His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik ascended to the throne of Oman on January 11, 2020, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the nation’s history. His leadership has been hailed as a gift from the Almighty Allah, embodying the promise of progress, renewal and a brighter future for Oman. In his inaugural address, His Majesty declared, “We will follow in the footsteps of the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, building on his legacy while striving to create a future worthy of Oman’s aspirations.”
In just five years, His Majesty the Sultan has already left an indelible mark on the country, ushering in transformative changes that touch every aspect of life. Under his leadership, Oman is witnessing a new era of development, modernisation and hope. Across the nation, there is an evident sense of optimism as citizens see their dreams materialise. “I wished to study in one of the universities in Oman, and my dream has come true,” expressed a first-year student, celebrating His Majesty’s decision to upgrade the College of Applied Sciences in Suhar to the University of Technology and Applied Sciences. This profound step towards enhancing education underscores His Majesty’s recognition of its pivotal role in nation building.
Economic reform has also been at the forefront of His Majesty’s agenda. Through bold Royal Decrees and policy amendments, His Majesty has worked tirelessly to restructure and stabilise Oman’s economy. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been given a boost through supportive policies, encouraging young entrepreneurs to contribute to the nation’s prosperity.
A hallmark of His Majesty’s leadership has been his dedication to staying connected with the people. Early in his reign, he embarked on tours of Oman’s governorates, meeting citizens, listening to their concerns and addressing their challenges. “The well-being of our citizens will always remain our foremost priority,” His Majesty affirmed, underscoring his deep connection to the people of Oman.
Listening to his people and acting on their needs has earned His Majesty admiration and trust. It’s a quality that distinguishes great leaders, the ability to understand and empathise with their nation. Such journeys are not without challenges, but they reflect a leader’s unwavering resolve to bridge gaps and build unity.
One of the developmental areas is Sultan Haitham City. The project's first phase includes the establishment of a central park along the wadi, covering an area of more than 1 million square metres. This park is expected to provide residents with ample recreational space and enhance the quality of life.
In terms of infrastructure, His Majesty the Sultan prioritised the development of roads and bridges, with projects like the Khasab-Lima-Dibba Road enhancing connectivity.
In his five years of leadership, His Majesty has proven to be a visionary leader whose actions speak louder than words. His efforts have brought hope and positivity to Oman, reminding the nation that challenges can be overcome with determination and unity.
His Majesty the Sultan's unwavering dedication to his nation, his ability to inspire and his relentless pursuit of progress make him a leader for the ages. Oman stands proud under his guidance, united in the belief that the best is yet to come.
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