Sultan Qaboos of Oman Dies and Haitham bin Tariq Al Said Swears as New Sultan

Dubai – Masaader News

Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman has died at age of 79, according to BBC.

The sultan is the paramount decision-maker in Oman. He also holds the positions of prime minister, supreme commander of the armed forces, minister of defence, minister of finance and minister of foreign affairs.

Last month Sultan Qaboos – who had no heir or designated successor – spent a week in Belgium for medical treatment, and there were reports he was suffering from cancer.

“With great sorrow and deep sadness… the royal court mourns His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who passed away on Friday,” a court statement said earlier, announcing three days of national mourning.

His cousin Haitham bin Tariq Al Said has sworn in as his successor.