Published on 3 November 2026

Bilateral relations Switzerland–Oman

Switzerland and the Sultanate of Oman have stepped up their relations in recent years, notably within the context of various high-level visits. Relations focus primarily on business, sustainable development and peace policy, with particular attention paid to the issue of regional stability.

Key aspects of diplomatic relations

Bilateral relations between Switzerland and Oman focus on promoting trade and deepening economic cooperation, particularly in priority sectors such as infrastructure, health and tourism. Switzerland and Oman pursue similar foreign policy principles, such as active peacebuilding and mediation, and therefore work closely together in the field of mediation.

Since 2021, Switzerland and Oman have held regular political consultations.

Agreements in the areas of investment protection, double taxation, air transport and peacebuilding provide the framework for bilateral relations.

Treaty database

Government of Oman

Economic cooperation

Switzerland evaluates opportunities for Swiss companies, which primarily arise in the fields of logistics, infrastructure, energy and sustainability, and tourism. At the economic level, Switzerland and Oman have focused in recent years on improving the framework conditions for trade. Trade and investment volumes have risen steadily since the entry into force of a free trade agreement between EFTA and the Gulf Cooperation Council in 2014. For several years, Switzerland has been showcasing its expertise in environmentally friendly technologies in Oman, including at the country's largest sustainability fair.

Country Cockpit, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO

Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE)

Oman – Switzerland Friendship Association

Arab-Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Cooperation in education, research and innovation

Switzerland and Oman have a long history of research cooperation, notably in the field of meteorite research. Both countries maintain exchanges in the areas of vocational training and innovation promotion. Based on a mandate from the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), the University of Applied Sciences of Western Switzerland (HES-SO) is currently coordinating research cooperation between Switzerland and the Middle East and North Africa. Researchers who are citizens of Oman can apply to SERI for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI

Young professionals, State Secretariat for Migration SEM

Leading House MENA, HES-SO

Peacebuilding and human security

In 2019, Switzerland and Oman signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the fields of mediation and peacebuilding, which forms the basis for exchanges of experience and expertise, as well as for cooperation in mediation processes. Both countries are thus contributing to the promotion of peace, security and stability in the region.

Cultural exchanges

Switzerland works closely with leading cultural institutions in Oman, including the National Museum in Muscat. An exhibition has already been organised as part of this cooperation.

Swiss nationals in Oman

There were 127 Swiss citizens living in Oman in 2026.

History of bilateral relations

Switzerland and Oman established diplomatic relations in 1973, and marked the 50th anniversary of this date in 2023 during the visit of then Swiss president Alain Berset. The Swiss embassy in Muscat opened in November 2014. Oman's interests in Switzerland are represented by an embassy in Bern, which opened in 2018, and by a consulate general in Geneva. The Swiss embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, continues to handle consular functions.

Oman, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)

Diplomatic Documents of Switzerland, Dodis

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