegation representing various sectors, including business, economy, and science. While official agreements and memoranda of understanding are anticipated during the visit, Al Harthy emphasized that OFA’s primary focus will be ensuring these commitments translate into practical and sustainable cooperation upon the delegation’s return.
“The relationship between the Sultanate of Oman and France dates back to the 17th century,” Al Harthy told the Observer in an exclusive interview. “This visit represents both a renewal and expansion of that historic bond, aiming to make it larger, stronger, and mutually beneficial.”
OFA was established to enhance people-to-people and institutional connections between Oman and France, serving as a vital platform linking stakeholders across business, culture, education, and civil society. Al Harthy highlighted the association’s critical role after significant bilateral visits, helping to convert governmental strategic directions into actionable initiatives led by the private sector.
“After His Majesty’s return, OFA will be working diligently to achieve all the objectives of this visit,” he said. “We intend to unite business communities, promote cooperation and dialogue, and nurture a lasting friendship between Oman and France.”
The upcoming visit follows the inaugural Oman-France Strategic Dialogue held in Paris in April, which elevated bilateral engagement and established a framework for deeper economic and political collaboration.
Al Harthy explained that OFA complements the work of institutions like the Oman-France Business Council under the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry but operates with a broader mandate to facilitate connections between potential partners and create collaborative opportunities.
A core part of OFA’s work is organising events and forums that bring together Omani and French companies, entrepreneurs, and professionals. These gatherings have sometimes directly resulted in business partnerships and helped companies overcome operational challenges in each other’s markets.
“One of OFA’s greatest achievements is fostering direct engagement between Omanis and the French in social, artistic, business, and dialogue contexts,” Al Harthy noted.
He identified renewable energy and manufacturing as sectors with significant potential to attract increased French investment into Oman, citing the Sultanate’s industrial zones, investment incentives, and strategic location as attractive to European companies seeking regional expansion.
“Many French companies are particularly interested in renewables and manufacturing,” he said. “Oman offers a conducive environment through its industrial and free zones and robust investment framework.”
Beyond the presence of large multinational corporations, including French energy and environmental services firms already operating in Oman, OFA plans to intensify its support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Future programmes are set to focus on entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and financial technology, building on prior initiatives that brought French experts to Oman to share knowledge with local businesses.
Tourism is another key area for expanded collaboration. France ranks among Oman’s most important European source markets, and OFA has previously organised promotional efforts such as hosting French influencers and adventure tourism campaigns showcasing Oman’s mountains and outdoor attractions.
While details of agreements to be announced during the state visit remain under wraps, Al Harthy stated that the association will gauge success by the extent to which signed memoranda and policy directives are turned into tangible projects, partnerships, and economic advantages.
“We want this visit to be unique, successful, and beneficial to both the French and Omanis,” he affirmed.
Al Harthy also noted the visit’s significance beyond diplomacy, emphasizing that His Majesty’s engagement in international outreach highlights the high priority given to economic cooperation and investment promotion.
“If His Majesty dedicates time and effort to these visits, it is our responsibility to convert them into tangible, measurable benefits for businesses and communities on both sides,” he said.
The state visit is poised to mark a new chapter in Oman-France relations, with organisations like OFA committed to ensuring that political goodwill fosters lasting commercial and institutional partnerships.
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The upcoming royal visit to France signals a strategic deepening of Oman-France economic ties, especially in renewable energy, manufacturing, and tourism sectors. For businesses in Oman, this creates opportunities to attract French investments and forge international partnerships, while entrepreneurs should focus on innovation areas like fintech and digital transformation. Smart investors must monitor how diplomatic commitments translate into concrete projects and lasting commercial collaborations to capitalize on emerging market potential.
