Limitations and opportunities
At this point, it may be useful to note why relations with Oman have progressed more slowly, considering that Türkiye has much closer ties with other Gulf countries. First, Oman’s reserved stance on external relations has played a significant role. Although Oman has a history of ruling over distant lands, it was an extremely inward-looking country during the reign of Sultan Said bin Teymur, the father of the previous sultan, Qaboos. After Qaboos ascended to the throne in 1970, Oman reopened to the outside world and began modernizing and developing.
Oman’s transformation differed from those of other Gulf countries. Oman embraced a strategy of remaining faithful to its traditions and preserving its culture. The country maintained neutrality in foreign relations and proceeded cautiously in opening up to the outside world. As part of this strategy, Oman has emerged as a mediator in regional crises. Therefore, it can be said that Oman’s development of relations with external actors was gradual, which is why its rapprochement with Türkiye took time.
Oman’s close ties with the United Kingdom prompted the country to exercise caution in its foreign relations. Oman worked closely with the UK, particularly during Sultan Qaboos’s rise to power. This continued throughout the years that followed. Throughout Sultan Qaboos’s 50-year reign, from 1970 to 2020, relations between the two countries remained strong. However, this also affected Oman’s ability to establish close relations with other regional and global actors.
In the context of economic relations, it is important to mention the Indian diaspora, which has historically held a strong position in Oman. This diaspora has played a significant role in Oman’s economy, both historically and in the present day, and is considered a key player in directing the country’s economic activities. The dominance of businesspeople of Indian origin in many sectors makes it difficult for new economic actors to enter the country’s finance and trade ecosystem.
On the other hand, the accelerated pace of relations between Oman and Türkiye also presents opportunities. Compared to the past, Oman has adopted a more open and innovative administration. Sultan Haitham has also shown a willingness to collaborate with new regional and global partners. Additionally, Oman stands out with its substantial military spending. Oman shares borders with Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE due to its vast geography. To protect its territory and develop its capacity in the face of possible crises, Oman is striving to acquire new military technologies and modernize its army.
Currently, Türkiye could become an important supplier for Oman, which is seeking to diversify its military supply sources. Oman also prioritizes strengthening its naval capabilities because it has the longest coastline in the Middle East. With a longer coastline than Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan, and India—the largest military powers bordering the Middle East and the Indian Ocean—Oman could increase its cooperation with these countries, particularly regarding coastal and maritime security.
Finally, Oman’s demographics differ from those of other Gulf countries, presenting another opportunity for rapprochement with Türkiye. Unlike the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain, where most of the population is non-local, Oman, like Saudi Arabia, has a population that is largely comprised of its own citizens. With over three million citizens, Oman has the second-largest national population in the Gulf region after Saudi Arabia. This allows social and cultural factors to take center stage in relations with Oman. Türkiye is one of the most popular tourist destinations for Omanis, with thousands of Omani citizens purchasing property there every year. Given Omani society’s positive perception of Türkiye, it seems likely that social relations will grow closer.
In conclusion, President Erdoğan’s tour of three Gulf countries underscores the importance that Türkiye places on this region, which plays a critical role in regional and global politics. Through these engagements, Ankara intends to fortify existing partnerships in the Gulf region and demonstrate its dedication to reviving the agenda of delayed cooperation in certain areas. Ultimately, these initiatives seek to transform Türkiye’s presence in the Gulf into strategic alliances and establish long-term, institutional, unshakable partnerships with regional countries.
(Originally published in Turkish by Kriter)
