The Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tarik, arrived in Moscow for an official two-day visit. The visit started on April 22 and includes a scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. It is anticipated that about 10 agreements will be signed during the visit.
Among the agreements is one on the mutual abolition of visa requirements. Oman is one of the six countries in the world with an absolute monarchy. Among them, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar.
Since 2020, the Sultan of Oman has been Haitham bin Tarik from the Al Said dynasty. He possesses full hereditary power and forms the government. Oman has a constitution since 1996, which affirms the unlimited powers of the monarch.
Political parties are prohibited in the country. The only elections are held in the lower house of the Council of Oman, which is a consultative parliamentary body. Women have the right to vote and can be elected and enter the government.
Oman pursues a balanced foreign policy, similar to that of the UAE. The Sultanate maintains friendly relations with Western countries, Russia, and Iran. Oman is one of the few Arab countries that maintains unofficial relations with Israel.
Oman also acts as a mediator in international diplomacy. In April 2023, Muscat hosted delegations from Iran and the United States. They held the first direct talks on the nuclear deal in a long time.
Russia and Oman have maintained diplomatic relations since 1985. The positions of the two countries are close or practically coincide on all major international issues, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry. Political dialogue is maintained at the highest level.
In 2023, a telephone conversation took place between Vladimir Putin and Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. It was the first dialogue between the leaders of the two countries. Oman is focusing on premium tourism and offers luxury service to travelers.
In 2020, Oman introduced a visa-free regime for Russian citizens for up to 14 days. Russia has introduced the possibility of issuing electronic visas for citizens of Oman. During Haitham bin Tarik's visit to Moscow, an agreement is planned to be signed on the abolition of the visa regime for ordinary passport holders.
Since the fall of 2024, there has been direct air service between Russia and Oman. Regular flights from Moscow to Muscat are operated by Oman Air. Oman is a promising destination for Russians in terms of tourism.
Unlike its neighbors in the Persian Gulf, Oman develops Arabic style in its architecture and construction. It avoids building gigantic skyscrapers and artificial islands. The country offers excellent opportunities for beach holidays.
There is an agreement between Russia and Oman on the avoidance of double taxation. It contributes to the growth of trade relations. In 2023, trade amounted to $400 million, an increase of 60% year-on-year. Russia mainly exports petroleum products, coal, grain and pipes to Oman.