Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim arrived in Oman on Tuesday for a two-day state visit. After landing in Muscat and being met by Sultan Haitham, Sheikh Tamim was escorted Al Alam Palace. Omani bagpipers played while men on horseback held Qatari flags in welcome.
The two leaders discussed “areas of existing partnership and investment, and the opportunities available to develop and enhance them", the Oman News Agency reported, adding they also spoke about world events and effects on the region, as well as exploring paths to peace and stability.
Later, Sheikh Tamim was hosted at an official banquet.
Doha's ambassador to Muscat, Sheikh Mubarak bin Fahad Al Thani, told Qatar's News Agency on Monday that the visit would reflect the “historical and exceptional ties” between the two nations, adding it would begin a “new and prosperous chapter of partnership”.
Sheikh Mubarak said topics would focus on the environment, culture, education, sports and the youth. He added that various agreements were expected to be signed.
Qatar has invested in Oman, including in a partnership between Qatari transport company Mowasalat and Oman's Investment Authority to make coaches, and in the Diar Ras Al Hadd Development company.
Sultan Haitham visited Doha in 2021, signing deals on military co-operation, tax, tourism, ports, labour and investment.
On that visit, Sultan Haitham was presented with the highest Qatari honour, the Order of the Founder's Sword, while Sheikh Tamim was given the Civil Order of Oman of the first degree.
Both nations have been involved in significant negotiations for the region in recent weeks, as Qatar continues to play a leading role in Gaza's ceasefire and Oman helped secure the release of 25 sailors aboard a ship seized by the Houthi group in Yemen more than a year ago.
If you go
- The nearest international airport to the start of the Chuysky Trakt is in Novosibirsk. Emirates (www.emirates.com) offer codeshare flights with S7 Airlines (www.s7.ru) via Moscow for US$5,300 (Dh19,467) return including taxes. Cheaper flights are available on Flydubai and Air Astana or Aeroflot combination, flying via Astana in Kazakhstan or Moscow. Economy class tickets are available for US$650 (Dh2,400).
- The Double Tree by Hilton in Novosibirsk ( 7 383 2230100,) has double rooms from US$60 (Dh220). You can rent cabins at camp grounds or rooms in guesthouses in the towns for around US$25 (Dh90).
- The transport Minibuses run along the Chuysky Trakt but if you want to stop for sightseeing, hire a taxi from Gorno-Altaisk for about US$100 (Dh360) a day. Take a Russian phrasebook or download a translation app. Tour companies such as Altair-Tour ( 7 383 2125115 ) offer hiking and adventure packages.
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Name: Yousef Al Bahar
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Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
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