Key Achievements of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq
Sultan Haitham bin Tariq assumed the role of Sultan of Oman on January 11, 2020, following the passing of Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who ruled Oman for an extended period from 1970 until his death in 2020. Sultan Haitham is a member of the Al Said family, which has governed the country since the 18th century. His appointment came after taking the oath of office on January 23, which outlined several initiatives aimed at addressing the nation’s future challenges.
The Role of the Royal Family
Sultan Haitham bin Tariq appointed several family members to key positions, with the designation of his brother, Shihab bin Tariq, as Deputy Prime Minister for Defense Affairs being particularly significant. Shihab previously served as the commander of the Royal Omani Navy, equipping him with extensive knowledge of the Ministry of Defense. Additionally, Sultan Haitham appointed his brother, Asaad bin Tariq, as Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations, Cooperation, and Affairs, underscoring the royal family’s critical role in shaping Oman’s political landscape in the forthcoming years.
Updating Legislation
Sultan Haitham(bin Tariq has made several important executive appointments, including the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also chairs the Main Committee for Oman’s Vision 2040, which serves as a vital framework for the country’s future development. This vision aims to align Oman with international standards and agreements across social, economic, and cultural domains.
Labor Rights
With Oman’s accession to international agreements concerning economic, cultural, and social rights, along with other human rights conventions, the Sultan abolished the Foreign Residency Law. This change allows individuals to obtain a no-objection certificate for transitioning between jobs within the private sector.
Job Security Fund
The Sultan issued a royal directive to establish a Job Security Fund, which is to be developed under a specific system. He allocated $20 million for the initial funding of the fund, which will later be supported through contributions from private sector employers and workers.
Restructuring Governance and Decision-Making
Sultan Haitham bin Tariq established a dedicated office that operates directly under his leadership. This office serves as a link between the Council of Ministers and various government ministries, managing his daily agenda. It also documents all decisions presented to the Sultan and those he instructs to publish, particularly employment initiatives stemming from Oman’s Vision 2040. Furthermore, the Sultan mandated retirement for over 70% of government employees with more than 30 years of service.
Sultan Haitham bin Tariq’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Shortly after assuming power, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq confronted the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted global oil demand. In response to the resulting economic challenges, he opted to reduce government spending and sought innovative approaches to diversify the country’s revenue streams, including the introduction of taxes on high-income earners. This marked a milestone as it would be the first time such taxes were implemented in the Gulf region as of 2022.