President Sheikh Mohamed and Sultan Haitham of Oman on Monday held high-level talks in Abu Dhabi as the two nations struck deals to bolster ties in key sectors such as renewable energy, technology and rail infrastructure.

The two leaders witnessed a number of agreements aimed at further strengthening relations between the Gulf neighbours as part of Sultan Haitham's state visit.

The raft of agreements also covered investment, sustainability and education.

Sheikh Mohamed said the visit would support joint efforts to build a “stable and prosperous future” for the friendly countries.

“I had the pleasure of welcoming my brother Sultan Haitham bin Tariq to the UAE today and discussing with him the deep and long-standing bonds that unite our two nations,” Sheikh Mohamed wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

“The strategic and economic partnership between the UAE and Oman grows ever stronger and we will continue to explore new collaboration opportunities that support our people’s shared aspirations for a stable and prosperous future.”

Ambitious transport plans on track

A $3 billion project to build a railway link between the UAE and Oman was announced last year.

Oman and Etihad Rail Company, a joint venture between Oman Rail and Etihad Rail, is overseeing the large-scale transport scheme.

Trains that can reach speeds of 200kph will connect Abu Dhabi with Sohar to the north of Muscat.

An agreement was signed with Mubadala, Abu Dhabi's sovereign investor, for the development of the 303km route.

Long-standing ties

President Sheikh Mohamed on Monday hosted an official reception in Abu Dhabi to mark the visit of Sultan Haitham of Oman.

Sheikh Mohamed had earlier greeted Sultan Haitham and his delegation at the Presidential Airport in Abu Dhabi.

His plane was accompanied by several UAE military aircraft as a welcome gesture.

The two leaders are expected to discuss the “deep-rooted, historical and fraternal relations” between the two nations, according to the state news agency Wam.

Pageantry on full display

Sheikh Mohamed hosted the reception at Qasr Al Watan in the UAE capital.

The two leaders were met by a procession of riders on Arabian horses and camels, and Emirati folk groups, as they arrived for the ceremony.

Sheikh Mohamed joined Sultan Haitham to inspect a guard of honour and witness renditions of the UAE and Omani national anthems.

The colourful ceremony also featured a 21-gun salute and a fly-past by the UAE's Al Fursan aerobatics team, which trailed smoke in the colours of the Omani flag.

Sheikh Mohamed and Sultan Haitham were greeted by groups of Emirati children waving the flags of both nations.

Abu Dhabi's streets and landmarks have been decked out in Omani flags and messages celebrating the state visit.

The official reception ceremony was attended by several ministers and senior officials from both countries, including Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President.

On Tuesday, Sultan Haitham also met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.

“Today, I met my brother, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, Sultan of Oman, during his auspicious visit to the United Arab Emirates,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote on X.

“Our relations are historic, our brotherhood is rooted, our economies are interconnected, and our future is one, God willing.

“Oman is a depth and a support for the Emirates, and the Emirates is a depth and a support for Oman. We ask God to perpetuate the love and brotherhood between the two peoples, and preserve the two countries, and grant us all success in our journey to build a better future for all.”

Sultan Haitham also visited Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, accompanied by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court.

They visited the tomb of the UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, recalling his legacy.

The visit, which concluded shortly before 3pm on Tuesday, aimed to promote and enhance bilateral relations on a range of issues, Wam reported.

The UAE is one of the most important trading partners of Oman, according to Dr Sayyid Al Busaidi, ambassador of Oman to the UAE.

He said the visit will accelerate and develop co-operation, integration and partnership.

Omani exports to the UAE last year exceeded one billion Omani rials, an increase of 20.4 per cent compared to 2022.

Figures from the National Centre for Statistics and Information show the volume of trade exchange between Oman and the UAE by the end of last year amounted to about 5.439 billion Omani rials, compared to 5.571 billion Omani rials by the end of 2022.