A Sultanate that Endures

Qaboos bin Sa‘id, Sultan of Oman from 1970 until his death in 2020, marked Omani history. He belonged to that very small circle of leaders who solemnized their time in power, transforming the Sultanate by empowering generations of citizens to lead constructive and fulfilling lives. This is a full assessment of the fourteenth Al Sa‘id dynasty sovereign, setting out his vision for what was then a relatively isolated nation, championing the necessity for alliances, investing in people as well as the land, and founding key institutions that evolved over five decades. These achievements took time to materialize as Qaboos preserved Al Sa‘id rule, governed wisely, avoided internal and external political entanglements, and passed the torch to his successor Haitham bin Tariq, who validated Al Sa‘id authority upon becoming Sultan. The book highlights Omani history, with a particular focus on the religious creed ‘Ibadhiyyah that embraces tolerance and prevents injustice. The author evaluates how ‘Ibadhiyyah and its traditions formed the gist of the Sultanate’s foreign policies, concentrating on ties with predominantly Muslim- inhabited countries, engagement with the African Continent, its links with the Arab Gulf region, and appraising Omani diplomacy with key Asian and Western countries. The study closes with a preliminary analysis of the transition to Sultan Haitham, evaluates his primary appointments, and reviews his declared priorities for the nation. Future domestic and foreign policy challenges that may confront Omanis concludes the volume.