On 18th November 1940, the ancient city of Salalah whispered in the ears of close associates that a blessed birth had taken place in one of its noble houses. Oman had just received a child, his bright eyes shining with good omens, carrying the glorious future of the Sultanate in his hands. 

The birth was not at first widely reported in Oman; only close relatives and servants knew about it.However, the news soon spread throughout the country as poets came to congratulate Sultan Said bin Taimur on the arrival of his newly born son.The birth of Sultan Qaboos was perhaps the most significant contribution of his father’s reign – an invaluable gift for the entire nation.

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said (may Allah protect him!) was born in an era where such a great person was desperately needed.Sultan Said bin Taimur chose to give his son one of the oldest and almost unknown names, a name of that would be etched with honour and pride in the history of Oman and the world … Qaboos!

Salalah can be proud to be the birthplace of the great Sultan Qaboos. Among its kind people, young Qaboos began to learn how to read and write. His Majesty was brought up in Salalah and became a great, noble man who transformed the history of Oman. When he came to the throne he put an end to the country’s isolation and enabled it to communicate actively with other Arab and Muslim countries. A highly-skilled change leader, Sultan Qaboos spearheaded his country’s development, successfully combining Oman’s great history and heritage with modern methods, tools and technology.

Thanks to this great man’s selfless, tireless efforts, Oman now stands proudly with other nations on the world stage, and has become a well-respected member of the global community.

His Majesty is the 8th Sultan of Oman in the direct sequence of the Al Bou Saids, a family that was founded by Imam Ahmad bin Said in 1744 AD.