King Charles recites hadith in Arabic at dinner for Sultan of Oman

King Charles III recited a hadith of the Prophet Muhammad about Omanis in Arabic at a dinner at Windsor Castle, near London, held in honour of Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq. The Sultan is on a three-day state visit to the UK, the first in 44 years. He was welcomed by King Charles and Queen Camilla on Tuesday.

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In his speech, the King said Oman's constructive neutrality across the Gulf region deserves respect, and recited in Arabic the Prophet Muhammad's words to an envoy who had been insulted by an Arab tribe:

If you were to come to the people of Oman, they would have neither reviled you nor beaten you.

Prophet Muhammad (hadith)

"More than 200 years of relations"

Charles said relations between the UK and Oman span more than 200 years, referring to cooperation between British and Omani sailors in the 17th century. He said Oman remains one of Britain's important partners in the region today. He also referred to the words of the famed traveller Ibn Battuta on the beauty of Oman.

Britain learned much from the leadership of the late Sultan Qaboos. I fondly remember my conversations with him since my first visit to Oman 46 years ago.

King Charles

Praising Sultan Haitham bin Tariq's leadership too, the King highlighted Oman's efforts to keep the Strait of Hormuz open during conflict:

When conflicts affect the region, Oman's exceptional effort to keep the world's most important maritime trade route (the Strait of Hormuz) open was an important service to the entire international community, especially the weakest.

King Charles

Charles also announced that the crown princes of the two countries will be joint patrons of the "Jewel of Arabia Discovery Route" project. He also touched on climate change and artificial intelligence, saying the race for resources is testing the international order.

Sultan meets Prime Minister Burnham

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq also met UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham at 10 Downing Street. According to a written statement from the Prime Minister's Office, Burnham spoke of the contribution of Omani investments in the UK to the people of both countries. Burnham said Oman plays an important role in Middle East stability and that he appreciated its efforts to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.