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.

A back-warded country where most citizens lived in remote villages alienating from the rapid development of the World now has become one of the most developed countries in the region as well as in the World. Ultra modern harbors, airports, and advanced technologies such as IT and satellites connect Oman to the World. Approximately 75 percent of Oman citizens now live in towns amidst up-to-date living conditions thanks to the great visions of HE Sultan Qaboos.

HE Sultan Qaboos developed the country with great effort through meticulous planning. When he became the ultimate power of the country,Oman had only very few friends. The UK was supporting Oman to win over the rebels who had been waging a devastating war almost 8 years. Friendship with other countries was unheard of. His Excellency changed this position through joining with United Nations and Arab League. Royal relationships with other countries in Asia, North America, Europe and Middle East were made dragging the motherland out of the sheer poverty of every section.

Although Oman is in an enviable position now, it still has no time to rest.New harbors and airports are being built and old ones are expanded. Investment in every sector has been encouraged. Tourism sector is looked upon as one of the best ways to diversify the economy. Through all these, it is expected that the glory of the country that HE Sultan Qaboos created would prevail for a long long time.

Congratulations and best wishes to HE Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, and all citizens of Oman on this 40th National day.