MUSCAT — His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik concluded his state visit to the United Kingdom on Thursday, following engagements that advanced investment plans and cooperation in trade, security, technology and education.

The visit, at the invitation of King Charles III, included talks with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, meetings with business leaders and royal engagements at Windsor Castle.

Economic cooperation featured prominently, with the British Embassy in Muscat announcing more than £1 billion in new investment plans intended to support employment and growth in both countries.

Among the proposed projects is a large-scale artificial intelligence data centre in Salalah, to be developed by UK-founded infrastructure investment company Yamna, which is backed by British investment funds.

The project’s first phase is expected to exceed £1 billion and create more than 100 highly skilled jobs in Britain through the export of British expertise, according to the embassy.

The countries also outlined plans to accelerate investment through their existing Sovereign Investment Partnership, targeting renewable energy, technology, critical minerals, space, healthcare and financial services.

UK Export Finance will increase its financing capacity for British exports to Oman to as much as £7 billion, providing scope to support further commercial activity.

At Downing Street, Burnham put bilateral trade at around £1.7 billion and said both countries could increase that figure.

His Majesty expressed confidence in the partnership’s future, saying: “I am confident that we will achieve great successes together in the years ahead.”

In a separate address at a formal dinner hosted at the seat of the Lord Mayor of the City of London, His Majesty invited investors to participate in Oman’s development, highlighting opportunities in sustainability, financial services and technology.

He said stable conditions, transparent and flexible legislation, and clearly defined projects were essential to investment and business growth.

His Majesty also said the UK–Gulf Cooperation Council free trade agreement would open further opportunities for commerce and investment.

Beyond economic ties, Oman and Britain signed two letters of intent covering space cooperation and the responsible use of AI in education.

The space initiative provides for exchanges of expertise and cooperation in policy, scientific research and innovation between the UK Space Agency and the Omani government. The education initiative supports English-language learning and the safe and effective use of AI by teachers.

Britain also announced the return of Chevening scholarships to Oman, with applications opening in August 2027.

Maritime security was another priority, with the countries outlining plans for stronger information-sharing and exchanges of expertise with Oman’s Maritime Security Centre.

During the visit, British officials praised Oman’s diplomatic efforts and contribution to regional stability, including its work to support international trade through the Strait of Hormuz.

At the Windsor Castle state banquet, His Majesty reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to diplomacy, dialogue and peace. King Charles praised the Sultanate’s mediation efforts and the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

The visit also included His Majesty’s meetings with chief executives of specialised companies and institutions, where he reviewed innovative projects in technology and future industries.