HRH The Duke of York visits Oman – November 2009

The Duke of York visited the Sultanate of Oman for three days from 2-5 November 2009. A varied programme included a bi-lateral discussion with the Omani Minister of Commerce & Industry. Discussion focused on education, training, skills and investment opportunities. Further meetings were hosted by Minister's for Tourism, Education and Sports. HRH was also received by members of the Omani Royal family.

The visit highlighted some of the challenges of doing business in Oman, namely the slow decision making and the pace of change. But real change has happened in the Sultanate and without damaging either the local ambience or the country's ability to continue its commitment to diversify the economy beyond hydrocarbons. Sustainable development has been achieved.

The Duke of York travelled out of Muscat to the site of the 2010 Asian Olympic Beach Games. More than 5000 athletes and officials are expected to participate in the festival. The Games are easily Oman's largest international event and will help to raise Oman's profile. UK companies have already won significant business in developing the infrastructure to deliver the event and UKTI are now working with event organisers to identify further related business contracts.

HRH visited Knowledge Oasis, a technology park near Muscat's International airport. A briefing by Coventry University and the Serious Games Institute was well received. HRH "congratulated Knowledge Oasis on its partnership with SGi, its expansion and success in attracting international technology firms to set-up in Oman".