Bilateral relations Switzerland–Oman

Switzerland and Oman have strengthened their relations in recent years. Swiss–Omani relations focus on peace and security policy, economic affairs and sustainable development. A special emphasis is placed on promoting stability in the region.

MENA Strategy

Middle East and North Africa region (MENA Strategy) for the 2021 – 2024 period. It identifies five thematic priorities: peace, security and human rights; migration and protection of people in need; sustainable development; economic affairs, finance, science; and digitalization and new technologies.

These priorities are weighted differently across the various regions and countries. In the Arabian Peninsula and Iran, priority thematic areas for Switzerland are regional stability and security, economic and financial cooperation, and sustainable natural resource management.

Switzerland also wishes to support the Gulf countries in their efforts to professionalize their international cooperation, especially with regard to South-South cooperation and compliance with international development standards in the areas of climate change, health and water management.

Strategy for the MENA region

Switzerland’s focus in Oman

The MENA Strategy 2021 – 2024 identifies the following priorities for Switzerland in Oman:

1. Peace and security 

Switzerland has launched an initiative to strengthen security and stability in the region in implementation of the memorandum of understanding on mediation and peacebuilding signed with Oman.

2. Economic opportunities

Switzerland is exploring opportunities for Swiss companies, especially in logistics, infrastructure and tourism.

On the economic front, Switzerland and Oman have concentrated on improving the general conditions for trade in recent years.  A bilateral agreement on the promotion and reciprocal protection of investments entered into force in 2005, followed by an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation of income derived from international air transport in 2009. A free trade agreement between EFTA and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states entered into force in 2014.

Treaty database

Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE)

Trade statistics, Swiss Federal Customs Administration (FCA)

3. Sustainable development

Switzerland is strengthening existing health initiatives and engaging in dialogue on vocational education and training. It includes Oman in regional initiatives in areas such as water management, food security and healthcare.

Swiss nationals in Oman

In 2022 there were 93 Swiss nationals living in Oman.