His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said

His Majesty was born in Salalah in Dhofar, the southern region of Oman, on the 18th of November 1940. He is the only son of the late Sultan Said bin Taimur and is eighth in the direct line of the Al Busaidy dynasty, which was founded in 1744 by Imam Ahmad bin Said, who was a leader of outstanding ability and came to power after a period of civil war, bringing peace and stability to the land.
His Majesty spent his youth in Salalah where he was educated. At the age of 16, his father sent him to a private educational establishment in England. In 1960, he entered the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst as an officer cadet. Having passed out of Sandhurst he joined a British infantry battalion on operational duty in Germany for one year and also held a staff appointment with the British Army.
After his military service His Majesty studied local government in England and went on a world tour before returning home. The next 6 years were spent in Salalah studying Islam and the history of his country and people.
On the abdication of his father and his own accession on 23rd July 1970, His Majesty arrived in Muscat to begin the task for which he had been destined. On the 9th August Sultan Qaboos made the first of many speeches setting out his vision for the people and the country. He declared that the country would have a new flag and that it would no longer be called 'Muscat and Oman' but unified with Dhofar as the Sultanate of Oman. Restrictions on freedom of movement were lifted and Omanis who had left the country were invited to return to take part in the challenge that lay ahead.

______________________________________________________

Tribute to His Majesty, Sultan Qaboos bin Said

 

"I promise you to proceed forthwith in the process of creating a modern government. My first act will be the immediate abolition of all the unnecessary restrictions on your lives and activities.

"My people, I will proceed as quickly as possible to transform your life into a prosperous one with a bright future. Every one of you must play his part towards this goal. Our country in the past was famous and strong. If we work in unity and cooperation we will regenerate that glorious past and we will take a respectable place in the world.

"I call upon you to continue living as usual. I will be arriving in Muscat in the coming days and then I will let you know of my future plans.

"My people, I and my new government will work to achieve our general objective.

"My people, my brothers, yesterday it was complete darkness and with the help of God, tomorrow will be a new dawn on Muscat, Oman and its people.

"God bless us all and may He grant our efforts success."