Oman's Foreign Policy: Navigating Neutrality, Mediation, and Global Relations in the Middle East
Advisor: Dr Sanhita Dixit
Internship Location: United Nations (Mission of the Sultanate of Oman)
Onsite Mentor: Mr. Mohamed
This research project explores Oman's distinctive foreign policy, focusing on the nation's unparalleled position of neutrality and stability in the tumultuous Middle East. The study dives into the historical, geopolitical, and leadership dynamics that have shaped the country's commitment to mediation, peace diplomacy, and global engagement.
Motivated by personal experiences within Oman's economic landscape and inspired by a meeting with Oman's Ambassador to the United Nations, I aim to unveil the intricacies of Oman's foreign policy. The study underlines the significance of Oman's role as the "Switzerland of the Middle East" and its impact on the region's diplomatic landscape.
My research timeline outlines a structured methodology, with historical analysis, geopolitical considerations, leadership evaluations, and an examination of Oman's balancing acts between the East and West. The study also anticipates challenges in conducting interviews with diplomats and scholars, proposing resolutions for discretion, and acknowledges potential logistical issues related to travel.
By weaving together historical events, geopolitical factors, and leadership nuances, this research seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of Oman's foreign policy. The ultimate goal is to extract valuable lessons applicable to nations aspiring to build a peaceful world. As Oman stands as a beacon of stability in the Middle East, this study aims to add to the broader discussions on diplomacy, offering a view that goes beyond conventional power politics.
Project Blog
Week 0: Introduction to Oman's Foreign Policy
Hey everyone! I’m Jay!
The world is filled with wars and strife, but recently, the Middle East has been in the limelight for major conflicts. But through the crises, one country has stood strong, not only surviving, but thriving as well. Oman, a coastal country in the southern Middle East, has gained a reputation for promoting peace and mitigating conflict. But how has Oman remained so stable, while the world around it descended into chaos?
My grandfather, a resident of Oman since 1970, has been a part of the country’s prosperous trajectory from the very beginning. His establishment of a food manufacturing company, Oman Foodstuff Factory LLC, exporting products across the Middle East and Africa, put him at the intersection of commerce and diplomacy. Through his business, I observed firsthand the connections between economics and diplomatic relations, and this sparked my interest in Oman's foreign policy and its real-world implications. I believe that Oman’s foreign policy, which is based on non-interference in other countries' internal affairs, desire to stay away from trouble, and tolerance has given Oman stability, respect, and global prominence.
Furthermore, my visit to the United Nations earlier this year, where I had the privilege of meeting with the Ambassador of Oman to the United Nations, Dr. Mohamed Al Hassan, reinforced my interest in the foreign affairs of Oman. The collaborative and inspired environment at the UN left me in awe, further fueling my curiosity about the global impact of Oman's foreign policy.
This research project seeks to dive into Oman's foreign policy, focusing on the nation's unique position of neutrality and security in the volatile Middle East. This study will concentrate specifically on Oman's foreign relations, examining how the country has achieved and maintained its peaceful stance amid regional conflicts and diplomatic challenges. The aim of this project is to unravel the pattern of events that define Oman's foreign policy, exploring the reasons behind its consistent commitment to mediation, peace diplomacy, and global engagement.
I’ll keep you guys posted every week! Come back to discover why Oman is so successful at keeping foreign peace!
Week 1: History of Oman Part 1
Hi everyone, and welcome back to the blog!
This week, we are continuing to explore the foreign policy of Oman, however, to do this, we must delve into Oman's history to fully comprehend how the country evolved to where it is today.
Oman’s history stretches back to the height of the Persian Empire when the region was dotted with maritime ports of power in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea. With the arrival of Islam in the 7th century AD, the regional population moved away from a dispersed nomadic lifestyle and steered towards a localized ruling system, marked by the formation of an Imamate. Imams were chosen as spiritual leaders by a group of tribes for unity and protection against internal and external conflicts.
Let’s fast forward 600 years to 1154 AD. A man named Banu Nabhan established the first sultanate in Oman which lasted for over three centuries, until 1429, when it was met again with an imamate power. This power struggle between the imams (elected leaders) and the sultans (hereditary kings) continued until the 20th century. But one superpower had yet to come; the Europeans. In 1507, the Portuguese swept into Oman, capturing Muscat (the capital) and establishing control over the region.
In 1650, Sultan bin Saif reclaimed Muscat, setting the groundwork for the Omanis' eventual expulsion of the Portuguese from Zanzibar and the entire east African coast by 1698. Zanzibar was imperative to Oman’s economy, as it was the source of the most trade and money during the 17th and 18th centuries. Participating in the spice and slave trade, Oman became incredibly rich, but following the death of Sultan bin Saif, his sons split up the empire, with one son taking Muscat and Oman, while the other took Zanzibar. Zanzibar was eventually handed over to the British and later gained independence as an autonomous state, but the region we are focusing on is what’s left of the Omani empire on the Arabian Peninsula.
With the slave trade slowing down following gradual emancipation in Europe, Oman’s economy took a tumble. They began to rely heavily on British money and eventually became a Protectorate of the British Empire in 1798.
Do you remember the power struggle between the Imams and Sultans from earlier in the blog? Yes? Because this is where the conflict gets intense. Despite British support, tribes from Oman’s interior region (basically desert and mountains) followed Imams in their fight for power with the coastal power of the Sultan. At the same time, the sultanate clashed with a Marxist guerilla movement called the PFLO, or the Popular Front for the Liberation of Oman, causing disarray and destruction throughout the population.
Let’s fast forward again, this time 20 years to 1970. 1970 marked the ascension of Sultan Qaboos bin Said to the throne, overthrowing his father to change the trajectory of the course of Oman.
That’s all for this week, folks. Stay tuned to learn how Sultan Qaboos implements his visionary ideas following his ascent to the throne in 1970!
Sources:
“HISTORY of OMAN.” Historyworld.net, 2020, www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?historyid=ad54.
Kechichian, Joseph A. Oman and the World. Rand Corporation, 1995.
Week 2: Continuation of Oman's History
Hi everyone, welcome to my second blog! This week, we will continue the history of Oman, starting from where we left off last week: the ascent of Sultan Qaboos to the throne in 1970.
Before 1970, the nation stood isolated, grappling with widespread poverty and limited infrastructure. Sultan Said bin Taimur, Sultan Qaboos’s father, was a restrictive ruler who stifled progress, nurturing a climate of discontent that culminated in the Dhofar rebellion in the 1960s.
A pivotal turning point arrived in 1970 with a bloodless “coup d'état” led by Qaboos bin Said al Said, marking a dramatic shift in the country's trajectory.
The coup was carefully orchestrated. Qaboos, then serving as the Minister of Defense, had grown increasingly concerned about his father's isolationist policies and their negative impact on the nation. With the support of a small group of trusted advisors, both Omani and British, Qaboos planned a bloodless takeover. While the details remained in secrecy, historical accounts suggest a swift and decisive operation.
On July 23, 1970, while Sultan Said bin Taimur was visiting his palace in Salalah, in southern Oman, Omani troops, led by British officers, secured key positions in the capital, Muscat. Facing a “fait accompli”, Sultan Said bin Taimur abdicated his throne and went into exile, paving the way for Qaboos's ascension.
The 1970 coup marked the end of an era of isolation and ushered in a period of profound change. Qaboos, recognizing the need for a fresh start, embarked on a series of reforms, dismantling his father's repressive policies and fostering a more open and inclusive society. This, coupled with the economic opportunities unlocked by oil discoveries, propelled Oman onto a path of modernization and development, ultimately transforming it into a significant player on the global stage.
Next week, we will dive into the changes to Oman’s foreign policy following Sultan Qaboos’s ascent. Stay tuned!
Week 3: Origins of Omani Foreign Policy
Hi everyone, welcome to my third blog post! This week, I researched the origins of Omani foreign policy, tying historical concepts discussed in the last two posts with the development of an independent diplomatic mindset in Oman.
Oman's foreign policy has roots that stretch back centuries, shaped by historical, geographical, and cultural factors. From its early tribal origins to its interactions with European powers, Oman's foreign relations have been strategic, with a desire to protect its interests and maintain its independence.
The early history of Omani diplomacy is tied to the rise of the Azd tribal confederation, which played a significant role in shaping Omani society and its approach to foreign relations. The Azd, composed of various tribes, established Oman as a distinct political entity in the 8th century AD. Tribal affiliations and alliances often dictated Oman's interactions with neighboring tribes and states, laying the groundwork for its future foreign policy.
Oman's strategic location along the Indian Ocean coast positioned it as a key player in the region's maritime trade networks. As early as the 1st century AD, Oman was a vital hub for trade between the Arabian Peninsula, the Indian subcontinent, East Africa, and beyond. This maritime trade not only brought wealth to Oman but influenced its foreign policy as well, as the Sultanate sought to protect its trade routes and establish strong diplomatic ties with trading partners.
Furthermore, the spread of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula and the rise of the Abbasid Caliphate in the 8th century shaped Oman's foreign policy. As a predominantly Muslim state, Oman looked to the Islamic world for political and religious guidance. The Abbasid Caliphate, based in Baghdad, exerted significant influence over Oman and the wider region, impacting its diplomatic and military strategies.
In the 16th century, Oman encountered European powers, notably the Portuguese discussed in Blog Post 1, who sought to control the spice trade routes in the Indian Ocean. This encounter marked a turning point in Omani foreign policy, as the Sultanate sought to resist colonial pressures and maintain its independence. The Portuguese were eventually expelled from Oman in a series of military campaigns led by the Omani ruler Sultan bin Saif Al Ya'arubi.
From its tribal origins to its role in the global maritime trade networks, Oman's interactions with neighboring regions and distant powers have shaped its diplomatic strategies. By understanding the historical origins of Omani foreign policy, we can gain valuable insights into the Sultanate's current role in the Gulf region and its broader global engagements, which is what we will discuss in next week’s blog.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for Blog Post 4!
Week 4: Oman and the West
Hi everyone, welcome to my fourth blog post! This week, we are talking about Oman's diplomatic relations with the West, notably France, Britain, and the USA, which have been shaped by their history, strategy, and economics. In the past 200 years, these ties evolved significantly, reflecting Oman's modernization efforts and its changing global role.
France's presence in Oman increased in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, driven primarily by commercial interests. French merchants, particularly from Marseille, established trading posts in Muscat, dealing in goods such as textiles, spices, and luxury items. Despite the commercial focus, France did not establish a formal diplomatic presence in Oman until the 20th century when the French consulate in Muscat was established in 1896, reflecting the growing importance of French-Omani relations. However, compared to Britain's influence, French influence in Oman remained relatively limited, with France's interests also influenced by its broader imperial ambitions in North Africa and the Indian Ocean.
British-Omani relations deepened significantly towards the end of the 1800s, driven by Britain's strategic interests in the Gulf region. The signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Commerce in 1798 laid the foundation for formal diplomatic relations, but it was in the 19th century that Britain's influence in Oman became more pronounced. The establishment of the British residency in Muscat in 1891 served as a key diplomatic and administrative center, further solidifying British influence. This residency played a crucial role in mediating disputes, managing trade relations, and providing advice to the Omani government. Britain's strategic interests in Oman were primarily focused on protecting its trade routes to India, with Oman's location on the Strait of Hormuz making it a crucial partner for Britain in maintaining stability in the region and ensuring the security of its maritime trade.
The United States' relations with Oman date back to 1833 when Oman became one of the first Arab states to recognize the USA. Initially driven by commercial interests, with American merchants engaging in trade in goods such as dates, textiles, and pearls, the relationship deepened in the 20th century. The USA's strategic interests in the Gulf region, particularly access to oil, led to increased cooperation with Oman. The signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Navigation in 1958 further strengthened ties, providing the groundwork for economic and military cooperation. The USA supported Oman's modernization efforts, providing military assistance and economic aid, particularly during Oman's efforts to maintain internal stability, including the Dhofar Rebellion from 1962 to 1976.
Overall, Oman's relations with France, Britain, and the USA were shaped by a combination of economic interests, strategic considerations, and historical factors. Each relationship had its unique dynamics, but all played a significant role in shaping Oman's global position.
Week 5: Oman and Asia
Hi everyone, welcome back to my blog! In this post, I’ll talk about the interactions and strategies of Oman with other countries in Asia, along with Asia’s response.
Let’s start in the Indian subcontinent, where Oman's ties with India have strengthened significantly in the past few decades, leading to increased bilateral trade and investment. Agreements such as the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA) in 2008 have facilitated this cooperation. Omani companies have invested in India's infrastructure sector, while Indian companies have reciprocated in Oman's energy and manufacturing sectors. Similarly, Oman's relationship with Pakistan has focused on defense and security cooperation, with joint military exercises and collaboration in counter-terrorism efforts. Culturally and educationally, Oman has sought to enhance exchanges with the Subcontinent. It has established cultural centers in India and Pakistan to promote Omani culture and language for greater understanding and goodwill between Oman and Asian nations.
Moving on to East Asia, we see that Oman's relations with China have deepened as well, making China its largest trading partner. Chinese investments in Oman's infrastructure, particularly in industrial zones and ports, have been substantial. Oman and China have also signed agreements to enhance cooperation in energy, trade, and tourism. Japan has played a significant role in Oman's development as well, providing financial assistance for infrastructure projects and engaging in cultural exchanges. South Korea's involvement in Oman's energy and infrastructure sectors has further solidified bilateral ties, with agreements focusing on technology transfer and education.
In Southeast Asia, Oman's relations with Malaysia have centered on enhancing economic cooperation, resulting in investments in real estate and tourism sectors. Similarly, Oman has cooperated with Indonesia in education and culture, offering scholarships to Indonesian students and hosting cultural events.
In Central Asia, Oman has collaborated with Kazakhstan in the energy sector, investing in oil and gas projects. These partnerships have been facilitated by agreements promoting trade, investment, and tourism.
Now onto Asia’s response to Oman’s actions. Oman's foreign policy towards Asia, under Sultan Qaboos' reign, has been met with a positive response from countries across the continent. Asian nations have particularly commended Oman's mediation skills and its commitment to peaceful resolutions in regional conflicts. For example, Oman's successful mediation in the Iran-Iraq War from 1980 to 1988 showcased its diplomacy between conflicting parties, earning it respect and admiration in Asia.
The Sultanate's role in the Yemeni civil war has also been pivotal, with Oman hosting several rounds of peace talks between warring factions. This mediation effort has been widely acknowledged in Asia, reinforcing Oman's status as a reliable mediator and promoter of regional stability.
Asia perceives Oman's foreign policy as sensible and constructive, with its own principles for peaceful coexistence. Oman is viewed as a highly dependable and diplomatic partner, willing to resolve regional issues and promote mutual prosperity.
Next week, I’ll dive deeper into Oman’s relations with its neighboring Gulf countries. Thanks for reading, and stay tuned!
Week 6: Science and Tech with Oman
Hi everyone, welcome back to my blog! This week, I am shifting away from Oman’s foreign policy directives and focusing on advancements made in tech and science in collaboration with other countries. In this post, I’ll be covering renewable energy, technology exchanges, and space exploration.
Let’s start with Oman’s collaboration with Germany in the Miraah Solar Plant. Developed as a joint venture between Petroleum Development Oman and GlassPoint Solar, Miraah is one of the largest solar plants in the world. It utilizes concentrated solar power (CSP) technology to harness the sun's energy, reducing the need for conventional energy sources and cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Germany, a leader in renewable energy technologies, provided Oman with expertise and technology to support its renewable energy initiatives, such as the Miraah Solar Plant. This collaboration has not only accelerated Oman's transition to renewable energy but has also strengthened its diplomatic ties with Germany.
Let's move on to South Korea, where Oman has formed a technological partnership through the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2019. This Memorandum facilitated the transfer of ideas and technology between the two countries, allowing Oman access to South Korea's expertise in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure, enabling the country to modernize its IT capabilities and drive digital transformation. This partnership extends to telecommunications as well, helping Oman enhance its network infrastructure and improve connectivity for its citizens and businesses. An application of this technology transfer in Oman is the digitization of government and immigration checkpoints, which I had the chance to explore when I visited Oman last year. By simply scanning your passport and biometrics, one can pass through immigration with ease, expediting immigration lines.
The final country discussed this week is the UAE, with whom Oman has launched a joint venture space exploration program. In collaboration with the UAE, Oman launched its first satellite, Nayif-1, in 2017. This CubeSat, developed by Emirati and Omani engineers, marked a significant milestone in Oman's space exploration journey. Nayif-1's mission included capturing and transmitting images of the Earth's surface and conducting experiments in space telecommunications.
But what do all these advancements in science and technology really mean? Well, Oman has shown the initiative to learn and grow in collaboration with multiple countries. This reflects Oman’s foreign policy initiatives that I have talked about in earlier blog posts, where Oman doesn’t seek to simply survive, but instead thrive on connections with partners all over the globe.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for next week, when I discuss the aviation sector of Oman.
Week 7: Aviation Sector of Oman
Hi everyone! Welcome back to my blog. This week, I am discussing the aviation sector of Oman, focusing on the flag carrier; Oman Air. I’ll talk about Oman Air’s history, its current situation, and plans for the future, as well as its connection to Omani foreign policy.
Let’s take a step back in time to the 1940s, when British pilot Freddie Bosworth started an air taxi service from Bahrain to Doha and Dhahran in Qatar and Saudi Arabia respectively. This service later expanded and became the Gulf Aviation Company Limited, registered on March 24, 1950. Gulf Aviation eventually evolved into Gulf Air, one of the oldest carriers in the Middle East. In 1951, British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) became a major shareholder in Gulf Aviation, holding a 22% stake. In 1973, the governments of Bahrain, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, and Oman purchased BOAC's stake, each acquiring a 25% shareholding in Gulf Aviation, which became a holding company. Gulf Air then became the flag carrier for these four states.
Towards the turn of the 21st century, the states began to leave Gulf Air to fund their own flag carriers. Qatar left in 2002 to start Qatar Airways, and The Emirate of Abu Dhabi left in 2005 to start Etihad Airways. Finally, in 2007, Oman left to focus on Oman Air, leaving Bahrain as the sole owner of Gulf Air, which became its flag carrier.
Now, Oman Air was actually founded about 14 years prior, in 1993. As a small domestic airline, Oman Air flew turboprops (tiny planes) between the capital Muscat and the southern port city of Salalah. Oman Air expanded over the next decade with short routes to India and Africa with leased 737-500s. After 2007 and Oman’s departure from Gulf Air, Oman Air began long haul international routes, beginning with Bangkok and London. Modernization of the fleet continued over the next 5 years, with Oman Air placing orders for Airbus A330s and later Boeing 787s(long range aircraft) along with Embraer 175s (short range aircraft).
The Covid-19 pandemic hit Oman Air hard, cutting short expansion plans and forcing Oman Air to ax unprofitable European routes. These cost saving measures, as well as a complete restructure of their business model has allowed Oman Air to survive the pandemic and hit the ground running as air traffic around the world returns to 2019 levels.
Although Oman Air has done well to recover from the pandemic, a couple problems have remained prevalent since the airline’s founding. Regional carriers such as Emirates and Qatar command a large market share of the Middle East transit market. Oman Air has had to make do with the smaller low capacity routes, while fighting for profit on high traffic routes from the Middle East, namely the European market. Oman Air also has a reputation for suboptimal operational efficiency and customer service. Delays and cancellations have been a recurring issue, leading to dissatisfaction among passengers.
Now how does this connect to Oman’s foreign policy? Well, the development of Oman's aviation industry has been closely tied to its foreign policy objectives. One of the key drivers of this relationship has been the country's focus on diversifying its economy away from oil. Aviation has been identified as an important sector that can help Oman achieve this goal by attracting tourists and facilitating trade and investment.
Furthermore, Oman's geographical location has made it a natural transit hub for flights between Europe, Asia, and Africa, as I mentioned earlier. This positioning has allowed Oman to leverage its aviation sector to strengthen its ties with key international partners, even if Oman Air’s capacity is far lower than their competitors. For example, Oman's Open Skies Policy has enabled air transport agreements with several countries, including the United States and the European Union, allowing greater connectivity and promoting bilateral trade and tourism.
In conclusion, Oman's aviation industry has been crucial in shaping the country's foreign policy objectives, driving economic growth, and strengthening diplomatic ties. As Oman continues to invest in its aviation infrastructure and address challenges facing Oman Air, the industry is set to play a significant role in shaping the country's future on the world stage.
Week 8: Oman and Oil
Hi everyone! Welcome back to my blog! This week’s focus is the oil industry in Oman, and how it ties into the country’s foreign policy.
Prior to the 1960s, Oman was a vastly different country, but the discovery of oil in 1967 proved to be a turning point. Revenue from oil funded a complete transformation, allowing modern infrastructure, such as hospitals, schools, and an efficient transportation network, to spread across the nation. This newfound wealth pushed Oman out of poverty and into the modern era.
Oman's oil wealth is not just an economic asset, but a key part of its foreign policy. The significance of Oman's oil can be seen with Oman’s strategic location on the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for global oil trade. Oman's efforts to maintain peaceful relations with neighboring nations help secure these vital trade routes, which are crucial for its own oil exports.
Furthermore, Oman's oil industry relies on foreign expertise and investment. By keeping positive relationships with a multitude of countries, Oman attracts the technology and capital necessary to sustain its oil production. This economic independence from oil revenue enables Oman to act as a mediator in regional conflicts, but Oman is mindful of the finite nature of its oil reserves. The government has wisely initiated economic diversification efforts, focusing on developing sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, and logistics, which I discussed a few weeks ago. However, oil is likely to remain a significant contributor to Oman's economy in the coming years.
As Oman continues to thrive, its oil wealth will continue to be an important tool for its strategic diplomacy, solidifying its position as a stable and influential player in the region.
Week 9: Oman and India Trade Agreement
The recent finalization of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Oman marks a significant shift in Oman's foreign policy strategy, showing Oman's commitment to economic diversification.
Although the current trade volume between the two countries is approximately $13 billion, both nations are aiming for growth. India is interested in easier access to Omani oil, gas, and petrochemicals, while Oman aims to import Indian pharmaceuticals, textiles, and machinery. The CEPA is expected to lower tariffs on these goods, streamlining trade.
Traditionally reliant on oil exports, Oman is pursuing alternate revenue generating commitments. The CEPA presents an opportunity to expand non-oil exports and attract Indian companies seeking a stable foothold in the Middle East. This aligns with Oman's Vision 2040, a national development plan focused on economic diversification and job creation. Oman has a history of maintaining a neutral foreign policy, forming positive relations with regional powers and the West. These economic ties with India are not a departure from this neutrality, but rather a step to secure Oman's economic future.
The CEPA between India and Oman benefits both nations. India gains access to a strategically important trading partner and a dependable source of energy. Oman benefits from increased trade, foreign investment, and an important partnership with a growing Asian power. This agreement strengthens regional economic cooperation and lays the groundwork for a more prosperous future for both countries.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for my last blog next week!
Week 10: Final Blog Post!
Hi everyone! Welcome to my last blog post for my senior project! I can’t believe that 10 weeks have passed so quickly! This week, I’ll be mixing it up. Instead of another history lesson or current event analysis, I’ll be giving you my thoughts about my senior project as a whole.
When I began my project way back in March, my plan was to read a couple of research papers on Oman’s foreign policy, analyze my findings and compile them into a research paper. Who would have known that I would breeze through two 700 page research papers in about 5 weeks, leaving me slightly unsure of my next steps. I could have completed my own research paper as well, but having written 2 research papers during my classes in senior year, I felt it was time to shake things up.
I was talking to my father about my rapid progression of my project and my reluctance to write my third research paper, and he suggested creating a podcast. This was a great idea, because I could speak freely about my topic without the constraints of writing a professional paper. I’ve completed 3 episodes with the fourth and final to release this week, and it has been a joy to record them. I look forward to hearing your thoughts upon listening to my podcast!
Now that you know about my final product, I want to talk about my journey during the senior project. I came into this project with minimal knowledge of my topic and a thirst for learning. I was pleased to find out that I could relate much of what I learned with real experiences I’ve had when visiting Oman. For instance, talking with my grandfather about where he exports his manufactured goods, or even just observing the lightning fast modernization in the capital city of Muscat. I’ve been visiting Oman nearly every other year since I was born, and I’ve been able to observe the construction of new housing, complete redesign of the public transport system, and much else. I always look forward to something new around the city every time I visit.
I want to thank my advisors, Dr. Dixit and Ambassador Mohamed Alhassan, as well as Ms. Nagpal for their support during my project. Without them, this project would have not been as thorough as it is now.
With that, I bring my blog to a close. Thank you so much for following along, and I hope you have learned a bit about Oman’s foreign policy!