Six Years of His Majesty Wise Leadership

Leading people with wisdom and competence in matters of governance is neither easy nor straightforward. It is among the most demanding responsibilities entrusted to modern political leadership, particularly in a world marked by rapid change, rising public expectations and complex social and economic pressures. The ability to secure public trust, align national priorities, and maintain social cohesion remains the ultimate test of any serious statesman who seeks a lasting and meaningful place in history.
In the Sultanate of Oman, this responsibility has been assumed with clarity and restraint by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, whose leadership over the past six years has reflected a model of governance grounded in foresight, institutional discipline and moral authority. Since ascending the throne, His Majesty has overseen a phase of renewal distinguished by calm decision-making and strategic continuity, rather than rhetorical excess or disruptive populism.
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s leadership is shaped by a rare combination of academic depth and historical consciousness. A graduate of the University of Oxford, he brings to governance a scholarly understanding of statecraft, diplomacy and public administration. This modern intellectual formation is reinforced by a deep awareness of Oman’s political heritage, rooted in the legacy of the Al Busaid State, whose rulers established the foundations of Omani statehood and regional influence. This balance between modern governance and historical legitimacy has enabled His Majesty to pursue reform without alienating tradition and progress without destabilising identity.
One of the defining features of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s leadership is his long-standing engagement with strategic national planning. Prior to assuming office, he played a central role in shaping Oman Vision 2040, having been entrusted by the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos to oversee its formulation and ensure its coherence. This continuity has given the vision both credibility and institutional momentum. Since its launch, more than one hundred programmes and projects have been implemented across its four pillars, signalling a gradual yet tangible shift towards economic diversification, administrative efficiency and sustainable development.
Equally significant is the leadership style that has accompanied these reforms. His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has consistently emphasised transparency, accountability and direct engagement with citizens. His adoption of an open-door approach, beginning in 2020 with frank consultations in Dhofar Governorate and extending to other governorates, has redefined the relationship between state and society. These forums, which function as open platforms for dialogue, reflect a belief that effective governance requires listening as much as directing.
This philosophy has been reinforced through clear directives to senior officials — ministers, governors and local administrators — to engage directly with citizens in their communities. The principle is explicit: public office is a responsibility grounded in service, not a position of privilege insulated from public scrutiny. Recent meetings between His Majesty and the leadership of the State Council further underscore this approach, particularly his emphasis on responsible public communication, accurate representation of societal concerns and the need for practical, evidence-based solutions to national challenges.
Another distinctive aspect of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s leadership is his attentiveness to public discourse. His engagement with traditional media and social platforms reflects an understanding that governance in the modern era cannot rely solely on filtered reports and institutional briefings. By remaining attentive to public sentiment as it is expressed openly, His Majesty ensures that decision-making remains informed by lived realities rather than mediated impressions. This approach strengthens trust, reduces the distance between ruler and citizen; and reinforces a culture of accountability.
After six years, the contours of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s leadership are increasingly clear. It is a leadership characterised by patience rather than haste, by institutions rather than personalities and by long-term national interest rather than short-term political gain. In a region often shaped by volatility, Oman’s experience under His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik offers a model of steady, principled governance — one that privileges wisdom over spectacle and responsibility over rhetoric.
(The article is translated from Arabic by Badr al Dhafari)