Sultan Qaboos, who ruled Oman for 49 years, is a longest-reigning Arabian leader.
Muscat| Oman ruler and longest-reigning leader of the modern Arab world, Sultan Qaboos, passed away at the age of 79. The royal court confirmed on Saturday.
“With great sorrow and deep sadness… the royal court mourns His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who passed away on Friday.”, the court said in a statement. Qaboos had ruled Oman since 1970. Qaboos replaced his father in a palace coup. He was ill for some time now and was suffering from colon cancer.
The Sultan has left no heir behind him. He remained unmarried and had no children or brothers. It is unclear who’d replace Qaboos. Oman has a distinct method of choosing the next ruler.
Oman’s constitution gives power to the Royal family in a matter of determining a ruler. They can take a decision within three days of the throne falling vacant. If the Royal family doesn’t agree on a name, the successor would be chosen by referring Qaboos’ letter to the family. The name mentioned in the letter will be chosen as the successor.
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The criteria for becoming a Sultan is very distinct. The candidate should be a member of the Royal family. He should also be Muslim, mature, rational and a legitimate son of Omani Muslim parents. Experts say that more than 80 people match the criteria. Experts consider Asad Bin Tariq a top runner in the race for the throne. Tariq is 65 years old. He is a Deputy Prime Minister for international relations and cooperation affairs since 2017. Tariq, who is also a cousin of Qaboos, has been a ‘special representative’ since 2002.
Qaboos transformed his country from a backwater into a modern state. He also pursued moderate but active foreign policy. Under Qaboos’ leadership, Oman emerged to be a discreet mediator in Gulf.
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