The 'Unshook Agreement', the treaty between the Sultanate of Oman and the UK that documented the mutual declaration for the relationship to remain steadfast and unshaken in 1800, will have an Arabic translation on its 225th anniversary year.
On January 18th, 1800, Oman and Britain signed a treaty expressing the hope that 'the friendship of the two states may remain unshook until the end of time. The new revised third edition and an Arabic translation are planned for release later this year.
"In 2025, we are celebrating the 225th anniversary of this historic agreement that was culminated from the long, friendly bonds between the Sultanate of Oman and Britain," said Maggie Jeans, OBE.
The many historic ties between Oman and Britain are explained in a book of the same name, 'Unshook Till the End of Time,' first published in 2012 and written by two former British Ambassadors to Oman, Robert Alston (1986-1990) and Stuart Laing (2002-2005). Robert Alston and his wife, Pat, were in Oman a few days ago cherishing their time in Oman.
The relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom can be traced back over two centuries, with the two sides always seeking to explore new ways of improving them on various fronts, including but not limited to diplomacy, education, trade and commerce, culture, and people-to-people relations.
"The accession to the throne of King Charles III marks a new chapter in Omani British Relations at a crucial time in the region. Oman and Britain are two free spirits held together by a shared history, mutual trust & shared values. Oman's foreign policy is second to none. In real terms, this special relationship translates into investment & practical mutual support," added Maggie Jeans OBE.
Many illustrious British explorers have also ventured to Oman. The late James (Jan) Morris accompanied His Highness Sultan Said bin Taimur on a journey from Salalah to Muscat for the first time by motor car in 1955 as an official observer. Wilfred Thesiger crossed the Empty Quarter and published "Arabian Sands" in 1959. Tim Severin recreated the voyages from the mythical Tales of the Arabian Nights and sailed to China in a boat built in Qantab. His book "The Sinbad Voyage" was published in 1982.
A large number of British artists, archaeologists, adventurers, sculptors, writers and musicians have spent time in Oman over the years. Currently, Mark Evans has embarked on the 'Jewel of Muscat' expedition, retracing the steps of Bertram Thomas from Sur to Salalah on foot and by camel.
The Anglo Omani Society (now renamed the British Omani Society) was formed in 1975 by the first Ambassador of Oman, Sir Donald Hawley, to provide some continuity for British expatriates who served or would serve Oman in the future under the auspices of the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. Today, the BOS has established a Young Generation Group to strengthen the friendship between the younger generations of both Oman and the UK. BOS also offers several outreach programmes and internships, including tuition in Arabic.
Many Omani students study in the UK, with over 3000 currently enrolled in UK universities, and there is a large British Alumni Association organised via the British Council in Oman. There is cooperation in commerce and industry, specifically oil and gas, and involvement in the development of Al Duqm as a major hub in the region. Britain is also one of Oman's leading foreign investors.
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