Introducing a special relationship

A very warm welcome to our first e-newsletter. OmanGBnews.com was launched in mid-August and in the first two weeks attracted 700 unique visits from around the world and 2,000 page impressions. From a standing start we hope this vindicates our belief that we have identified a gap in the market for a news website dedicated to analysis of the very special relationship between Britain and Oman.

When my brother and I’s PR company Polaris Media first visited Oman in February 2014 to promote the 200th drydocking at Oman Drydock in Duqm, we were impressed to hear about the strength of the trading ties between the countries, which date back 300 years. The extent of the co-operation is perhaps not as well appreciated as it could be.

OmanGBnews.com aims to provide a platform to show just how broad the ties are, spanning business, politics, culture, education, tourism, sport and much more. We want to raise the profile of Oman and our vibrant relationship – the obituary of British environmentalist David Insall, a recipient of the Order of Oman, shows the passion and affection that many in Britain have for the Sultanate.

Oman is changing and it is a fascinating time to observe its transition away from hydrocarbons under the careful leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. This new dawn will be showcased at the Infra Oman infrastructure projects trade fair being held in Muscat in October, which we will be attending as a media sponsor.

Oman’s development presents great opportunities for co-operation as Shawqi Sultan, secretary general of the Omani British Friendship Association, explains in his exclusive interview. We must also thank the Anglo-Omani Society and Sultan’s Armed Forces Association for helping to contribute articles.

There is much to report already, from the work of the Oxford Business Group to the rediscovery of a rare species of Omani owl, to Oman Sail excelling at Cowes, to the Omani racing team powering to the podium driving Aston Martins at the British GT, to Omani cadets graduating from Sandhurst.

Enjoy the read and please do get in touch with your news. We especially want to hear from the unsung heroes – small business exporting between the countries. Finally, please follow us on Twitter: @OmanGBnews and like us on Facebook: facebook.com/OmanGBnews

Ben Pinnington
Publisher, OmanGBnews.com
Twitter: @benpinnington1 Email: ben@polarismedia.co.uk Call: +44 (0)7887 562900