The Making of a Ruler: Haitham bin Tariq on the Omani Throne

Oman's leadership transition from Qaboos bin Sa‘id to Haitham bin Tariq validated Al Sa‘id authority in more ways than one. While the 15th Al Sa‘id sultan has only been in power for slightly more than four years, his initial governance preferences indicate that he will manage with poise. Haitham has developed a new doctrine that emphasizes wealth creation, acceleration of education levels, ensuring norms of social security, improving civil rights, and promoting closer ties with the sultanate's neighbors. In key speeches, he has promised to address core challenges and, over the course of four years, has ushered in laws that translate his pledges into actions. This preliminary assessment of Haitham evaluates his early decisions, appraises his declared priorities, and identifies his major preferences. It further highlights some of the internal as well as foreign challenges that confront Omanis. Given his measured and contemplative personality, Haitham has adopted pragmatic policies to preserve and defend Omani interests—not only to continue on his predecessor's path but to further validate long-term Al Sa‘id aspirations.