(HM builds on a legacy of peace and welfare

All residents living in Oman, not just Omanis, heard of the passing of the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos with deep sadness and no small measure of trepidation. The late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos had ruled Oman for over 50 years, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. The Omani people had, for good reason, deep love and loyalty towards him, and many believed he would be a hard act to follow. Both expatriate residents like myself and Omanis alike prayed for a smooth transition of power.

The international media quickly speculated that the transition might lead to instability, given the decades of loyalty the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos had inspired. However, comparing the two Sultans is difficult, not because of their personalities but due to the vastly different challenges they faced. The world has changed immeasurably since the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos assumed power in 1970, following the abdication of his father, Sultan Said. Globalisation, with its advantages and disadvantages, has brought new complexities to governance.

His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, like his predecessor, must navigate Oman through turbulent times. His leadership is being tested in ways that are different yet no less challenging. While building on the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos’s legacy, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has maintained Oman’s non-aligned status on the world stage — a significant accomplishment during one of the most perilous periods in the Middle East’s history. Oman, always the peacemaker and never the aggressor, is under pressure to align with one of the warring factions in Syria. Despite this, Oman continues to uphold its non-aligned stance while defending Palestinian rights and condemning Israeli expansionist aggression.

I believe His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik is the right leader for this era. Oman continues to play a vital role in fostering dialogue and peace in the Middle East, including efforts to facilitate discussions on the Yemen conflict.

Beyond his firm political leadership, let us also consider his domestic achievements since coming to power.

Since ascending the throne on January 11, 2020, His Majesty the Sultan has charted a transformative course for Oman. He has introduced reforms and policies aimed at strengthening the nation’s economy, governance and global standing while improving the lives of its people. His government has launched welfare programmes to support low-income families and improve social safety nets. One of his foremost priorities has been economic diversification under Oman Vision 2040.

Recognising the challenges of an oil-dependent economy, His Majesty the Sultan has accelerated efforts to expand non-oil sectors such as tourism, logistics, renewable energy and technology. Through strategic initiatives, Oman is attracting foreign investment, fostering entrepreneurship and promoting small and medium enterprises.

While taxation is rarely popular, he introduced significant fiscal reforms in 2021, including a Value Added Tax (VAT) and measures to streamline public spending. These reforms, though initially challenging, have laid the foundation for long-term financial stability. His government has also worked to reduce national debt, earning praise from global financial institutions for its pragmatic economic policies.

His Majesty the Sultan has made sweeping changes to Oman’s governance structure to enhance efficiency and accountability. He restructured government ministries and merged overlapping entities, creating a streamlined administration. By delegating authority to younger, qualified Omanis, he has cultivated a merit-based system that fosters innovation and adaptability. Additionally, reforms in labour laws and Omanisation efforts aim to create job opportunities for Omanis in the private sector. These initiatives reflect His Majesty the Sultan’s commitment to empowering the Omani workforce and addressing unemployment.

Building on the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos’s emphasis on education and healthcare, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has continued to prioritise investments in human capital. He has allocated resources to modernise educational curricula, expand technical training programmes, and enhance access to quality healthcare. Oman Vision 2040 emphasises equipping Omanis with the skills needed for a competitive global economy while ensuring their well-being through a robust social safety net.

Under His Majesty the Sultan’s leadership, Oman has made significant progress in infrastructure and technology. Investments in transport networks, including ports, airports and roadways, have bolstered Oman’s role as a logistics hub connecting Asia, Africa and Europe. At the same time, Oman has embraced digital transformation, advancing e-governance initiatives and fostering a tech-driven economy.

His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has set Oman on a trajectory of sustainable development, balancing the cherished legacy of the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos with the innovation needed to meet the aspirations of the Omani people.