His Majesty
Muscat. 18th November 2010. As he promised 40 years earlier, His Excellency Sultan Qaboos has already transformed the country into a prosperous one with a bright future. When he ascended to the throne, the kingdom was in utter poverty and desperation. The 'Life Expectancy At Birth' of Oman citizens at that time was 49.4 years and only two hospitals with inadequate equipments and doctors were operating. The Kingdom had only 3 schools and less than thousand students were studying at these schools while affluent few had chances to go abroad for higher studies. A little technical advancement had been made in every sector and only 557 telephone users were recorded.
The great vision and plans of His Excellency Sultan Qaboos have made miracles within the past forty years. All the above-mentioned figures have now been only on records. Life Expectancy Rate now is above 75 years and 58 major hospitals and more than 1,290 schools with 623,400 children are operating throughout the Kingdom. According to the year 2008 World Bank;National Economy Ministry Report, there are more than 2,493,600 telephone subscribers in Oman now. The GDP of Oman then, the IMF of World Bank reports was only $ 343 and it is in 2010 is $ 20,331.
His Majesty
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, The leader
(Omanet.) In 1970, Oman had little physical or administrative infrastructure, and Sultan Qaboos faced the formidable task of turning a backward, impoverished country into a powerful modern state. A communist-backed uprising had erupted in Oman’s southern Dhofar province, and was keeping the small, poorly equipped army fully engaged. Oman had begun to exploit its oil reserves in the late 1960s but had achieved little development in other sectors. Oman’s health services, education, housing and communications were basic at best.
Tribute to His Majesty, Sultan Qaboos bin Said
"I promise you to proceed forthwith in the process of creating a modern government. My first act will be the immediate abolition of all the unnecessary restrictions on your lives and activities.
"My people, I will proceed as quickly as possible to transform your life into a prosperous one with a bright future. Every one of you must play his part towards this goal. Our country in the past was famous and strong. If we work in unity and cooperation we will regenerate that glorious past and we will take a respectable place in the world.
"I call upon you to continue living as usual. I will be arriving in Muscat in the coming days and then I will let you know of my future plans.
"My people, I and my new government will work to achieve our general objective.
"My people, my brothers, yesterday it was complete darkness and with the help of God, tomorrow will be a new dawn on Muscat, Oman and its people.
"God bless us all and may He grant our efforts success."
And so began the reign of Sultan Qaboos on 23 July 1970.
