OIC roundup: Oman, Bahrain ink 25 agreements

Here's a roundup of key developments across the OIC ecosystem during the month of January

Editor's note: The year 2025 has commenced with key collaboration announcements coming from Oman. The sultanate has inked several agreements with Bahrain, is looking at agriculture cooperation with Yemen as well as seeking to initiate a new phase of economic ties with Qatar. 

Trade Developments

Oman / Qatar

Oman-Qatar relations: Towards economic integration

Qatari Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani's state visit to Oman, will initiate a new phase in bilateral ties, aiming to expand cooperation in various sectors.

The shared vision is reflected in ongoing political collaboration within regional and global contexts, promoting stability through dialogue and understanding. (Zawya)

Oman / Yemen

Oman, Yemen to enhance ties in farm, fisheries sectors

Omani and Yemei officials met to discuss cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, and water resources. 

They explored investment opportunities in food security and discussed fisheries and livestock issues, emphasizing the importance of exchanging expertise to improve food security. (Zawya)

Oman / Bahrain

Oman, Bahrain ink 25 agreements across several sectors

GCC countries of Oman and Bahrain signed 25 MoUs in various sectors, including culture, health, and economy, during King Hamad bin Issa al Khalifa's state visit to Oman.

Key agreements involved health, information, labour, education, and agriculture, along with a meteorology agreement between the respective ministries of both countries. (Muscat Daily)

Saudi Arabia / Oman

Saudi, Omani ministers sign agreement

Saudi finance minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan and Omani finance minister Sultan Al-Habsi signed a MoU to enhance financial cooperation between the countries during the Islamic Development Bank Group retreat in Madinah.

The MoU aims to strengthen collaboration, promote knowledge sharing, and improve economic ties.

Both ministers emphasized its importance for bilateral relations, facilitating the exchange of financial information and expertise, and coordinating on regional and international financial matters. (Saudi Press Agency)

Saudi Arabia / Malaysia

IslamiCruise Malaysia-Saudia to welcome 6,000 tourists

The Malaysian government aims to attract 6,000 tourists through IslamiCruise Malaysia-Saudia in 2026, part of a larger goal to bring in 35.6 million tourists and generate 147.1 billion Malaysian ringgits in revenue under the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 initiative.

The partnership between IslamiCruise International Sdn Bhd and Saudi Arabia’s Aroya Cruises was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, highlighting Malaysia's ambition to become a premier destination in 2026. (Halal Focus)