His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik is the Head of State and Supreme Commander . His personage is inviolable, respect for him is obligatory, and his orders must be obeyed. He is the symbol of national unity and the guardian of its protection and preservation. Article 49 of the Basic Law of the State defines the duties and powers of His Majesty.
His Majesty's Birth
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said - may Allah protect him - was born in Muscat on 11 October, 1955 A.D.
His Majesty's Education
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said received his elementary education at the Sa’idiyya School in Muscat. His late father, Tarik bin Taimur, was keen for his children to receive a modern education, and His Majesty Sultan Haitham was sent to Lebanon to complete his preparatory education at Broumana High School. His Majesty - may Allah protect him - left Beirut in 1972 for the United Kingdom, where he pursued the final years of his secondary education before beginning university studies at Pembroke College, the University of Oxford, one of the world’s most prestigious universities.
His Majesty's Interests
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said has wide-ranging interests and is particularly keen on sport. He chaired the first Omani Football Association from 1983 to 1986, a period which saw the development and promotion of sports clubs, and many organizational aspects related to football in the sultanate. It was during this period that the sultanate hosted the seventh Gulf Cup. His Majesty also chaired the organizing committee of the second Asian Beach Games, hosted by the sultanate in 2010.
His Majesty's Accession to the Throne
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik - may Allah protect him - took up the reins of power in the country on January 11 2020, succeeding His Late Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said - may Allah rest his soul in peace - in a smooth transition that won global respect. In his inaugural speech, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik - may Allah bless and protect him - confirmed that he would be guided by the glorious steps of the late Sultan, who had steadfastly and resolutely brought the country into the modern world. His Majesty vowed to preserve and build upon the accomplishments of his predecessor. He affirmed his commitment to the path set out by the late Sultan in foreign policy, honouring the principles of peaceful coexistence between nations and peoples, good neighbourliness, non-interference in the internal affairs of others, and respect for the sovereignty of states.
Positions Held by His Majesty
Sultan Haitham bin Tarik- may Allah bless him - has held a number of government positions. It is no coincidence that the late Sultan - may Allah rest his soul in peace - appointed His Majesty Sultan Haitham to two prominent positions, seen as critical in the preparation of a future leader of the country. He was first assigned to the diplomatic corps to gain experience and worked in the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs rising to the position of Secretary-General. Following this, His Majesty was appointed Minister of Heritage and Culture, a position he held for almost 18 years. During this extended period, he became fully acquainted with Oman’s rich and distinguished history, heritage and culture. His Majesty - may Allah protect him - has also served as chairman on several committees, the most important of which was the committee responsible for developing a new long-term national strategy, Oman Vision 2040.
