“The trust thrust on our shoulders and the resultant immense responsibilities require us all to work together for the sake of our country’s magnificence, with a persistent resolve to promote it to the loftiest levels. This cannot be realised without your support and cooperation and combination of all efforts to achieve the desired supreme national goal…”

These were the words of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik during his first-ever address to the nation on the day when he assumed power on January 11, 2020.

His Majesty’s assumption of power came at a critical moment in the Sultanate’s history. He took over the reins when large parts of the world, including the Arab region, faced challenges on multiple fronts:

political, economic, social and health. His Majesty the Sultan has navigated Oman through unprecedented times. Through it all, he’s become known as someone who leads with kindness, compassion and strength, while keeping the wellbeing of both Omanis and residents at the heart of his approach.

His Majesty opted for a path of modernisation and change without delay, introducing reforms to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of the Omani people while taking measures to preserve the stability and security of the country.

Fastest growing economy

His Majesty’s leadership throughout Oman’s Covid-19 response has been globally recognised. The tough calls he made to protect the nation’s health saw Oman avoid the devastation seen overseas, and set up our economy to recover faster than that of any other country in the world.

In June this year, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said that the government has made decisive strides in the structural agenda under Oman’s Vision 2040 and continued implementation will help diversify the Sultanate’s economy and boost prospects for strong, inclusive, and green non-hydrocarbon growth. The World Bank praised Oman’s outlook and stated that the Sultanate is on its way to becoming the fastest growing economy in GCC.

Extraordinary leadership

I said this before and I continue to believe that the extraordinary leadership that His Majesty has provided not just to Oman, but also to the world, has helped navigate many concerns. The recent Israeli aggression on Palestine is the best example where Oman is leading from the front under the leadership of His Majesty to avert the war. Continuing the legacy of the father of our nation, the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, His Majesty Sultan Haitham is already becoming the ‘peacemaker’ not just in the region but on a global front.

At local level, His Majesty has been closely following the issues of people on a day-to-day basis. “We need to listen to everyone’s opinions and suggestions,” His Majesty said during his meeting with sheikhs from the governorates of North Al Batinah, Al Dhahirah and Al Buraimi in Sohar last year.

The world needs leaders like His Majesty who cares about his people. His constant engagement with the world, thoughtfulness, and willingness to hear the perspective of others, in my mind, is a reflection of a true leader.

As the late Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the former Emir of Kuwait, famously said: “Oman is safe in the hands of His Majesty Sultan Haitham.”

Yes indeed, we are blessed to have His Majesty Sultan Haitham as our leader, who is also an extraordinary diplomat and the most compassionate of men.