Prince Harry has arrived in Oman on Tuesday, Buckingham Palace officials confirmed. The visit reflects the close personal and respectful relationship that exists between The Royal Families of both countries.
Despite His Majesty Sultan Qaboos being away from the country Prince Harry was keen to see and experience the country for the first time following recent successful and enjoyable visits by other members of his family, including The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh in 2010 and The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall in 2013.
An official greeting on arrival at Muscat International Airport by His Highness Sayyid Haitham Bin Tariq Al Said, minister of culture and heritage and the Omani Patron of the Omani-British Friendship Association.
A visit to the British Embassy in Muscat, where Prince Harry will have an opportunity to meet staff and hear about the work of the Embassy.
A visit to Nizwa Fort, where Prince Harry will have the opportunity to view local arts and crafts at a souq outside the gates of the Fort, before being greeted with a traditional sword dance inside the Fort's courtyard.
The Prince will then be given a guided tour around the historic ramparts of the Fort itself, which offer stunning views of Nizwa and the surrounding mountains. Nizwa Fort was built in the 1650s by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya'rubi, although its underlying structure dates back to the 12th Century. It is Oman's most visited national monument and a reminder of Nizwa's significance through turbulent periods of Oman's history.
A visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat. Prince Harry will be shown around the stunning Mosque by a member of the Diwan Higher Centre for Culture and Science. The Mosque was a gift to the nation from Sultan Qaboos to mark the 30th year of his reign and can accommodate 20,000 worshippers, including 750 women in a private musalla (prayer hall.)
Prince Harry's programme will also include additional private engagements at the invitation of the Royal Court of Oman. Further information about these will be provided in due course.
On Thursday 20th November, Prince Harry will travel to Abu Dhabi to take part in the Sentebale Polo Cup at Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club. During the event, His Royal Highness will attend a reception for supporters and players before playing for the Sentebale team in the polo match. Following the prize giving, Prince Harry will attend a dinner in aid of the charity with other guests and supporters of Sentebale, where he will deliver a speech.
