MUSCAT: Oman’s Shawqi Abdulredha Sultan has been awarded an Honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) by King Charles III for services to UK-Oman relations, according to the British government.

Sultan was included in the UK government’s 2026 list of honorary awards to foreign nationals, published on August 19, adding a British distinction to a career that has been closely associated with promoting ties between the two countries.

A former secretary-general of the Oman-British Friendship Association, Sultan has for decades been involved in initiatives aimed at strengthening engagement between Omanis and Britons across government, business and wider society.

The award has drawn congratulations from members of the British and Omani communities who have worked with Sultan over the years.

One tribute described Sultan as having devoted decades of “effort, energy and charisma” to nurturing relations, engagement and collaboration between Britain and Oman.

It also highlighted his longstanding role in bringing together Omani and British ministers, senior civil servants, military officers, entrepreneurs and other prominent figures, describing his gatherings as a reflection of the depth of the relationship between the two countries.

The honour comes as the British Omani Society marks its 50th anniversary in 2026, against the backdrop of centuries of political, commercial and people-to-people ties between Oman and Britain.

Honorary British awards can be conferred on foreign nationals in recognition of exceptional contributions to British interests and international relations.