Al Said Qaboos bin Said Sultan of Oman Date of Birth: 18.11.1940 Country: Oman

Biography of Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said

Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said was born in 1940 in Salalah, Dhofar, Sultanate of Muscat. He was the only son of Sultan Said bin Taimur of Muscat. He received his primary education in Salalah and later enrolled in the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 1960 at the age of 20. After completing his studies at the academy, Qaboos spent some time in an infantry battalion of the British Army before attending staff training courses in Germany.

In 1964, Qaboos returned to his homeland after a round-the-world trip. However, upon his return, his father placed him under house arrest. During this time, Qaboos formulated a plan to seize power and overthrow his father. In July 1970, Qaboos succeeded in taking control of the country as his father abdicated in his favor. He assumed the positions of prime minister, minister of foreign affairs, and minister of defense.

Under Qaboos' leadership, the country underwent significant changes and reforms. He established new ministries, fought against corruption, and introduced a new local and central administration. The country was divided into provinces, each headed by a governor (wali). The military was also modernized, with old weaponry being replaced and new aircraft, tanks, and ships acquired. Qaboos also increased the salaries of the military personnel, raising the prestige of the armed forces.

In terms of economy, Qaboos implemented a planned policy to support private entrepreneurship. The revenues from oil trade, the main source of income for the country, were redistributed to strengthen the internal infrastructure rather than investing in foreign economies. Other natural resources, such as copper, coal, and asbestos, were also exploited under his rule.

Qaboos paid attention to education and healthcare, initiating the construction of roads, hospitals, educational institutions, and childcare facilities. He also played an active role in international relations, supporting the United States in the Arab-Israeli conflict and signing agreements with neighboring countries to demarcate borders and enhance security cooperation.

In 1976, Qaboos married Sayyidah Nawwal bint Tariq, the youngest daughter of his cousin, but their marriage ended in divorce. He does not have any children.

Qaboos' birthday, November 18, is celebrated as a national holiday in Oman.