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Home , Abdelaziz Djerad, Abdullah II of Jordan, Haitham bin Tariq, Mohammed VI of Morocco, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani

MONDAY | JANUARY 13, 2020 | JUMADA AL ULA 17, 1441 AH VOL. 39 NO. 60 | PAGES 32 | BAISAS 200 DAILY

Established 1981 Editor-in-chief : Abdullah bin Salim al Shueili WORLD LEADERS CONVEY CONDOLENCES HIS RECEIVES LEADERS, ROYAL FAMILY MEMBERS AND DIGNITARIES

MUSCAT: His Majesty Majesty the Sultan, the of Haitham bin Tareq bin Taimour expressed his heartfelt received at Al Alam Palace on Sunday condolences and sincere sympathy Shaikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jabir on the demise of His Majesty Sultan al Sabah, Emir of the sisterly State Qaboos. He prayed to the Almighty of , and his delegation who Allah to rest the deceased’s soul in arrived here to extend condolences peace and grant His Majesty Sultan on the death of His Majesty Haitham bin Tareq bin Taimour, Sultan Qaboos. the Royal family and the Omani During his meeting with His people patience. Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tareq bin Taimour, the Emir of Kuwait expressed : His Majesty the Sultan his heartfelt condolences and sincere received King Abdullah II of Jordan, sympathy. He prayed to the Almighty and his delegation who arrived here Allah to rest the deceased soul in to extend condolences on the death of peace and grant His Majesty Sultan His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. Haitham bin Tareq bin Taimour, The King of Jordan expressed his the Royal family and the Omani heartfelt condolences and sincere people patience. sympathy. He prayed to the Almighty On his turn, His Majesty the Allah to rest the soul of His Majesty Sultan expressed his sincere thanks Sultan Qaboos in peace and grant and appreciation to Shaikh Sabah His Majesty, the Royal family and the and his delegation for their sincere Omani people patience. condolences and sympathy. He prayed On his turn, His Majesty the to the Almighty Allah to protect Sultan expressed his sincere thanks Shaikh Sabah and the Kuwaiti people and appreciation to King Abdullah against all harms. II and his delegation for their sincere condolences and sympathy. : His Majesty the Sultan received Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad : His Majesty the Sultan al Thani, Emir of the sisterly State received President Abdrabbuh Mansur of Qatar, and his accompanying Hadi of the sisterly Republic of Yemen delegation, who arrived here to extend and his delegation who arrived here to condolences on the death of His extend condolences. Majesty Sultan Qaboos. During his meeting with His While meeting His Majesty Majesty the Sultan, the President Sultan Haitham bin Tareq bin of Yemen expressed his heartfelt Taimour, Shaikh Tamim expressed condolences and sincere sympathy. He his sincere condolences and prayed to the Almighty Allah to rest sympathy. He prayed to the Almighty the deceased in peace in paradise, and Allah to rest the deceased’s soul grant the Royal family and the Omani in peace and grant His Majesty, people patience. the Royal family and the Omani On his turn, His Majesty the Sultan people patience. expressed his sincere thanks to the President of Yemen and his delegation BAHRAIN: His Majesty also received for their sincere condolences and King Hamad bin Issa al Khalifa of the sympathies. He prayed to the Almighty sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain, and his Allah to protect the President of delegation who arrived here to extend Yemen and the Yemeni people against condolences. all harms. TURN TO P3 During his meeting with His His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tareq bin Taimour receives Shaikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jabir al Sabah, Emir of Kuwait, at Al Alam Palace, on Sunday.

His Majesty the Sultan with Shaikh , . His Majesty the Sultan with Charles. PHOTOS BY ONA, MOHAMED MUSTAFA AND MOHAMED AL RASHDI

An 8-page supplement on Condolences Queen extends Trump deeply Putin sends Condolences His Majesty Sultan Qaboos from Saudi King condolences condolences from with today’s edition saddened MONDAY | JANUARYJANUARY 13,13, 2020 | JUMADA AL ULA 17,17, 1441 AH OMANDAILYOMANDAILY

MAKER OF His Majesty Sultan Haitham His Majesty the Sultan received His Majesty the Sultan received His Majesty the Sultan has MODERN OMAN

bin Tareq bin Taimour has a cable of condolences from President of the a cable of condolences from received a cable of condolences SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT received a cable of condolences Queen Elizabeth II of the United said in a statement President of the from Emperor of Japan from the Custodian of the Two Kingdom of Great Britain and that he was “deeply saddened Russian Federation on the death on the death of His Majesty Holy Mosques King Salman Northern Ireland, Head of the about the death of His Majesty of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. Sultan Qaboos. In his cable, bin Abdulaziz al Saud of the Commonwealth, on the death of Sultan Qaboos”. In his cable, President Putin Emperor Naruhito expressed Kingdom of , on His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. President Trump hailed His expressed his sincere condolences his heartfelt condolences and the death of His Majesty Sultan Queen Elizabeth II expressed Majesty Sultan Qaboos as a “real and deep sympathy to His sincere sympathy to His Majesty Qaboos. her heartfelt sympathies to His partner and friend of the United Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tareq the Sultan and the Omani In his cable, King Salman Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tareq States of America.” bin Taimour, the Royal Family people. said that he received the news bin Taimour. She said she was Trump added that His and the Omani people on this He also underscored his of the demise of His Majesty deeply saddened to hear the news Majesty Sultan Qaboos “brought immense loss. He underscored meeting with His Majesty Sultan Sultan Qaboos with deep grief of the death of HM Sultan Qaboos, peace and prosperity to his the great contributions of the Qaboos during his visit to the

SAMUEL KUTTY country”, noting that His Majesty state while its citizens and residents self-sustaining growth and interaction Shortly after the performance. enjoy a better life. with the outside world. adopted the 2030 Agenda for Promoting the role of the and sorrow. He prayed to the who, she added was inspiring late Sultan Qaboos in enhancing Sultanate in 1994, and the warm Since the day of blessed renaissance Prudent utilisation of oil revenues In 1995, the economic future Sustainable Development in private sector is one of the main when His Majesty Sultan Qaboos took to develop social and physical vision Oman 2020 was developed, September 2015, the Sultanate pillars of the 9th Plan. An array of to office, a glorious chapter opened in infrastructure — with substantial setting out a clear and well-defined Through the devised the 9th Five-Year Plan (2016- policies, programmes and trends the . This has been investments undertaken in health, path towards the 21st century under implementation of a 2020) which underscores Oman’s have been brought into effect, an era marked with development, transportation, electric power, water which the Omani economy can shift determination to keep pace with including enhancing the business Sultan Qaboos worked with nine progress and prosperity in all fields. supply and communications — from an economy that depends on succession of national evolving international development environment and investment Almighty Allah to rest his soul to his people and dedicated to the friendship between the two welcome extended to him Forty-nine years have passed contributed to a rapid transformation government initiative and spending, development plans, instruments, particularly the climate, improving Oman’s ranking and the person who set the wheel of Oman’s economic foundation and oil resources, and an expatriate we have successfully 2030 Agenda for Sustainable in international indices, promoting of development rolling has now structure. workforce as the main drivers of Development. investment between the public returned to the soil of the country The government of Oman economic activities, to an economy completed laying The principal aim of the plan is to and private sectors, and activating that he reshaped with his blood and pursued a clear socio-economic path that relies on private initiatives, a the foundations of deliver a shift away from an economy the privatisation programme and different American presidents. sweat, for his final rest. articulated in consecutive five-year national workforce, and renewable that depends on a sole main development schemes for small and a modern state and in peace. developing his country. countries. during the visit. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, whose development plans that revolved resources in order to achieve resource, i.e. oil, towards a diversified medium enterprises. name is synonymous with modern around fundamental long-term sustainable development. will continue to build economy to which various promising The 10th Five-Year Plan is the Oman, has led the country to glory objectives, most prominent of which First announced in 1995, Oman on this achievement; sectors are contributing, with a view first implementation plan of Oman since July 23, 1970. “I promise to are the creation of new sources of Vision 2020 is an ambitious plan improving living to minimising the consequences Vision 2040, and will determine the proceed forth with in the process national income. designed to steer the Sultanate of external shocks resulting from priority aims that the country will of creating a modern government. Also included in the development towards a more sustainable and standards and oil price fluctuations in the global be working on during the next five My first act will be the immediate planshavebeenfocusonhuman diversified economy by using oil implementing markets yearsOneofthemostimportant OMANDAILY 2 MONDAY l JANUARY 13 l 2020 HIS MAJESTY RECEIVES LEADERS, ROYAL FAMILY MEMBERS AND DIGNITARIES

His Majesty the Sultan receives King Hamad bin Issa al Khalifa of Bahrain His Majesty the Sultan with President of the Republic of His Majesty the Sultan with King Willem-Alexander of the

His Majesty the Sultan with President of Yemen His Majesty the Sultan with King Abdullah II of Jordan His Majesty receives Ismail Omar Guelleh of the Republic of

His Majesty with President Mahmud Abbas of the State of His Majesty receives of Abu Dhabi His Majesty receives Ruler of Fujairah

His Majesty receives Ruler of Sharjah His Majesty receives Boris Johnson, British Prime Minister His Majesty receives member of Sovereignty Council

His Majesty receives Prime Minister His Majesty receives Iranian Foreign Minister His Majesty receives Nicolas Sarkozy OMANDAILY MONDAY l JANUARY 13 l 2020 3

His Majesty receives British Defence Secretary, Chief of Defence Staff. His Majesty receives Movement. His Majesty receives Algerian Premier.

His Majesty receives Iraqi Deputy Premier. His Majesty receives King of Tooro. His Majesty receives Vice President of Turkey. WORLD LEADERS CONVEY CONDOLENCES

FROM PAGE 1 and sympathy on this immense loss. British Prime Minister. of Sudan, government and the to the Almighty Allah to rest the On his turn, His Majesty the The British Prime Minister brotherly people of Sudan to His deceased’s soul in peace, and grant TOORO KINGDOM: His TUNISIA: His Majesty received Sultan expressed his sincere thanks expressed his sincere condolences Majesty, the Royal family and the His Majesty, the Royal family and Majesty the Sultan received King President Kais Saied of the sisterly and appreciation to King Alexander and sympathy to His Majesty, the Omani people on the demise of His the Omani people patience. Oyo Nyimba Kabamba of Tooro Republic of Tunisia and his and his accompanying delegation Royal family and the Omani people Majesty Sultan Qaboos. He prayed Kingdom, Envoy of President delegation who arrived here to for their heartfelt condolences on the demise of His Majesty Sultan to the Almighty Allah to rest the : His Majesty the Sultan Yoweri Museveni of the Republic of extend condolences. and sincere sympathy, praying to Qaboos. deceased’s soul in peace, and grant received , Prime Uganda. During his meeting with His the Almighty Allah to protect the On his turn, His Majesty His Majesty, the Royal family and Minister of Algeria. The King of Tooro conveyed Majesty the Sultan, President Saied King of the Netherlands and Dutch the Sultan thanked the British the Omani people patience. The Algerian Premier conveyed condolences of the President of expressed his sincere condolences people against all harms. Prime Minister for his heartfelt On his turn, His Majesty the condolences and President Uganda to His Majesty, the Royal and sympathy, praying to the condolences and sincere sympathy Sultan expressed his sincere thanks of Algeria, family and the Omani people on Almighty Allah to rest the deceased’s DJIBOUTI: His Majesty received on this immense loss. and appreciation to Hassan Idris, his government and the brotherly the death of the His Majesty Sultan soul in peace in paradise, and grant Ismail Omar Guelleh of the Republic Sudan, its government and people people of Algeria to His Majesty, Qaboos. He prayed to the Almighty His Majesty, the Royal family and of Djibouti, and his delegation who : His Majesty received Fuad for their heartfelt condolences and the Royal family and the Omani Allah to rest the deceased’s soul in the Omani people patience. arrived here to extend condolences Mohammed , Iraqi Deputy sympathy on this immense loss, and people on the demise of His Majesty peace, and grant His Majesty, the On his turn, His Majesty on the death of His Majesty Sultan Prime Minister, Envoy of President protect all against all harms. Sultan Qaboos. He prayed to the Royal family and the Omani people the Sultan expressed his thanks Qaboos. of the Republic of Almighty Allah to rest the soul of patience. to President Saied and his During his meeting with His Iraq. FUJAIRAH: His Majesty the the His Majesty Sultan Qaboos in On his turn, His Majesty the accompanying delegation for their Majesty the Sultan, the President The Deputy Prime Minister of Sultan received Shaikh Hamad bin peace, and grant His Majesty, the Sultan expressed his sincere thanks sincere condolences and sympathy, of Djibouti expressed his sincere Iraq conveyed condolences and Mohammed al Sharqi, Member of Royal family and the Omani people and appreciation for the Ugandan praying to the Almighty Allah to thanks and sympathy. He prayed sympathy of the President of Iraq to the Supreme Council of the United patience. President’s sincere condolences and protect President Saied and the to the Almighty Allah to rest the His Majesty, the Royal family and Arab Emirates (UAE), Ruler of sympathy on this immense loss. Tunisian people against all harms. soul of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos the Omani people on the death Fujairah, and his delegation, who IRAN: His Majesty the Sultan in peace in paradise, and grant His of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. He arrived here to extend condolences. received Dr Mohammad Javad : His Majesty PALESTINE: His Majesty the Sultan Majesty, the Royal family and the prayed to the Almighty Allah to While meeting with His Majesty Zarif, Foreign Minister of the received Ben Wallace, Secretary received President Mahmud Abbas Omani people patience. rest the soul of His Majesty Sultan the Sultan, Shaikh al Sharqi Islamic Republic of Iran, and his of State for Defence and Gen of the , Chairman Qaboos in peace, and grant His expressed his sincere condolences accompanying delegation. Sir Nicholas Carter, Chief of the of the Executive Committee of the UAE: His Majesty the Sultan Majesty and the Omani people and sympathy, praying to the The Iranian Foreign Minister Defence Staff (CDS) in the United Palestine Liberation Organization received Shaikh Mohammed bin patience. Almighty Allah to rest the soul of conveyed condolences and Kingdom and their accompanying and his delegation who arrived here Zayed al Nahyan, Heir Apparent On his turn, His Majesty the His Majesty Sultan Qaboos in peace sympathy of the Iranian President to delegations. to extend condolences on the demise of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Sultan expressed his sincere in paradise, and grant His Majesty, His Majesty and the Royal family on During the meeting, the two of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. Commander of Armed Force of the thanks and appreciation to the the Royal family and the Omani the death of the His Majesty Sultan guests expressed their sincere During his meeting with His sisterly , and Iraqi President for his heartfelt people patience. Qaboos. He prayed to the Almighty condolences and sympathies to His Majesty the Sultan, President Abbas his delegation who arrived here to condolences and sympathy on this Allah to rest the deceased’s sould in Majesty the Sultan, the Royal family expressed his sincere condolences extend condolences on the death of immense loss. SHARJAH: His Majesty the Sultan peace, and grant His Majesty, the and the Omani people on the death and sympathy. He prayed to the His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. received Shaikh Dr Sultan bin Royal family and the Omani people of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. Almighty Allah to rest the soul During his meeting with PRINCE CHARLES: His Majesty Mohammed al Qasimi, Member patience. On his turn, His Majesty the of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos in His Majesty the Sultan, Shaikh received Prince Charles of Wales. of the Supreme Council of the On his turn, His Majesty the Sultan thanked the British guests peace, and grant His Majesty, the Mohammed bin Zayed conveyed During the meeting, Prince Charles United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sultan expressed his sincere for their sincere condolences and Royal family and the Omani people condolences and sympathy of the expressed his sincere condolences Ruler of Sharjah, and his delegation, thanks and appreciation to the sympathies. patience. President of the sisterly UAE and and sympathy to His Majesty, the who arrived here to extend Iranian President for the sincere His Majesty the Sultan expressed his sympathies on the death of Royal family and the Omani people condolences. condolences and sympathy on this ROYAL FAMILY: His Majesty the his sincere thanks and appreciation His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. He on the death of His Majesty Sultan While meeting with His Majesty immense loss. Sultan received mourners on the to the Palestinian President and prayed to the Almighty Allah to Qaboos. He prayed to the Almighty the Sultan, Shaikh Al Qasimi death of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. his delegation for their heartfelt rest the deceased’s soul in peace in Allah to rest the deceased’s soul expressed his sincere condolences SARKOZY: His Majesty Sultan His Majesty received condolences and sincere sympathies paradise, and grant His Majesty, the in peace, and grant His Majesty, and sympathy. He prayed to the bin Taimour mourners from the Royal family on this immense loss. He prayed Royal family and the Omani people the Royal family and the Omani Almighty Allah to rest the deceased’s received Nicolas Sarkozy, former members, ministers, advisers, to the Almighty Allah to protect patience. people patience. soul in peace in paradise, and grant French President. under-secretaries, members of President Abbas and the brotherly His Majesty the Sultan expressed On his turn, His Majesty the His Majesty, the Royal family and The former French President the State Council, members of people of Palestine against all harms. his sincere thanks to Shaikh Khalifa Sultan thanked Prince Charles the Omani people patience. expressed his sincere condolences Majlis Ash’shura and military bin Zayed al Nahyan, President of for his sincere condolences and and sympathy to His Majesty, commanders. NETHERLANDS: His Majesty the UAE, Shaikh Mohammed bin sympathy on this immense loss. TURKEY: His Majesty the Sultan the Royal family and the Omani His Majesty the Sultan also the Sultan received King Willem- Zayed and his delegation for their He prayed to the Almighty Allah to received Fuat Oktay, Vice President people on the death of His Majesty received members of the diplomatic Alexander of the Kingdom of the sincere condolences and sympathies. rest the deceased’s soul in peace in of Turkey, Envoy of President Recep Sultan Qaboos. He prayed to the and consular corps accredited to the Netherlands and his delegation, who He prayed to the Almighty Allah paradise and protect all against all Tayyip Erdogan of the Republic of Almighty Allah to rest the deceased’s Sultanates, , dignitaries, civil arrived here to extend condolences to protect Shaikh Khalifa and the harms. Turkey. soul in peace, and grant His Majesty, and military senior officials and on the death of His Majesty Sultan brotherly UAE people against all SUDAN: His Majesty received The Turkish Envoy conveyed the Royal family and the Omani citizens. Qaboos. harms. Hassan Mohammed Idris, Member condolences and sympathy of the people patience. The condolences’ conveying While meeting with His Majesty of Sudan Sovereignty Council. Turkish President to His Majesty His Majesty the Sultan thanked ceremony was attended along with the Sultan, King Alexander BORIS JOHNSON: His Majesty The guest conveyed condolences and the Royal family on the death of the former French President for his His Majesty by members of the expressed his sincere condolences the Sultan received Boris Johnson, and sympathy of the leadership His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, praying sincere condolences and sympathy. Royal family. — ONA OMANDAILY 14 MONDAY l JANUARY 13 l 2020

Tributes pour in

MUSCAT: Condolences on the death of His His Majesty Sultan Qaboos was a true partner VI of the Kingdom of on the death of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos continued to pour in and friend to the United States, working with Majesty Sultan Qaboos. from leaders around the world. nine different American presidents,” Trump said. In his cable, King Felipe VI expressed his deep sadness, sincere condolences and sympathy and UK Queen: Ardently dedicated Russian President: Underscores that of the government and the friendly people of Spain to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, the Royal to developing his country personal contributions family and the Omani people on this immense His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tareq bin His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tareq loss. He hailed the distinguished relations binding Taimour al Said received a cable of condolences received a cable of condolences from President the two friendly countries. from Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation on the of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Head of death of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. Sultan of Darussalam: the Commonwealth, on the death of His Majesty In his cable, President Putin expressed his Sultan Qaboos. sincere condolences and deep sympathy to His Example of sincerity Queen Elizabeth II expressed her heartfelt Majesty Sultan Qaboos, the Royal family and the His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tareq has sympathies to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. She Omani people on this immense loss. He praised the received a cable of condolences from Sultan Haji said she was deeply saddened to hear the news ruling period of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos and of Brunei Darussalam on the of the death of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, who, the social and economic development witnessed in death of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. she added was loyal to the Sultanate, inspiring to the Sultanate during his era. He underscored the In his cable, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos his people and ardently dedicated to developing great personal contributions of His Majesty Sultan of Brunei Darussalam expressed his sincere his country. She underscored the prudent Qaboos in enhancing the friendship relations condolences on this immense loss. He pointed out leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos and between the two countries. that His Majesty Sultan Qaboos was an example of his commitment to peace and understanding sincerity and hard work that have transformed the between nations and religions. She voiced President of : Sultanate into a civilised country. He affirmed that gratitude to all that the great leader has done for the Sultanate would continue the path of progress the sake of fostering ties of friendship between Heartfelt condolences and prosperity in light of his wise leadership. He the two friendly countries. She hoped that the His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tareq has also valued the bilateral relations binding the two deep-rooted historical relations between the two received a cable of condolences from President countries and the importance of strengthening countries will continue to grow and prosper. of the Union of the Comoros them in the upcoming years. He prayed to the on the death of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. Almighty Allah to rest the deceased in peace in Trump remembers: ‘Friend to all’ In his cable, President Assoumani expressed paradise along with martyrs and the faithful. his heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathy US President Donald Trump expressed his and that of the government and people of the King Mohammed VI of : condolences over the death of His Majesty Sultan Comoros. He prayed to the Almighty Allah to rest Qaboos, calling him a friend to America who the deceased soul in peace in paradise along with Active role in building bridges worked for peace in the . martyrs and the faithful, and grant the King Mohammed VI of Morocco said in a “As the longest-serving leader in the Middle of the country and the Omani people patience. statement that “The Sultanate of Oman and the East, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos brought peace lost a great, wise leader who has and prosperity to his country and was a friend to King of Spain: Values established a comprehensive renaissance in his all,” Trump said in a statement. country. This renaissance qualified him to play “His unprecedented efforts to engage in distinguished relations an active role in building bridges of Arab and dialogue and achieve peace in the region showed His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tareq has Islamic solidarity and reinforcing dialogue, peace us the importance of listening to all viewpoints. received a cable of condolences from King Felipe and moderation.” ESTABLISHED 15 NOVEMBER 1981 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Abdullah bin Salim al Shueili

India declares state of mourning today HEAD OFFICE ADVERTISING Tel: 24649444, 24649450, AL OMANEYA ADVERTISING & PUBLIC RELATIONS, P.O. Box 3303, NEW DELHI: As a mark of respect to His Elysee Palace, issued a statement in which it Qaboos was able to rise to the expectations of 24649451, 24604563, 24699437 P.C. 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman Majesty Sultan Qaboos the Government of mourned His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. his people. He was a man of peace. He worked Fax: 24699643 Tel: SWITCHBOARD: 24649444 DIRECT: has declared one day’s State mourning The statement reads as follows: “His tirelessly for resolving regional disputes OFFICE 24649430/24649437/24649401 on January 13, 2020, throughout India. Majesty Sultan Qaboos was well-known for and alleviating tensions. He never stopped Fax: 24649434 Tel: The National Flag will be flown at half- developing and modernising his country promoting principles of reconciliation and 23292633 Fax: DISTRIBUTION AGENT mast throughout India, including at Indian while at the same time respecting its traditions mutual tolerance”. 23293909 missions/posts abroad and there will be no and values. The President of the French Republic NIZWA OFFICE Al OMANEYA for Distribution & Marketing, P.O. Box 974, P.C. 100, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman official entertainment on the day. “The Omani people lost a high-spirited, extends to the family of Sultan Qaboos and Tel: 25411099 Tel: 24649351/24649360 cultural conscious man, who is also deeply to the Omani authorities and Omani people P.O. Box 955, P.C. 611 Fax: 24649379 French Elysee mourns linked to his Omani roots at the same time his deep sympathies and reaffirms his own open to the world, particularly , which friendship and the friendship of the French Website: omanobserver.om e-mail: [email protected] HM Sultan Qaboos he knew very well. people to the Omani people.” : The French Presidency Office, the “In times of troubles, His Majesty Sultan — ONA PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY: Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising P.O. Box 974, Postal Code 100, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman [email protected] OMANDAILY MONDAY l JANUARY 13 l 2020 15 Global leaders pay respects

MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Haitham peoples. political settlements in the Middle East. His bin Tareq bin Taimour received a cable of He prayed to the Almighty Allah to have opinions are highly heeded in the region.” condolences from the Custodian of the Two mercy on the deceased’s soul and grant His Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tareq bin Taimour Former US President: al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on and the Omani people patience to bear the loss. the death of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, as He wished His Majesty Sultan Haitham good Strong ally of US condolences continue to pour in from leaders health and success in shouldering his national Former US President George Bush said in a around the world. responsibility of serving the prosperity of the mourning statement that “His Majesty Sultan Sultanate and its people. Qaboos was a solid power in the Middle East Saudi King: Hope the march of and a strong ally of the United States. His Turkish President: Important Majesty Sultan Qaboos had a vision for Oman progress will continue to grow to be a modern and prosperous country and he personality in the region wanted to have this vision to become a reality.” In his cable, King Salman said that he received Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also the news of the demise of His Majesty Sultan mourned His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, who, he Chairman of Libyan Presidential Qaboos with deep grief and sorrow. He prayed said, exerted tremendous efforts for promoting to the Almighty Allah to rest his soul in peace in the growth and development of the Sultanate. Council: Oasis of peace paradise and grant His Majesty Sultan Haitham Erdogan described His Majesty Sultan Qaboos His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tareq received fortitude to bear the loss. as an “important personality in the politics of a cable of condolences from Fayez Mustafa al King Salman also expressed his greetings the region”. Sarraj, Chairman of the Presidential Council of and best wishes to His Majesty Sultan Haitham & EU: and Prime Minister of the Government bin Tareq bin Taimour on the occasion of of National Accord of Libya, on the death of His his assumption to power in the Sultanate. He Shared vision for peace Majesty Sultan Qaboos. prayed to the Almighty Allah to grant His The European Commission and the European Al Sarraj extended his sympathies to the Majesty Sultan Haitham good health and Union mourned His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, Royal family and Omani people, praying to the success in continuing the march of the late sending a joint statement in which they Almighty Allah to rest the soul of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. said, “The Sultanate, under the leadership Sultan Qaboos in peace. King Salman hoped the Sultanate’s march of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, undertook He reiterated the noble stands of His Majesty will continue to grow and prosper under the underscored his meeting with late His Majesty people. unprecedented reforms that resulted in Sultan Qaboos on various issues of concern to leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham. Sultan Qaboos during his visit to the Sultanate President Aoun said that the late His Majesty improving the living standards of Omani the Arab and Islamic nations and to the world He said he looks forward to working with His in 1994 and the warm welcome extended to Sultan Qaboos had served his country for a people. His vision has introduced a foreign at large, noting that those stands reflected in the Majesty Sultan Haitham. him during the visit. half century. He described His Majesty Sultan policy that placed the Sultanate in a domain of continuation of Oman’s support for peace and Qaboos as “a brother and a friend of closest partners of Europe, right from the midst non-interference in the internal affairs of other Emperor of Japan: Fondly President Aoun: A man of at all stages and during difficult conditions of a region deeply immersed in conflicts and countries. witnessed by the country.” rising tensions.” Al Sarraj hailed His Majesty Sultan Qaboos’ remembers meeting dialogue, wisdom and peace He said that His Majesty Sultan Qaboos reign which, he said, transformed the Sultanate supported Lebanon’s legitimate cause and German President: into an oasis of peace and enabled the country His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tareq bin His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tareq bin backed the country’s stability, security and to play a major role in rapprochement among Taimour has received a cable of condolences Taimour received a cable of condolences aspirations of its people. Loss of a good friend citizens of countries and in resolving intra-Arab from Emperor Naruhito of Japan on the death from President of the Lebanese President Aoun pointed out that, upon German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier issues. of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. Republic on the death of His Majesty Sultan the demise of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, the said that the “death of His Majesty Sultan He lauded the Sultanate’s support in In his cable, Emperor Naruhito expressed Qaboos. Arab world lost “a man of dialogue, wisdom Qaboos means the loss of a good friend of resolving the Libyan issue, hoping that his heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathy President Aoun extended his heartfelt and peace”, a man who worked to cement Arab .” His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tareq bin to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tareq sympathies, along with the condolences of the solidarity and enhance its power in the face He added that His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Taimour will be the best successor for the best bin Taimour and the Omani people. He also brotherly people of Lebanon, to the Omani impending challenges threatening its states and “was a patronage of understanding and peaceful predecessor. — ONA OMANDAILY 16 MONDAY l JANUARY 13 l 2020 HM receives Royal family members, ministers

MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tareq bin Taimour received mourners on the death of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. His Majesty received mourners from the Royal family members, ministers, advisers, under-secretaries, honourable members of the State Council, members of Majlis Ash’shura and military commanders. His Majesty the Sultan also received members of the diplomatic and consular corps accredited to the Sultanates, shaikhs, dignitaries, civil and military senior officials and citizens. — ONA OMANDAILY MONDAY l JANUARY 13 l 2020 21 ‘World has lost a great leader’ GLOBAL MEDIA GIVES PROMINENT COVERAGE TO HIS MAJESTY SULTAN QABOOS

any international lanes, to become a discreet but essential agree with someone.” The article goes on to say “With his death, in 2015. At home, Qaboos gave women the newspapers and diplomatic player. An article published in the CNN website the region loses a trusted and seasoned leader. vote in the early 1990s and enabled them to media platforms published an obituary said: “The US Embassy in the capital of Omanis took to social media to mourn stand for public office, unprecedented moves published reviews reading: Sultan Qaboos Ruler of Oman for Muscat said it’s “deeply saddened” by Qaboos’ the death of a ruler who had made regular for the Gulf. about the late His nearly 50 years who transformed his country death. tours of the nation to speak to citizens, “This impressive feat was done without Majesty Sultan into a prosperous modern state. “We have lost one of the world’s great often driving his own four-wheel drive in the antagonizing other nations,” said Gary Qaboos,M may God have mercy on his soul. Over the course of nearly five decades, His leaders — a visionary responsible for Oman’s convoys.” Grappo, a former US ambassador to the They highlighted how the late Sultan managed Majesty Sultan Qaboos, who has died aged prosperity and progress for the last half “The first words I heard from my weeping country. “His Sultanate rightly became known 50 years of his reign to transform Oman into a 79, transformed Oman into a prosperous, century,” the embassy’s tweet read. “His mother after news of the great Sultan Qaboos’ as an island of stability in a very troubled modern developed state. modern and unified state fully engaged in the steadfast leadership embodied his sincerity, death was: The father of orphans, of the poor, region,” Bloomberg said. Ben Hubbard, Chief for The New York Arab region and the wider world, the article his generosity, his tolerance, and his deep love of the downtrodden, of all of us, has died,” published an Times Beirut Bureau wrote an article titled said. for his country. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos user Abdullah bin Hamad al Harthi obituary under the heading ‘Sultan Qaboos, ‘Sultan Qaboos, Who Built Oman Into a Clinics, hospitals, schools and a sports will be missed not only by the people of wrote. “Our minds cannot comprehend his who transformed Oman into a regional Prosperous Oasis of Peacemaking, Dies at 79’ arena, invariably named after the Omani Oman, but also by his friends and admirers absence,” another Twitter user who gave her power broker, dies at 79’. with a subtitle reading: ‘The longest-serving ruler, almost entirely absent before 1970 are the world over, including in the United States.” name as Sheikha said. The article goes on to say that the late Arab ruler, Qaboos pulled his nation from now commonplace across the kingdom. The article reads: “The late Sultan Qaboos Bloomberg News said: Sultan Qaboos His Majesty Sultan Qaboos shunned the poverty and brokered quiet talks between Jon Gambrell wrote an article in Time was seen as a modernizing leader who played bin Said, the Omani leader who turned an skyscrapers and extravagances of nearby global foes’. under the heading ‘His Majesty Sultan a key role in diplomacy and mediation in isolated Middle Eastern country torn by civil Dubai and Abu Dhabi, stressing that Muscat The article said that His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, Who Modernized Oman, Dies at 79’ the Middle East. During his reign, Qaboos war into a stable oil exporter, has died at age and other cities should generally retain their Qaboos’ decades as a monarch who used oil Under his reign, Oman became known encouraged the greater involvement of 79. traditional character and architecture as wealth to pull his country from poverty made as a welcoming tourist destination and a key women in roles in politics, business and sport, Qaboos set himself apart from his peers in much as possible, even as five-star resorts and him a towering figure at home, with roads, Mideast interlocutor, helping the US free after allowing them to enter the workforce in the Gulf with an unorthodox regional policy. international brands moved in. ports, universities, sports stadiums and other captives in Iran and Yemen the 1990s.” During his rule, Oman instead often served “The sun has risen on our country, and we facilities bearing his name. Internationally, as In an interview with a Kuwaiti newspaper The Middle East Monitorpublished an as a neutral mediator in the region, earning it will regain our previous fame and strength the longest-serving leader in the Arab world, in 2008, late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos said, article under the heading ‘Oman’s Sultan a “Switzerland of the Middle East”. It hosted and become a country worthy of respect and he used Oman’s place in a turbulent region, “We do not have any conflicts and we do not Qaboos dies; cousin Haitham named discussions between the US and Iran that appreciation,” the late Sultan was quoted as next to one of the world’s busiest shipping put fuel on the fire when our opinion does not successor’. paved the way for the landmark nuclear deal saying, the article said. OMANDAILY 22 MONDAY l JANUARY 13 l 2020

‘WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR THOUGHTS, WE ALL MISS HIM’

MUSCAT: Condolences continue to pour for Our condolences and sympathy go to the Qaboos to Oman and its people. “This is — what is best in a ruler, a benevolent late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos on Sunday as people and Government of Oman, Said Dr possible only because His Majesty sets up a leader, a visionary, a disciplined chief with the country marked the first day of official M Shahid A Khan of International Human role model to government and to Omanis in the total dedication and determination mourning on Sunday. Rights Commission. general. Having come to Oman as a locum for the improvement of Oman “Very sad and my condolences are with “I couldn’t meet him or catch a glimpse surgeon in 1971, I became an Omani Citizen and its people and a peacemaker to the entire the people of Oman at this tragic moment. of his ever in life, but, my pain is no less than and got the wonderful opportunity to witness world. Sultan Qaboos will always be in our thoughts the pain his family n near n dear ones would the tremendous changes to uplift Oman to its His demise is a great loss to the Sultanate, we all miss him,” said an emotional message be going through today. I stand with Oman present stage by the guidance and leadership Middle East region and the world at large received at the Observer. today on this day of grief and sorrow,” said of His Majesty. and may his soul rest in peace. We wish “The sad demise of His Majesty Sultan Dr Nandita. “With a group of dedicated people and pray that the spirit of Renaissance will Qaboos marks the end of an era. A visionary, Congratulations to the people of Oman comprising of Omanis and expatriates in be continued with prosperity and peace statesman and nation builder the likes of His on this smooth transition. May Allah bless the different ministries under His Majesty’s in Oman under the wise leadership of his Majesty walk this earth seldom. It’s difficult the soul of Sultan Qaboos, a pragmatist government, the picture of Oman started successor His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin to come to terms with this loss,” said a senior and wise leader, who developed his country changing rapidly in all fields under the many Tareq bin Taimour.” journalist based in Oman. while at the same time shielding it from the five-year plans.” Dr Saida Khalilova, SQU Associate He was a great King and such people are regional tensions and conflagrations,” said an He added, “The regular yearly program Professor in piano, also expressed alive in history always. Rest him in peace, expatriate. Chona Thomas, senior consultant of His Majesty’s ‘Meet the People Tour,’ used condolences to the Omani nation and its I really can say the Omani people are very plastic surgeon and former head of plastic to get first-hand information regarding people. “It is most definitely a great loss kind,” said another message. surgery service in Oman, says the spectacular the different wilayats of the country of such an impeccable leader. One of the “On behalf of the International transformation of Oman as a primitive and the people and their problems, and greatest to have ever walked on the earth and Human Rights Commission. I am country in the early 70s to a modern country formulated and implemented policies for his vision and foresight led the country all deeply saddened to learn the death of with all excellent facilities for a civilised the improvement and development of that these years. I wish patience and fortitude to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. The region living within a short time in the history is the region. everyone as we are led under a new Sultan. lost a great statesman and peacemaker. greatest contribution of His Majesty Sultan His Majesty proved to be an amalgam Ameen.” OMANDAILY MONDAY l JANUARY 13 l 2020 23

CITIZENS, RESIDENTS PAY HOMAGE

MUSCAT: Hundreds of citizens and residents poured into the offices of walis and governors in all governorates of the Sultanate since early Sunday morning to offer their condolences and sympathy on the passing away of the His Majesty Sultan Qaboos whose untimely death on Friday left everyone in a state of shock. Unified in grief, mourners expressed their sadness over the departure of their beloved Sultan. They prayed to Allah Almighty to rest his soul in peace and mentioned some of the late Sultan’s countless goodness achievements he made since he came to power in 1970. They all agreed that the death of Sultan Qaboos is a great loss to Oman and the world as well. They declared their allegiance and loyalty to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tareq bin Taimour who is poised to carry on with the development march initiated by the His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. — ONA Mourners express grief at the Royal family graveyard

addened by the passing of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, may Allah Almighty have mercy on Shis soul, citizens gathered by the Royal family graveyard in Muscat, on Sunday. They prayed to Allah Almighty to rest his soul in peace and enter him into His paradise. Grief, sorrow and serenity prevailed over the place with everyone praying silently for the loved His Majesty Sultan Qaboos whose death on Friday sent shock waves across the width and breadth of the Sultanate. Most of the mourners were born during his prosperous reign and grew up under the welfare initiated by the Father of the Nation as many love to call their beloved Sultan Qaboos. (Photos by Salih al Sharji and Mohammed Mahjoub) MONDAYMONDAY | JANUARY 13,13, 2020 | JUMADA AL ULA 17,17, 1441 AH OMANDAILYOMANDAILY

MAKER OF MODERN OMAN

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

SAMUEL KUTTY state while its citizens and residents self-sustaining growth and interaction Shortly after the United Nations performance. enjoy a better life. with the outside world. adopted the 2030 Agenda for Promoting the role of the Since the day of blessed renaissance Prudent utilisation of oil revenues In 1995, the economic future Sustainable Development in private sector is one of the main when His Majesty Sultan Qaboos took to develop social and physical vision Oman 2020 was developed, September 2015, the Sultanate pillars of the 9th Plan. An array of to office, a glorious chapter opened in infrastructure — with substantial setting out a clear and well-defined Through the devised the 9th Five-Year Plan (2016- policies, programmes and trends the history of Oman. This has been investments undertaken in health, path towards the 21st century under implementation of a 2020) which underscores Oman’s have been brought into effect, an era marked with development, transportation, electric power, water which the Omani economy can shift determination to keep pace with including enhancing the business progress and prosperity in all fields. supply and communications — from an economy that depends on succession of national evolving international development environment and investment Forty-nine years have passed contributed to a rapid transformation government initiative and spending, development plans, instruments, particularly the climate, improving Oman’s ranking and the person who set the wheel of Oman’s economic foundation and oil resources, and an expatriate we have successfully 2030 Agenda for Sustainable in international indices, promoting of development rolling has now structure. workforce as the main drivers of Development. investment between the public returned to the soil of the country The government of Oman economic activities, to an economy completed laying The principal aim of the plan is to and private sectors, and activating that he reshaped with his blood and pursued a clear socio-economic path that relies on private initiatives, a the foundations of deliver a shift away from an economy the privatisation programme and sweat, for his final rest. articulated in consecutive five-year national workforce, and renewable a modern state and that depends on a sole main development schemes for small and His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, whose development plans that revolved resources in order to achieve resource, i.e. oil, towards a diversified medium enterprises. name is synonymous with modern around fundamental long-term sustainable development. will continue to build economy to which various promising The 10th Five-Year Plan is the Oman, has led the country to glory objectives, most prominent of which First announced in 1995, Oman on this achievement; sectors are contributing, with a view first implementation plan of Oman since July 23, 1970. “I promise to are the creation of new sources of Vision 2020 is an ambitious plan improving living to minimising the consequences Vision 2040, and will determine the proceed forth with in the process national income. designed to steer the Sultanate of external shocks resulting from priority aims that the country will of creating a modern government. Also included in the development towards a more sustainable and standards and oil price fluctuations in the global be working on during the next five My first act will be the immediate plans have been focus on human diversified economy by using oil implementing markets. years. One of the most important abolition of all the unnecessary resources to enable them to fully revenues to boost investments in programmes which During the last four years of the features of the methodology of restrictions on your lives and assume their role in advancing the health, education and social services, 9th Plan, Oman made significant setting the 10th Five-Year Plan is activities. My people, I will proceed national economy, the continuous better train citizens, and raise living aim to boost economic progress towards the Sustainable the first phase of implementation for as quickly as possible to transform building of the components of a free standards across the board. growth through the Development Goals (SDGs). Oman Vision 2040. your life into a prosperous one with economy underpinned by private To do so, the government is diversification of Subsequently, His Majesty the Sultan The late Sultan also ensured that a bright future,” he said to his people. sector activities on the basis of free working hard to boost output in ordered the preparation of Oman Oman has its own experience in Since the first day, His Majesty competition, and the attention to 10 key sectors: manufacturing, sources of national Vision 2040 that would serve as a the field of Shura with citizens are Sultan Qaboos was keen on ensuring water resources as a vital element transport and logistic services, income and the fundamental guide and reference given a role in national decision- that the Omani citizen is the maker indispensable for thriving and tourism, fisheries and , ICT, development of human to the Sultanate in any planning making. This has strengthened of the development, its foundation uninterrupted economic activity and education, health, agriculture and exercise during the next two decades. the development process, and guardian, and to be the first environment preservation. environment. To help do so, the resources Oman Vision 2040 seeks to elevate contributing to the establishment beneficiary. The citizens have been the During the period from 1970-1995, government is working hard to boost the Sultanate to the position of an of a state of institutions and law, focus of all the national development the Sultanate successfully laid down Omanisation, or the rate at which His Majesty advanced nations by focusing on and strengthened the values of efforts, plans and programmes. the foundations of a socio-economic Omanis rather than foreigners are Sultan Qaboos three key themes: the individual and partnership and the multiplicity of Today this pride nation holds the shift and embarked on a journey employed throughout the economy, society, economy and development opinions in the context of ensuring status as a peaceful and diplomatic towards future horizons, continuous as much as possible. and governance and institutional the achievement of national interest. OMANDAILY 2 MONDAY l JANUARY 13 l 2020

This file photo taken on April 15, 2009, shows His Majesty Sultan Qaboos with Sultan of Brunei Hassan al Bolkiah in Muscat. — AFP His Majesty Sultan Qaboos with President Mahmud Abbas of Palestine in Muscat.

SAMUEL KUTTY

Thanks to the deep-rooted faith in peace, the Sultanate had the ability and courage not only to clearly and honestly express its opinions and vision towards situations and “We must create developments in the global arena, in the Gulf and the Arab world. a justice system The wisely weaved policy of equitable for His Majesty Sultan Qaboos since the beginning of the Omani those suffering Renaissance has helped make new friends and receive world acclaim from injustice, in and respect. The Sultanate has always been order to enshrine keen to fulfil all its international and regional obligations towards peace, security different organisations. It recognises its international responsibility and welfare all towards different causes that aim to over the globe” serve humankind in several fields. The main priority of the Sultanate has been to maintain friendly relations with its neighbours. Since His Majesty 1970, Oman has never severed Sultan Qaboos diplomatic relations with any government in the world. On the In this file photo taken on November 25, 2010, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos welcomes Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II upon her arrival in Muscat. — AFP contrary, this has enabled Muscat to actively facilitate negotiations in the Middle East. Oman could establish a towards different organisations. reputation as a trustworthy The Sultanate recognises its peacemaker in the Middle East international responsibility towards with a host of regimes across different causes that aim to serve the ideological spectrum often humankind in several fields, and welcoming its mediation in various its faith that it is a part of the conflicts. world and a partner for humanity. The Sultanate has adopted peace Therefore, represented by the as a pillar in its political practice Oman Charitable Organisation, the since the beginning of the modern Sultanate has extended a helping Omani Renaissance. It is based hand at the service of humanity on the firm belief that building abroad. processes and national growth and It seeks to mitigate the suffering building a modern state require and pain of the victims of natural mainly the right climate on local, disasters or political instability. Its regional and international levels. activities include assistance, relief It has also deployed relentless and reconstruction, conducting efforts in implementing its opinions development programmes and in its relations with other states, projects that aim to provide while maintaining Oman’s basic livelihoods and build the capacities His Majesty Sultan Qaboos with Iranian President Dr Hassan Rouhani. Then US Secretary of State meets with His Majesty Sultan Qaboos at principles. His Majesty has asserted in many developing countries. The Bait Al Barakah in Muscat, on May 21, 2013. — how essential this is in his Speech Organisation’s activities covered delivered on the glorious 28th many states during the last years. . The scope of projects and “In our opinion, while at the programmes implemented and gates of a new millennium, our adopted in 2017-2018 amounted to most vital obligation is to work around $101.5 million. with states on fighting injustice The Sultanate is keen to foster and tyranny, curb ethnic cleansing regional and international North- and embrace human dignity, fight South, South-South and tripartite the occupation of other states’ cooperation in science, technology territories and denying their and innovation and improve legitimate rights” he said. knowledge exchange, the Office of “We must create a justice system Science, Knowledge & Technology equitable for those suffering from Transfer was established within injustice, in order to enshrine the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. peace, security and welfare all over The Sultanate was nominated to the globe” he added. This important lead international efforts for the endeavour is clearly reflected in achievement of social development Omani policies and positions, goals, set forth by the United Nations in a way that has increased the and entitled: “Life Below Water”. Sultanate’s credibility in the world. Many preliminary Memoranda of The Sultanate is an active member understanding were also set with in different UN organisations international institutions to build and is keen to fulfil international the national capacities in the field and regional obligations In this file photo taken on September 27, 2005, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos meets then Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Muscat. — AFP of ocean economy. OMANDAILY MONDAY l JANUARY 13 l 2020 3

STAFF REPORTER Arab countries and 48th out of 189 in case of absence of a person to services for the beneficiaries of MUSCAT, JAN 12 countries globally. support them or a source of adequate the social security, persons with In light of these facts and income. disabilities, elderlies and low-income Since the onset of the blessed developments, it becomes evident In addition to monthly cash individuals. renaissance, His Majesty Sultan that the Sultanate has moved above assistance, beneficiary households The Social Action Strategy 2016- Qaboos had strongly emphasised the international poverty line, and is and individuals are eligible to other 2025 was devised by the Ministry of on the need to focus on plans and therefore not subject to the sustainable benefits, including academic grants Social Development in order to address programmes that enhanced the living development goal’s poverty indicators and scholarships in Oman and abroad, the challenges explained above. It conditions of Omani citizens. These as it is now far beyond that phase. housing and financial assistance in the brings a change in the prevailing directives paved the way for significant The social protection scheme case of emergencies and disasters, and perception of cash assistance as a progress towards achieving most of in Oman encompasses an array of exemption from public utility charges. hindrance to economic growth to one the Millennium Development Goals at programmes and policies such as Housing programmes have also that views cash assistance as a catalyst the time and enabled the Sultanate to retirement and social been developed by the Sultanate in of growth, by reducing inequalities move forward steadily and confidently. systems that are tailored to fit every order to ensure adequate housing to and alleviating destitution. This became possible thanks to the sector in the country including the society members, by building housing The strategy perceives cash Sultan’s clear vision and a steadfast private sector. units for persons with limited income assistance provided for social political will to defeat the fundamental These systems provide primarily and providing them with housing protection and development purposes causes of poverty through various protection against aging, disability assistance and concessional housing as a principal direct contributor to programmes that successfully tackled (including work injuries), and death, loans. economic growth. In this spirit, it them. together with other benefits. The primary aim is to ensure focuses on enhancing channels that As a result, the Sultanate has Such insurance protection is that these persons have access to affect economic growth by supporting been ranked today among high-level extended to cover Omanis working in decent livelihoods and appropriate the labour market and increasing the income countries and is an inspiring public and private institutions outside housing in proximity to their involvement of women, youth and model for investment in human capital of the Sultanate. villages to enable them to carry out other categories that face difficulties, and infrastructure of the knowledge Aside from these social insurance their socio-economic activities and preventing their contribution to the development necessary to deliver systems, the government has put in contribute to the development of local national economy. socio-economic sustainability. place other programmes that secure communities. Oman 2040 Vision lays down The United Nations Development the right of all individuals to a proper the Social Security Programme that The Social Security Programme The governmental service units the necessary tenets and directions Programme (UNDP) puts Oman in level of justice and equity, particularly supports persons with difficult social disburses monthly cash assistance in collaboration with both private to build a comprehensive system the high human development category those in need. situations, namely widows; orphans; pursuant to the Social Security Law and civil sectors build housing units of social protection linked with the (0.8-1.0), with a Human Development These programmes include divorced, unmarried, and abandoned of 1984 and its amendments, which and provide housing assistance and macro-economy, while bringing about Index value of 0.821 in 2018 on a scale schemes against poverty aiming at females; incapacitated individuals; stipulate the allocation of monthly housing loans and they ensure houses social integration and contributing to of 0 to 1, which positions it 5th among enhancing living conditions such as elderly; and families of prisoners. salaries to households and individuals maintenance and rehabilitation social stability. OMANDAILY 4 MONDAY l JANUARY 13 l 2020

ZAINAB AL NASSRI His Majesty Sultan Qaboos have proven, throughout the of Omani women in 2018, Among the most important also stressed on the importance forty-nine years, their worth according to the annual report priorities of the blessed of Omani women’s role in the in all the fields in which they issued by the Centre for Arab renaissance in 1970, was the development process in his worked, including leadership Women Participation Studies, concern for women and their speech delivered at Oman positions, as well as in medical, affiliated to the Paris-based participation in the march Council held on 11/16/2009, We invite the Omani women educational, administrative, Arab Women Foundation. The of development. His Majesty where he said “We have given, cultural, scientific occupations, report, published by Sultan Qaboos had always paid since the beginning of this everywhere; in the village and the and others. Net on October 17, 2018, stated a great attention to Omani era, our full attention to the city, in the urban and the desert, Crowning this supreme that women in the Sultanate women and included her in participation of Omani women interest for Omani women and obtain all their rights. many of his speeches and press in the blessed renaissance in the plain and the mountain to in appreciation of their role Female workers in the interviews. process, so we have provided contribute in the economic and social in the renaissance march, His government sector at the end During the opening of them with education, training Majesty Sultan Qaboos ordered of 2016 accounted for 41.5 Shura Council for the second and employment opportunities. development, each according to her to designate October 17 per cent of the total number period in 12/26/2004, he said: We supported their role and every year as a day for Omani of employees, while their “We invite the Omani women in society, and we stressed the ability, energy, experience and skill women. On this day, women in percentage in the civil service everywhere; in the village necessity of their contribution in society. Our country needs all arms the various governorates of the was 47 per cent. and the city, in the urban and in various areas of development Sultanate celebrate this noble The percentage of Omani the desert, in the plain and as we ease this through systems to continue the path of progress, honour, where seminars and women working in the private the mountain to contribute and laws that guarantee their growth, stability and prosperity” events are organised in which sector reached 24 per cent at in the economic and social rights and clarify their duties, women gather and discuss their the end of July of last year. The development, each according to so they are able to achieve various issues and their future percentage of women insured at her ability, energy, experience advancement of their own, its His Majesty aspirations in the service of the the end of 2016 and registered and skill. Our country needs experiences and skills in order country. in pension funds accounted all arms to continue the path of to build their country and Sultan Qaboos It is not surprising after all for 32 per cent and female progress, growth, stability and uphold its position” this that the Sultanate won the beneficiaries of social security prosperity.” For this, the Omani women first rank in empowerment stood at 58 per cent. OMANDAILY MONDAY l JANUARY 13 l 2020 5

SAMUEL KUTTY

The Sultanate’s has always put environment first even as it embraced rapid development. Late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos always insisted on the conservation of environment. “It is the responsibility of all of us, a responsibility that knows no political boundaries. Therefore, man, wherever he lives, must contribute to this conservation and must order his life accordingly. This must be done in a planned, rational way and taking into consideration the numerous causes of pollution, whether natural, biological, industrial, chemical or physical,” he said while addressing the International Conference on Environment and Development in in 2013. The Sultanate had initiated several measures to preserve the country’s national wealth by enacting laws and regulations that protect natural habitats and wildlife and guarantee the right of all generations to benefit from the natural resources in a balanced and equitable manner. Different governmental institutions cooperate with the private sector and civil society organisations to implement educational and awareness programmes that enshrine the values of preserving biodiversity among the youth and within the society in general. The focus is on sustainable forest management, restoration of degraded lands, successful desertification control, reduction of degraded natural habitats and elimination of biodiversity loss. The Sultanate has developed the Omani Action Plan to Combat Desertification and Land Degradation, which included the development of a natural resource registry for the Sultanate containing water sources, vegetation cover and soil. As well as the reasons for the status of desertification, the potential for its future deployment and the strategy for its control with the implementation reserve protecting living creatures of the project on the use of models “We must and wildlife is Al Wusta Wetlands and remote sensing to monitor the Reserve. In 1997, the first project for status of vegetation, agricultural land set a limit to the protection of the Arabian Leopard and water. Oman seeks to increase was established, the first effective its green spaces through establishing haphazard protection measures took place with green belts, gardens and parks and the declaration of these animals’ living green landscapes whilst preserving methods and area, known as Jabal Samhan Nature agricultural areas and implementing Reserve as a natural reserve. planting and agricultural programmes protect what is Since 2007, the Sultanate launched in different natural sites such as valleys left of our grazing the sooty falcon study project and and grazing areas. installed satellite tracking devices Many initiatives were launched lands and water with the support of local institutions in this regard including “ASHJAR” and in international cooperation with for planting wild trees and plants. resources against ’s BirdLife International and The idea came to complement efforts The Peregrine Fund in the Republic of deployed by the Sultanate to raise desertification Madagascar. society’s awareness and knowledge The sooty falcon migration route related to the preservation of wild flora and drought” that starts in Oman and ends in and participation in increasing green the African Island of Madagascar spaces. was tracked. This was the first- Other initiatives include “Al HIS MAJESTY ever practical study for tracking Awdiya Khadraa” (Green Valleys) for juvenile sooty falcons, take stock of the rehabilitation of damaged areas SULTAN QABOOS their migration route and the most and the “Asdikaa Al Biaa” (Friends prominent obstacles and challenges of the Environment) initiative for these vultures face. environmental education targeting the From 2013 to 2016, the Sultanate children in 8-13 years age category. implemented a systemic biological In the field of preserving local flora, due to urban, industrial and trade resulting from human activities and declared through royal decrees and Al Wusta Governorate is one of the top and geographical study project the Sultanate has launched a project expansion. This impacts health and population expansion. The reserve was orders. These protected areas include 25 sites of international importance to related to the Sultanate’s reptiles. The establishing the largest plant garden in ecology in addition to astronomical also created to preserve the ecological desert reserves, some of them freely migratory birds during the winter in study revealed an unprecedented the Gulf named Oman Plant and Tree and space research. components at the heights of Hajar and others in mountainous areas the Middle East. It has an estimated diversity in Oman’s terrestrial reptiles. Garden. It encompasses the different The Sultanate declared the first Mountains, including the juniper trees with difficult geological terrain, area of 2,621 square kilometres, and is Twenty-four new reptile species natural and environmental life aspects dark sky reserve. It declared the Al in Al Sarah Mountain. representing 3.77 per cent of the total in the process of being announced as were discovered, out of which 14 are in the Sultanate. Hajar Al Gharbi starlight a natural The reserve also features the highest area of the Sultanate. a second Ramsar site in the Sultanate. currently populating the Sultanate. The National Field Research Centre dark sky reserve via Royal Decree No mountaintop in Oman, Jabal Shams, at The Qurum Nature Reserve, located In the early seventies, the In order to mobilise resources and for Environmental Conservation that (40/2019). The reserve is located in Al an altitude of 3,009m above sea level. It in the heart of Muscat Governorate, Sultanate has launched the Arabian motivate countries for sustainable aims to regulate and encourage field Hajar Al Gharbi mountain range. The is the highest reserve in the Sultanate was declared the first protected site Oryx preservation project, through management, the Sultanate in 1989 research and develop research projects largest part is located in Al Dakhiliyah of Oman and includes juniper trees for Ramsar in the Sultanate, with 80 which it was able to re-introduce the launched Unesco Sultan Qaboos Prize for environmental protection and Governorate and the reserve spans located at 2,000m above sea level. It is hectares of Avicennia Marina forests, Arabian Oryx species into the Omani for Environmental Conservation. sustainability in the Sultanate also saw over Jabal Shams and Al Sarah considered as the area least affected by the only existing species that can adapt environment following the extinction The prize consists of a certificate of the light. Mountain. human activity. It is also home to the to the climate of Oman while the total of the wild Oryx at that time. appreciation with a financial grant Light pollution is one of the The establishment of Al Hajar Arabian Oryx. area covered by the Crimean trees in A natural reserve currently known and is awarded ever two years on the challenges humans currently face and Al Gharbi starlight reserve aims at The Sultanate has been keen the Sultanate is about 1,030 hectares. as the Wildlife Reserve was specifically sidelines of the Organization’s General is increasingly growing day by day protecting the sky from light pollution to set up nature reserves and sites The Wetlands Reserve in Mahout in established for this purpose. Another Conference. OMANDAILY 6 MONDAY l JANUARY 13 l 2020

The measures taken by Ministry of Health to combat communicable diseases eradicated many of them including polio, diphtheria, and tetanus, and brought the incidence of the others to endemic levels

SAMUEL KUTTY The health system in the country is 100,000 populations in 2017, down during pregnancy and up to six months birth spacing methods, the number of to 20.2 in 2017. Similarly, the child equipped with an epidemic monitoring from 11 in 2010. after delivery in order to monitor their women who spaced their deliveries by mortality rate and infant and newborn Under the wise leadership of His system that tracks communicable The incidence rate of Hepatitis B health condition, address risk factors, three or more years rose from 35.2 per (aged less than one month) mortality Majesty Sultan Qaboos, Oman could diseases and ensures optimal is extremely low in the Sultanate, as it and ensure that the mother and the cent in 2010 to 40.1 per cent in 2017. rate dropped to 9.5 and 6.3 per 1,000 make tremendous development in preparedness and alertness to counter did not exceed 0.72 cases per 100,000 foetus are in good health. Moreover, the needs of 38 per cent of live births respectively. health care. the risks of global transmission of populations in 2017. Data indicates that In fact, 73.3 per cent of pregnant married women were met in terms of As for children under the age of In the World Health Organisation’s diseases. no more than 150 cases of HIV (Aids) women were registered during the first modern birth spacing methods. five, they also registered a decline in Universal Health Coverage (UHC) The measures taken by Ministry were registered among Omanis in 2017. trimester of their pregnancy in 2017, The government also sought to mortality rate to 11.6 deaths per 1,000 index, Oman ranked high in 2017. of Health to combat communicable As for the rate of mortality caused while less than 1 per cent of those reduce the birth rate among adolescent live births in 2017, in contrast with 21.7 The UHC index is based on 16 diseases eradicated many of them by heart and cardiovascular diseases, who delivered were not subject to any females by focusing on enabling in 2000. tracer indicators selected for four including polio, diphtheria, and tetanus, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory monitoring during the postnatal period adolescent girls to pursue education The Sultanate is currently in the service coverage categories, namely and brought the incidence of the others diseases among those aged between 30 because they were not registered on the and managed to induce an increase process of devising future development reproductive, maternal, newborn and to endemic levels. and 70 years, it registered a decrease pregnancy care record. in the average age at first marriage to plans, epitomised in Oman 2040 vision child health; infectious diseases; non- Malaria had remained one of the from 142.9 per 100,000 populations in Statistics indicate that the 26.1 years among females in 2008, in and the future vision of the health care communicable diseases; and service biggest challenges until the Malaria 2016 to 138.7 in 2017. percentage of pregnant women who contrast with 20.7 in 1993. system “Health Vision 2050”. capacity and access. Eradication Programme was launched Suicide is a rare phenomenon in visited antenatal care (ANC) clinics at Government efforts also resulted as The Sultanate is engaged in drafting Thanks to a developed health system in 1991. Registered malaria cases the Sultanate where 2.7 individuals per least 4 times during their pregnancy well in a decline in the adolescent birth an enhancement and development and a scrupulous attention to child plummeted from around 33,000 in 1990 million populations committed suicide stood at 73.3 per cent in 2017, while rate from 14.5 births per 1,000 women vision for the period 2020-2040. Oman health by the Government, vaccines to almost 1,000 cases in 2017, while the in 2017, which reflects the remarkable the number of new female outpatients aged 15-19 years in 2015 to 12.5 in 2040 Vision revolves around three main were made available nationwide and incidence rate reached 0.41 per 100,000 level of stability in medical and social of birth spacing clinics grew by 15.6 per 2017. themes, namely the Individual and particularly to children, which ensured populations. conditions in the country. cent from 18,000 women to over 21,000 On the other hand, the maternal Society, Economy and Development, a 100 per cent childhood immunisation A decline was also registered in the The health system in the country in 2017. mortality ratio (MMR) decreased from and Governance and Institutional coverage since 2010 till date. incidence of tuberculosis to 5.8 per today provides a follow-up of women As a result of this growing interest in 26.4 per 100,000 live births in 2010 Performance. OMANDAILY MONDAY l JANUARY 13 l 2020 7

MAI AL ABRI

Based on the Royal directives of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, and with realisation of the importance of the role of women in maintaining security and peace, and armed forces have engaged women in military work. This stems of HM’s belief that half of the efforts of this community can’t go wasted and that women are the safety valve when it comes to dealing with different security issues, intellectual security, religious extremism and terrorism. Over the years, women have played various roles in the military. Equal opportunities were given to women to serve in the military as they are quite capable of handling the training as well as the duties given to them. Today, women receive great attention in appreciation of their prominent role and active contribution to all actions entrusted to the Royal Oman Police formations, and they have earned the status and empowerment they deserve as they have provided the capabilities necessary to fulfil their role in the service of the security and safety of the country, citizens and residents. In ROP, policewomen are doing their work in a highly efficient manner in various formations, whether in the field of training, investigations, forensics, traffic or medical services, in addition to their work in the special mission police units, music and police aviation, and others. Since 1972, Oman has begun to prepare women to be part of the police and in 1974, they first joined training along with men. It started only with 17 female policewomen and they worked later in prisons and airports. Since then, the accomplishments of women in this field have attracted the attention of the world, and the Omani experience is regarded a role model for many other countries.

Over the years, women have played various roles in the military and police. Equal opportunities were given to women to serve in the military as they are quite capable of handling the training as well as the duties given to them OMANDAILY 8 MONDAY l JANUARY 13 l 2020

STAFF REPORTER country in 1970, he made a promise of development. Born in Salalah in His Majesty set out his vision for the for so long. The Government and more than at any time – to roll up his MUSCAT, JAN 12 to the people of the Sultanate. “My Dhofar in 1940, His Majesty Sultan Sultanate in many of his speeches and the people are as one body. If one of sleeves and give his devoted efforts to A great leader, a man of strength people, I will proceed as quickly as Qaboos was the eighth descendant exhorted fellow citizens to contribute its limbs fails to do its duty, the other carrying out his duties seriously and and vision, peace maker, His possible to transform your life into a in the Royal Al Busaidi family, which to the development. “We promise you parts of the body will suffer. We hope consistently.” Majesty Sultan Qaboos will long be prosperous one with a bright future. was founded by Imam Ahmed Bin that we shall do our duty towards the that you will think well of us and at The march of blessed renaissance remembered by future generations Every one of you must play his part Said in 1744. He was the longest people of our dear country. We also the same time we hope that we shall mobilised energy of the people. July for the prosperous reign even after his towards this goal. Our country in the serving leader in the Arab world, as hope that every one of you will do his think well of you.” 23, 1970 will be etched in the golden final return to the soil of the Sultanate. past was famous and strong. If we he has been in the office for over 49 duty in helping us to build the thriving His Majesty believed in the power letters in the history of the Sultanate as He reshaped this country into a work in unity and co-operation, we years. He attended the Royal Military and happy future that we seek for this and abilities of the Omani people, Sultan Qaboos set to out relaunch the sparkling oasis peace and stability in will regenerate that glorious past and Academy Sandhurst in his twenties, country, because, as you know, unless and encouraged them to work hard country on the path to unprecedented the turbulent region. The Sultanate we will take a respectable place in the and then joined the there is co-operation between the to build their country, which made development and progress in the is today a prosperous, secure is a world. I call upon you to continue after graduation. He also studied in government and the people we will him work harder to facilitate their form of wide network of roads and monument to his decades of singular living as usual.” England in 1966 before returning to not be able to build our country with education and provide them with expressways, airports, schools and resolve and sweat. The late Sultan kept his word Oman and taking over the reins of the the speed required to free her from work opportunities and equal rights. colleges, hospitals and clinics, and When His Majesty took reins of the and took Sultanate to new summits Oman in 1970. the backwardness she has endured “Every Omani is required today – telecommunications.