The Duke of Cambridge undertook a solo trip to Kuwait and Oman. This was his first trip to these countries. At the airport in Kuwait, the Duke was met by Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, His Excellency Mr. Michael Davenport, and met other Kuwaiti officials at an evening reception.
On the first full day of his trip, the Duke visited Jahra Nature Reserve, where he learned about the country’s endeavours to protect the natural environment. The Duke learned about the partnership between Kuwait’s Environmental Public Authority and the UK’s Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science, to promote biodiversity and help Kuwait’s commitment to marine conservation. The Duke explored the different habitats at the reserve, that are home to over 300 species of birds. The Duke joined a beach clean at the reserve, part of the country’s efforts to reduce plastic pollution, through education, recycling, and beach cleans.
At the Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre, the Duke joined in a basketball session, as he learnt about the museum’s work with young people, engaging them across many subjects such as space exploration, human biology, robotics, and natural history. Visiting the different interactive zones at the museum with primary school children, the Duke learned also about the UK-Kuwait relationship is being enhanced in the areas of culture and education. Kuwaiti school children are being encouraged to build up their life skills by the, ‘Taqaddam’, (Arabic for, ‘Moving forward,’) program, developed by the British Council.
Outside Kuwait City, in the desert, the Duke met with Sheikh Mohamed Abdullah and young Kuwaitis, inside a traditional Kuwaiti tent, so explore the music, dances, food and traditions that make Kuwaiti culture unique. The Duke went on to see British and Kuwaiti forces taking part in a military exercise. He watched the demonstration, and spoke to service personnel at the Sheikh Salel al Ali Alsabah camp in Subi. The Duke himself has played a role in the RAF Search and Rescue Helicopter service, the air ambulance, and underwent military training, so chatted away with the troops, having a clear idea himself of what their lives are like.
The Duke then travelled to Oman, being greeted on arrival by the British Ambassador to Oman and Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said bin Ibrahim Al-Busaidi, the Governor and Minister of State for Musandam. In Oman, he also saw the work done by the military there. In Musandam in Oman he learnt now the traffic passing through the Strait of Hormuz is monitored by the Royal Navy of Oman. On a beach in Oman, the Duke learned about the fishing trade. He saw the skiffs used to navigate the water, and learnt how sustainable practices are being put in place to conserve the local marine environment. He continued to learn around this theme at the Marine Science Centre, where he met Omani scientists who are collaborating with scientists in the UK, so that the UK can support sustainable fisheries and marine conservation.
Whilst in Oman, the Duke also met Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq bin Taimur Al Said, the Minister of Heritage and Culture. At the mountain village of Suwaih, the Duke had a musical welcome from locals and met with village elders to learn about local life. At the Wadi al Arbaeen the Duke met young people being helped by the Outward Bound Trust. He joined them as they took part in activities designed to help build teamwork and leadership skills. The Outward Bound Trust began in Wales in 1941, and was launched in Oman in 2009.
Overall, another successful Royal trip. But we wouldn't expect any less from William. A shorter and more low key visit, but impactful. This being the first trip made by the Duke of Cambridge to Kuwait and Oman, it is historical.