Celebrating a journey towards a resilient future

The landscape in the Sultanate of Oman during the second week of January reflects a blend of emotions, as jubilant people celebrate the Accession Day of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on January 11.
The legacy of the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, who shaped modern Oman, includes significant advancements in infrastructure, education, healthcare and culture, as well as his influence on regional geopolitics. His leadership was inclusive and characterised by a strong willingness to consider the needs and concerns of his team.
On his part, through new regulations, projects, and sustainability initiatives, His Majesty Sultan Haitham has honoured the legacy established by late Sultan Qaboos, and persists in guiding the nation proactively, offering his citizens the appropriate channels and platforms to collaborate with the government in achieving the goals outlined in Oman Vision 2040.
His Majesty Sultan Haitham has established a novel doctrine that focuses on wealth generation, enhancing educational standards, guaranteeing social security norms, advancing civil liberties, and fostering stronger relationships with neighbouring countries.
'The 11th of January represents a moment of pride and honour for every Omani and resident on this benevolent land, as well as an occasion to renew loyalty and gratitude to the leader of the march,' the Oman News Agency said in its report marking the sixth anniversary of His Majesty Sultan Haitham's accession to the throne.
Oman's steady progress under Oman Vision 2040 serves as a blueprint for transforming the country into a developed, self-reliant, and globally significant economy.
From virtual pathways to funding channels, the Oman Vision 2040 is reshaping the present to build a more resilient future. It represents the latest phase of strategic development that has defined modern Oman.
Under the astute guidance of His Majesty Sultan Haitham, the foreign policy of the Sultanate of Oman is founded on a clear set of steadfast principles that form the core of Omani diplomatic strategy.
Leading among these principles are respect for state sovereignty, non-intervention in domestic affairs, maintaining good relations with neighbouring countries, reinforcing the principles of peace and coexistence, and promoting dialogue and mutual understanding to resolve disagreements and disputes.
To further strengthen social stability, His Majesty issued several Royal orders, reaffirming his commitment to the prosperity and well-being of the Omani people. The state news agency stated, “These measures are part of a larger initiative to address critical social and economic issues, including employment, housing, education, and social welfare.”
His Majesty directed the allocation of RO 100 million to support Oman’s Social Housing Programme for 2026 and 2027, ensuring improved access to secure housing for eligible families.
In addition, issued directives for several Social Protection schemes that aim to directly benefit low-income families, raising the number receiving family income support to more than 57,000 families, while the total number of beneficiaries across all social protection programmes is expected to reach around 1.6 million in 2026.
The directives also include extending the Job Security Allowance payment period from six months to one year for eligible insured individuals, providing additional financial security for those facing employment transition.
In the education sector, more than 73,000 students will receive financial support throughout the two academic semesters. This support will be provided through the National Social Protection System of the Royal Oman Police, with funding doubled from the allocations of the Social Protection Fund.
Definitely, the Sultanate of Oman is a country that many others seek to emulate — whether in its commitment to sustainability in industry, food security, the environment, health, or education. Truth, justice, cooperation, peace, security, and similar values have established the nation as a dependable reliable for regionally and globally.