Saudi Arabia and UK sign defence co-operation plan

Saudi Arabia and the UK have signed a military co-operation plan, during a visit to London by Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman.

This aims to develop localised production and strengthen the defence partnership between the two countries, said officials.

The plan was signed at a meeting between Prince Khalid and UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace on Tuesday.

“It is a pleasure to sign this plan for defence co-operation, bringing us even closer to one of our most important partners,” said Mr Wallace.

“It is a key milestone between our two nations, as we look to enhance our defence partnership further in support of mutual and regional security.”

Saudi ambassador to the UK Prince Khalid bin Bandar also attended the meeting, along with Saudi Chief of the General Staff Lieut Gen Fayyadh bin Hamed, British Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Wigston, British ambassador to Saudi Arabia Neil Crompton and British military attache to the kingdom, Brig FAJ Piggott.

Britain's Defence Minister Ben Wallace and Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman at the signing of a plan for defence co-operation in London. Photo: Spa twitter

Prince Khalid later visited the headquarters of BAE Systems in Warton, in Lancashire, northern England.

There he was briefed on BAE's plans, the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, and ways to strengthen the defence company's partnership with the Saudi Armed Forces, which goes back 50 years.

The kingdom is seeking to localise military industries, as part of its Vision 2030 policy to diversify the economy away from oil.

Saudi Arabia's Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Osama Al Zamil, said 2023 would see “a strong start” to the kingdom's national industry strategy.

Saudi Arabia has spent 5.1 billion riyals ($1.35 billion) to boost its military over the past two years, an industry official said on Monday.

Speaking at a forum in Riyadh, Ahmed Al Ohali, governor of the General Authority for Military Industries, said the sector aims to contribute 95 billion riyals to the country's the GDP by 2030.

It also intends to provide 100,000 job opportunities by 2030 — including “40,000 direct jobs for young men and women”, he said.

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Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.