His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said
(18 November, 1940 – 10 January, 2020)
As we bid adieu to the greatest leader of all time, a void remains in our hearts. The loss is immense, and yet the achievements during his reign remain testament to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said’s greatness, strive for modernisation, impeccable leadership and his benevolence. He steered the Sultanate of Oman into the light, forging strong international connections, bringing education and opportunities to the Omani people and raising the country to be a symbol of peace and progress. Here are fond glimpses of his wisdom…
“Yesterday it was complete darkness and with the help of God, tomorrow will be a new dawn on Muscat, Oman and its people.”
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said’s first speech to the people of Oman in 1970
“Everyone in this nation is equal. There isn’t any difference between big and small, rich and poor; for equality mandates everyone to be siblings under the umbrella of social justice.”
On the occasion of the 3rd National Day, 1973
“We call upon our youth to work hard to acquire the skills and expertness which will enable them to join all professions. They must not disdain any professions. They must not relax their efforts. They must be truly devoted to proving their excellence and demonstrate their worthiness in whatever task is assigned to them, no matter what the work is.”
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said’s speech on the occasion of 3rd National Day, 1973
“We live in an age of science and education. Education and work are our only means of progress and development within the context of our Islamic civilisation.”
Occasion: Opening Ceremony of Sultan Qaboos University in 1986
“We are continuing on this path, God willing as we are, that the country in its blessed march, needs both men and women because no doubt it resembles the bird in relying on both its wings to fly high on the horizons of the sky. How can this bird manage if one of its wings is broken? Will it be able to fly?”
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said’s speech on the occasion of Omani Women’s Day in 2009
“The more thought becomes diverse, open and free of fanaticism, the more it becomes a correct and sound basis for building generations, the progress of nations, and the advancement of societies.”
Occasion: Addressing the Council of Oman in 2011