KUWAIT: Omani Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Saleh Amer Al-Kharusi affirmed that the strategic partnership between Oman and Kuwait is witnessing steady and multifaceted growth, underscoring the strength of historical ties and the commitment of both leaderships to deepen cooperation across various sectors.
Speaking at a press conference on the occasion of Oman’s National Day, the ambassador described the joint refinery project as a central pillar of bilateral cooperation, alongside ongoing efforts to establish a major petrochemical complex, noting that investments in the Duqm Economic Zone, one of the largest in the Middle East, have reached approximately $9 billion from both sides, in addition to an estimated $7-8 billion allocated for the upcoming petrochemical complex, expected to begin operations soon.
The ambassador revealed that Kuwaiti private-sector investments in Oman are estimated at around $4 billion, spanning real estate, food industries, livestock products and minerals, adding that Kuwait ranks first among GCC states and third globally in foreign direct investment in Oman, with more than 33 Kuwaiti companies engaged in joint ventures.
The ambassador stated that economic cooperation continued its upward trajectory. Bilateral trade reached $5 billion in 2024, representing a 120 percent increase from the previous year. Kuwaiti investments in Oman surpassed USD 2.3 billion during the first half of 2025, making Kuwait the leading investor in the GCC and Arab regions in terms of investment volume in the Sultanate.
In the energy sector, Petroleum Development Oman signed an agreement with Kuwait Energy that boosted production capacity by 110 percent. In early 2025, an initial agreement was reached between the Duqm Dry Dock and the Kuwait Oil Tanker Company for maintenance contracts involving several tankers.
In the tourism sector, he noted that around 33,000 Kuwaiti citizens visited Oman up to September 2025, highlighting strong interest in expanding tourism cooperation and the significant increase in direct flights since last October. He noted that weekly flights between Kuwait and Salalah during the autumn season rose from seven to 14, with further increases anticipated by year-end.
Al-Kharusi pointed to new initiatives by Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism targeting Kuwaiti travelers, noting that Oman offers diverse year-round destinations such as Musandam, Jabal Akhdar and several adventure tourism sites, adding that visa procedures for GCC residents have been simplified, with fees not exceeding KD 10.
On food security, he confirmed that Omani exports to Kuwait continue regularly, supported by cooperation in aquaculture projects. Preparations are also underway for a new phase of goods transport via the GCC railway network, an initiative expected to significantly reduce transport costs. The ambassador stressed that cooperation is expanding into emerging sectors, including clean energy, green hydrogen, green ammonia and advanced manufacturing. Partnership opportunities also exist in the automotive industry, such as the Karwa bus plant and upcoming mining projects.
Al-Kharusi reaffirmed that Oman and Kuwait maintain aligned positions on key regional and international issues, foremost among them the Palestinian cause. This alignment, he said, is reinforced through the Oman-Kuwait Joint Committee, continuous delegation exchanges, and ongoing diplomatic consultation. He added that the foreign policies of both nations are built on principles of moderation, mediation, and support for just causes, enhancing their influence regionally and internationally.
He also highlighted preparations for an upcoming meeting of GCC defense ministers, noting that Kuwait has played an active role this year as chair of several significant Gulf forums. He noted that 2025 has seen strong momentum in Oman-Kuwait political ties, highlighted by high-profile visits. Oman marks a year of wide-ranging achievements, including the opening of new schools and significant progress in global education and innovation rankings. The social protection system continued its expansion, while the health sector recorded notable advancements, highlighted by the first heart transplant for an Omani citizen.
Oman also made strides in environmental protection and achieved record growth in agriculture, fisheries and investment, alongside a reduction in public debt, higher GDP, and a rise in foreign direct investment. These developments were complemented by extensive youth empowerment programs and an increasingly active media landscape. On the regional front, it maintained its steady diplomatic approach, supporting regional stability and hosting international talks, reflecting strong cohesion between the leadership and the people and the continued momentum of the nation’s renewed renaissance.
