Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said is Oman’s current ruler, serving as Sultan and Prime Minister since January 11, 2020. He succeeded his cousin, Sultan Qaboos bin Said, following the instructions in Qaboos’s will. Sultan Haitham is known for combining traditional Omani culture with modern luxury.
Early Life and Education
Sultan Haitham was born on October 11, 1955, in Muscat. He studied at Pembroke College, Oxford University, graduating in 1979 from the Foreign Service program. The Al Said dynasty has ruled Oman for over 300 years. Influenced by Western ideas, he is low-profile publicly but active in strengthening the nation.
Family Life
Sultan Haitham is married to Ahad bint Abdullah, a symbol of women’s empowerment in Oman. Following royal tradition, he has only one wife. They have four children—two sons and two daughters. The eldest son, Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham, was appointed Crown Prince in 2021. Theyazin, an Oxford graduate, has served as Minister of Culture, Sports, and Youth, and is married to Meyyan bint Shihab Al Said.
Palaces and Residences
Sultan Haitham owns six major palaces in Oman. The most prominent is Al Alam Palace, over 200 years old, decorated with gold and blue walls and rich in cultural significance.
Royal guests often stay at the Flag Palace, rebuilt in 1972, featuring marble interiors, a swimming pool, spa, and gardens. It is protected by 16th-century Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali. Guests have included Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles, and the Queen of the Netherlands.
Properties Abroad
Sultan Haitham owns at least nine properties abroad, valued at around $100 million, including homes in London and southern England. Notable estates include Hasselour House (14 acres, 7 bedrooms) and Vonham Manor ($35 million), with lakes, deer pastures, and extensive renovations previously overseen by Sultan Qaboos.
Yachts and Aircraft
The Sultan has a royal yacht fleet, including the Al Said, 155 meters long and worth about $600 million, with 26 cabins, medical facilities, meeting halls, a private theater, and Omani-style decor. Another support yacht is Al Salamah.
Oman’s royal fleet includes seven government aircraft, including three Boeing 747 jumbo jets, two Airbus A320s, and a Eurocopter EC225 helicopter. Sultan Haitham uses the Boeing 747s for international travel.
Hobbies and Interests
The royal stable houses over 1,000 Arabian horses, started in 1974, with branches in France and the UK. The Royal Cavalry has performed internationally, including at Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. Sultan Haitham is also known for giving Rolex watches as gifts, often engraved with the Omani royal dagger.
Vision for Oman
Despite immense wealth, Oman’s royal family is known for simplicity compared to other Gulf nations. Sultan Haitham launched Oman Vision 2040, aiming to reduce oil dependence and strengthen the economy. He has also implemented laws to promote freedom of expression and religious liberty, balancing tradition with modernity while driving the country forward.
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