Until recently, not that many people in the Western world knew anything about the Sultanate of Oman, which lies on the south-east corner of the Arabian Peninsula. Its name did not appear in the press until the Iranians threatened to close the Straits of Hormuz, onto which Oman borders. This would have involved the flow of oil from the Arab oil states being cut off.
Fortunately, nothing ever came of it. Apart from the fact that Oman occupies a strategically important position, it is a particularly interesting country, which during the past 39 years has developed from the dark middle ages to a modem welfare society.
Sultan Qaboos bin Said meets you everywhere. His majesty waves and blinks in gold along the six-lane motorway from the airport to the capital, which just 30 years ago was trudged by camels and donkeys. In those days, Oman’s 300,000 square kilometres were served by less than 10 kilometres of asphalted roads. Today kilometres of asphalt criss-cross the country. Muscat looks to the sea at the foot of the cliffs reflected in the Gulf. Oman has clad in its best bib and tucker.
Oman’s renaissance, initiated by the Sultan, is an annual celebration lasting for a full week in November. On the hillsides, stylish modern houses have opened their jewel cases, gems cascade down the walls. Necklaces of emerald, scarlet and white adorn the skies in the country’s national colours.
Before 1970, Omani people across the nation as well as those who had felt compelled to leave their homeland in search of education and opportunity elsewhere, were waiting for a leader who would take them on a journey towards progress and prosperity. Sultan Qaboos assured them he was that leader, and so it has proved. With his military and academic background and comprehensive knowledge of his country’s history, Qaboos understood not only the role Omanis have played over the centuries but also their potential to transform their land from the sleepy, isolated desert backwater it had become, once again into a thriving and forward looking nation. It was essential, he decided, to channel the country’s human and material resources towards a single goal - the development of the modern Omani individual.
The Omani leader pointed out: “The achievements in various spheres are all aimed at realizing one noble goal - the building of the modern Omani who believes in God and is committed to maintaining his own identity, while keeping abreast of the technology, sciences, literature and arts of the age in which he lives, and reaping the benefits of modem civilization in building his country and developing his society.”
At the beginning of his reign, the Sultan announced the principle that would carry Oman forward towards a successful future - the principle of partnership. “I will proceed as quickly as possible to transform your life into a prosperous one with a bright future but every one of you must play his part towards this goal.”
Recognizing the inseparable link between leadership and the people it is evident that Qaboos is happy with the way the country’s development has progressed: “For me it is a delight to see my country and my people in the situation I imagined from the very first day I assumed power. I feel that I am a man with a mission rather than a man with authority.”
While Oman has been engaged in establishing prosperity and progress at home, it has also worked hard to promote peace, security and stability in the Gulf region and beyond, through building bridges of cooperation, friendship and common interest with neighbouring states and those further afield.
Thirty-nine years of peace, stability and economic prosperity are a testament to the wise and benevolent leadership of Sultan Qaboos, architect of Oman’s transformation from a backward, impoverished country to a modern and vibrant nation.
From the moment Qaboos assumed the reins of power on July 23, 1970, he dedicated himself to the nation and people of Oman with the words: “The land of Oman and its people are in my heart and in my thoughts, and the job I have taken on is a duty, not at a ceremonial honour.”
Despite challenges of the past 39 years, the Sultan’s commitment has never wavered. His firm belief in the future of Oman and its people along with his determination to build a just and democratic system of government, in tune with the realities of Omani society and the demands of the modem age, still holds true.
The Sultan was determined that Oman’s real wealth, its people, should be a vital and essential part of the development process. He involved the whole community in laying the foundations for nationwide, sustainable development. “We are all one fabric, one body and one nation, and the best of us is the one who works for his country and contributes to its progress,” he noted.
The focus started and has remained on developing individual citizens’ resources and providing them with education, training and qualifications. This is not a society that encourages indolence or dependence on the state. Self-reliance is a fundamental principle of the Sultanate’s development process and, while support is always close at hand, Omanis are encouraged to develop independence in dealing with the challenges of social and economic development.
Oman’s foreign policy and its relations with other countries around the world are shaped by historical experience; now - as in the past - the focus is on building bridges and creating opportunities for increased bilateral co-operation, whenever and wherever such occasions arise. The Sultanate’s ‘Middle Way’ method of diplomacy has a long history - one which Sultan Qaboos was happy to revive, develop and fine tune.
In his speech at the annual inauguration of the Council of Oman on November 6, 2007, Qaboos noted: “The essential characteristics of our domestic and foreign policy are clear. We are on the side of comprehensive, sustainable development and growth at home, and friendship, peace, justice, harmony, coexistence, mutual understanding and positive, constructive dialogue abroad. This has been our position from the start. This is our position now and this - God willing - is how we shall remain. We hope that the whole of humanity will enjoy well-being, prosperity, security, stability and co-operation in establishing the scales of truth, rights and justice.”
Since the 1970 accession of the Sultan, Oman has worked diligently to promote international peace, security and stability and continues to strive for improved relations, closer co- operation and positive dialogue with other nations, in an attempt to contribute to the emergence of a more peaceful, secure and stable states and world order.
The Sultanate’s leadership and candid, straightforward policies are trusted and admired internationally for their consistency. Oman respects international principles, treaties and charters and its credible, unambiguous political stance has helped create conditions for fruitful dialogue between various states and peoples.
The country‘s measured approach to global diplomacy and the sound policies implemented at home have helped it build strong ties with neighbours in the Gulf, the Arab region and the wider global community.
Nearly four decades of enlightened leadership, based on far-sighted domestic and foreign policies, continue to yield significant dividends to Oman and its people. These gains are manifest not only in the country’s continued economic progress, but also in the overall well-being of its people.
With an advanced infrastructure now in place in the Sultanate the government and people continue to forge confidently ahead along the path of comprehensive development in all areas of the political, economic and social sectors. In a sometimes turbulent region, Oman remains resolute in its policies of non-interference in the internal affairs of other states; its adherence and respect for charters and treaties and its compliance with international law. This steadfast diplomacy has earned it the respect and trust of its near neighbours and other countries across the globe.
From the very start the young sultan tried to keep intact as much of Oman’s cultural inheritance as he could. He called upon the men to continue wearing their traditional dishdashas, their long white gowns. In their belts one still sees the symbol of masculinity, the khanjar, a curved Omani dagger in a richly decorated sheath.
Women in Oman now receive an education and are actively urged by the Sultan to join the commercial community. Traditions are still honoured, and especially in Bedouin camps you
will see many women wearing traditional masks, or burqas.
This respect for tradition is paired with a sense of pride about progress. Omanis actually
talk of a renaissance, restoration of their country to its former greatness. This enabled Oman to forge a reputation as a trading and seafaring nation at an early stage by virtue of its position between Asia and Africa and the monsoon winds.
“Knowledge and work are mutually dependent; neither can exist effectively without the other. It is through the two of them together that nations produce glorious achievements and raise the edifice of their present and future. It is through these two in combination that human beings fulfil themselves and attain their desired goals of a decent and stable life and a hopeful and prosperous future. We are certain that Omani society is fully aware of this reality.”
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