The British Omani Society hosted its Annual Lunch on Monday, October 6th 2025, at the Royal Air Force Club, in London. The event welcomed over one hundred members and guests for an afternoon of celebration, reflection, and friendship, commemorating a significant year.
This year’s Lunch held particular significance, marking the 225th anniversary of the historic 'Unshook Agreement' of 1800, a foundational treaty that affirmed the enduring and steadfast relationship between the United Kingdom and the Sultanate of Oman. The occasion served as a timely reminder of the depth and resilience of this bilateral bond.
Our distinguished Guests of Honour were H.E. Sheikh Khalifa Alharthy, Undersecretary for Political Affairs at the Foreign Ministry of Oman, and Hamish Falconer MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. BOS Chairman Richard Stanford welcomed attendees and reflected on the Society’s role in fostering intergenerational engagement and mutual understanding between the UK and Oman. Both dignitaries offered their reflections on the historical depth and future potential of UK-Oman relations.
H.E. Sheikh Khalifa Al Harthy underscored the enduring strength of UK-Oman relations and the importance of soft power in fostering international understanding. He commended the United Kingdom for its historic decision to recognise the State of Palestine, framing it as a meaningful step in global diplomacy.
Hamish Falconer reflected on the role of the British Omani Society as a testament to the depth and dedication of bilateral ties. While rooted in a rich history, he emphasised the Society’s forward-looking mission to cultivate future collaboration and mutual respect between the two nations.
The event brought together senior representatives from both nations, including: including H.E. Ambassador. Badr Mohammed Badr Almantheri, the Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Kingdom and H.E. Liane Saunders, British Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman, distinguished guests and members of the Society, to celebrate this special occasion and reaffirm the strength of bilateral ties.
The British Omani Society’s Annual Lunch provided a high-level platform to bring together key stakeholders for the Oman-UK relationship, build ties, and share the Society’s ongoing impact, highlighted in the Society's newly published Impact Report 2025.
“We were delighted to again welcome a broad range of guests to this year’s Annual Lunch, including alumni from our long running youth schemes. This annual event underscores the value of people-to-people ties, and we will continue to work to promote and enhance the important relationship between our two countries - now and for the years to come”
Richard Stanford, BOS Chairman
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our members and guests for making the 2025 Annual Lunch such a memorable occasion. We look forward to welcoming you again next year as we continue to celebrate and strengthen the UK-Oman friendship.
