Following the passing of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said, Oman has ushered in a new era with the appointment of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said. A respected statesman and former Minister of Heritage and Culture, Sultan Haitham was sworn in after a meeting of the royal family, who honored the late Sultan’s chosen successor.
The swift and seamless transfer of power is a testament to the deep unity, cultural strength, and institutional maturity of the Sultanate of Oman. It reflects the profound respect, trust, and discipline of the nation’s people and leadership, as well as the enduring values of Omani society and governance.
On the morning of January 11, 2020, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq took the constitutional oath in a joint session of the State Council and Shura Council. In his first national address, he paid heartfelt tribute to the legacy of the late Sultan Qaboos, vowing to preserve the nation’s achievements and continue its path of peace and development.
The least we hope for is to follow in his [Qaboos’] footsteps and remain guided by his wisdom into the future, and to preserve the achievements he made
We will continue, as always, contributing to and calling for peaceful and amicable solutions to all disputes,” he stated.
A historic moment as Haitham bin Tariq Al Said is sworn in as Sultan of Oman, marking a new chapter of visionary leadership and national unity.
Following the oath, allegiance was pledged to His Majesty by the Ruling Family Council, the Defence Council, the Council of Ministers, the State Council, and the Shura Council. A ceremonial guard of honor saluted the new Sultan with the national anthem and a 21-gun salute. His Majesty then proceeded to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque to attend the mourning ceremony for his late cousin.
Sultan Haitham bin Tariq is a graduate of the Foreign Service Program at the University of Oxford (1979). Known for his commitment to public service and national development, he was the first President of the Oman Football Association in the early 1980s and remains a dedicated supporter of sports and youth initiatives.
A seasoned diplomat, His Majesty held key roles in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He served as Undersecretary for Political Affairs (1986–1994) and Secretary General of the Ministry (1994–2002). He was later appointed Minister of Heritage and Culture, a position he held until ascending to the throne. Over the years, he has also served as a special envoy on behalf of Sultan Qaboos.
Sultan Haitham currently chairs the Oman Vision 2040 committee, guiding the nation’s long-term development strategy toward a sustainable and prosperous future.
Beyond governance, His Majesty is also the honorary president of the Oman Association for the Disabled and the Omani-Japanese Friendship Association, underscoring his commitment to humanitarian causes and international cooperation.
With his leadership, Oman looks ahead to a future built on the foundation of its rich history, unwavering stability, and a renewed spirit of national renaissance.
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