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Sultan of Oman
سلطان عمان
Royal Standard of Oman.svg
Standard of the Sultan of Oman
Incumbent
Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said.jpg
Haitham bin Tariq
since 11 January 2020
Details
Style His Majesty
Heir apparent Theyazin bin Haitham
First monarch Al-Julanda ibn Mas'ud (imamate)
Ahmad bin Said (as sultan)
Formation 751; 1274 years ago (751) (imamate)
1744; 281 years ago (1744) (Busaid dynasty)
Residence Al Alam Palace
Al Baraka Palace
Website


The Sultan of Oman is the most important leader in the country. The Sultan is both the head of state (like a president or king) and the head of government (like a prime minister). This means the Sultan makes all the big decisions for Oman. The people who have been Sultans of Oman for a long time belong to the Busaid family. This family has been in charge since the middle of the 1700s.

The current Sultan is Haitham bin Tariq. He became Sultan on January 11, 2020.

Oman's Early Rulers: Imams (751–1749)

For many centuries, Oman was led by rulers called Imams. These Imams were important religious and political leaders. They guided the people and made sure the country was run fairly. The first Imam was Al-Julanda ibn Mas'ud, who started ruling in 751 AD.

Nabhani Dynasty (1406–1624)

After a long period, the Nabhani family became the main rulers, continuing the role of Imams. During this time, the Portuguese arrived and had some influence over Oman. The Nabhani dynasty ruled for over 200 years.

Yarubi Dynasty (1624–1749)

The Yarubi family took over from the Nabhani rulers. They were very strong leaders. One of their biggest achievements was kicking out the Portuguese from Oman in 1650. This made Oman fully independent again. The Yarubi dynasty helped Oman become a powerful trading nation, especially in the Indian Ocean.

Sultans of Oman (1749–Present)

The title of "Sultan" began in Oman with Ahmad bin Said al-Busaidi in 1749. He started the Busaid dynasty, which still rules Oman today. This change marked a new era for the country, focusing more on trade and building a strong empire.

Name Lifespan Reign start Reign end Notes Family Image
Ahmad bin Said
  • أحمد بن سعيد
1694 –
15 December 1783(1783-12-15) (aged 89)
10 June 1749 15 December 1783 From 1744 in the coastal region Busaid
Said bin Ahmad
  • سعيد بن أحمد
1741 – 1811 (aged 70) 15 December 1783 1786 Son of Ahmad bin Said Busaid
Hamad bin Said
  • حمد بن سعيد
? – 13 March 1792 1786 13 March 1792 Son of Said bin Ahmad Busaid
Sultan bin Ahmad
  • سلطان بن أحمد
1755 –
17 November 1804 (aged 48–49)
18 March 1792 17 November 1804 Son of Ahmad bin Said Busaid
Salim bin Sultan
  • سالم بن سلطان
(1790-09-11)11 September 1790 –
4 April 1821(1821-04-04) (aged 30)
18 November 1804 14 September 1806 Son of Sultan bin Ahmad Busaid
Said bin Sultan
  • سعيد بن سلطان
(1791-06-05)5 June 1791 –
19 October 1856(1856-10-19) (aged 65)
20 November 1804 19 October 1856 Son of Sultan bin Ahmad Busaid Said bin Sultan
Thuwaini bin Said
  • ثويني بن سعيد
1821 –
11 February 1866(1866-02-11) (aged 45)
19 October 1856 11 February 1866 Son of Said bin Sultan Busaid Thuwaini bin Said
Salim bin Thuwaini
  • سالم بن ثويني
1839 –
7 December 1876(1876-12-07) (aged 37)
11 February 1866 3 October 1868
(deposed)
Son of Thuwaini bin Said Busaid
Azzan bin Qais
  • عزان بن قيس
? – 30 January 1871 3 October 1868 30 January 1871 Great-great-grandson of Ahmad bin Said Busaid
Turki bin Said
  • تركي بن سعيد
1832 –
4 June 1888(1888-06-04) (aged 56)
30 January 1871 4 June 1888 Son of Said bin Sultan Busaid Turki bin Said
Faisal bin Turki
  • فيصل بن تركي
(1864-06-08)8 June 1864 –
5 October 1913(1913-10-05) (aged 49)
4 June 1888 5 October 1913 Son of Turki bin Said Busaid Faisal bin Turki
Taimur bin Faisal
  • تيمور بن فيصل
1886 –
28 January 1965(1965-01-28) (aged 79)
5 October 1913 10 February 1932
(abdicated)
Son of Faisal bin Turki Busaid Taimur bin Faisal
Said bin Taimur
  • سعيد بن تيمور‎
(1910-08-13)13 August 1910 –
19 October 1972(1972-10-19) (aged 62)
10 February 1932 23 July 1970
(deposed)
Son of Taimur bin Faisal Al Said Said bin Taimur
Qaboos bin Said
  • قابوس بن سعيد
(1940-11-18)18 November 1940 –
10 January 2020(2020-01-10) (aged 79)
23 July 1970 10 January 2020 Son of Said bin Taimur Al Said Qabus bin Said
Haitham bin Tariq
  • (1955-10-11) 11 October 1955 (age 69)
11 January 2020 Incumbent Grandson of Taimur bin Faisal Al Said Haitham bin Tariq

How Oman's Sultans are Chosen

The way a new Sultan is chosen is very important for Oman. This process is set out in the country's main law, called the Basic Law of the State.

Recent Changes to Succession Rules (2021)

In 2021, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq made some new rules about who becomes the next Sultan. These changes help make sure the transfer of power is clear and smooth.

  • First in Line: The new rules say that the Sultan's oldest son will be the next ruler. This person is called the Crown Prince of Oman.
  • If the Oldest Son is Not Available: If the oldest son cannot become Sultan, then the power goes to his oldest son.
  • Other Family Members: If there are no sons, the power can go to the oldest brother of the Crown Prince. If there are no brothers, it goes to the son of the oldest brother, and so on.
  • Important Requirements: The person who will be Sultan must be a Muslim and born to Omani Muslim parents.

What Happens if the Next Sultan is Young?

If the next Sultan is under 21 years old, a special group called a "trusteeship council" will help them rule. This council is chosen by the previous Sultan or by the Royal Family Council. They help guide the young Sultan until they are old enough to rule on their own.

The Crown Prince's Role

The Crown Prince is officially appointed by the Sultan. They take an oath to promise they will do their duties well. If the Sultan is temporarily unable to rule, the Crown Prince can step in and take over the Sultan's duties for a short time.

See also

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