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Middle EastOman

Sultan Qaboos laid to rest as condolences pour in

qaboos

Sultan Qaboos of Oman, who died on 10 January 2020, at the age of 79 after almost five decades on the throne, has been laid to rest today at the Royal Family Cemetery in Baushar. It is tradition to have a burial as soon as possible.

A statement issued by the Oman News Agency said: “The funeral was led by His Majesty the Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, and was attended by Their Highnesses and members of the royal family, and military leaders, members of the State Council and members of the Shura Council. The funeral prayer was held at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, where the Sultan’s body was wrapped with the national flag.”

Earlier today, the Royal Family Council chose his cousin Haitham bin Tariq Al Said as the new Sultan.

As the news broke around the world, condolences began pouring in.

The King of Bahrain issued a statement: “HM the King paid homage to late Sultan Qaboos who spent a life full of achievements in serving his people as well as the Arab and Islamic nations. The Royal Court reiterated the kingdom’s support to Oman and the Omani people in these painful circumstances, recalling with gratitude and respect the enormous contribution of late Sultan Qaboos bin Said to Oman’s growth, boosting historic fraternal relations between both countries and setting up the Gulf Cooperation Council. The Royal Court extended condolences to Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said of Oman, the royal family and the Omani government and people, praying to Allah the Almighty to bless the deceased with mercy, rest his soul in eternal peace and paradise and provide the royal family and the Omani people with patience and fortitude.” The Kingdom of Bahrain has announced a three-day mourning period.

A statement from the Royal Court of Saudi Arabia said: “With the utmost sadness and grief, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, received the news of the death of Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimur of Sultanate of Oman, may Allah Almighty bestow mercy upon his soul. The King and HRH the Crown Prince expressed their sincere condolences and sympathy to the royal family and people of the Sultanate of Oman as well as to the Arab and Islamic nations on the death of Sultan Qaboos, whose reign was full of accomplishments. The King and HRH the Crown Prince also affirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its people share sadness and grief with the people of Oman.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson issued a statement: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, Sultan of Oman,” said Johnson. “He was an exceptionally wise and respected leader who will be missed enormously. He will be remembered for his devotion to the development of Oman into a stable and prosperous nation and as the father of the nation who sought to improve the lives of the Omani people. I had the pleasure of meeting His Majesty Sultan Qaboos and was struck by his commitment to peace and understanding between nations and between faiths. He leaves a profound legacy, not only in Oman but across the region too. The UK is a proud friend and enduring partner of Oman, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Omani people.”