Oman
The Pearl of the Gulf
Oman was the first country to adopt Islam andis the oldest independent state in the Arab world. It is strategically located on Musandam Peninsula neighboring to Strait of Hormuz, in the mouth of the Gulf – an essentialshipment area for world crude oil.
Oman was ruled after its conversion to Islam in 7th century, by a succession of dynasties from the Umayyads, Abbasids, Qarmatians, Buyids, to the Seljuks of Kirman in 1053. Between 1508 and 1648 the Portuguese occupied Muscat.These colonists developed and fortified the city, as their sea-lanes needed a protective outpost. Parts of their colonial architecture remain today. After they were ousted by a group of rebel tribes, the leader of a Yemeni tribe also removed the latter in 1741 and this began Oman’s current line of ruling sultans.
Indian Ocean trade has procured Oman and its inhabitants long prosperity. Though it was never a British colony, when the newly established sultanate of late 18th century, signed the first in a series of friendship treaties with Britain, Oman has increased its dependence on British political and military advisors.
 Oman |
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| Capital: | Muscat |
| Government: | Monarchy |
| Sultan: | Qaboos Bin Said Al-Said |
Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al-Said
Oman is a middle-income economy. Due to its own modest oil revenues, Oman’s economic future relies partly on the attraction of its visual resources of untouched coastline, mountain oases deserts, as well as the forts, palaces and old walled city its capital, Muscat, for tourist income.As well as an increasing tourism, Muscat relies on agriculture, fishing and its famous pearl trade. The country is also pursuing a development plan, focusing on diversification, industrialization, and privatization.
In 1932 the restrictive rule of Sultan Said bin Taimur came into effect. Oman during this time experienced decades of international isolation, as well as feuding and internal rebellion.In 1970, Qaboos bin Said Al-Said overthrew his father andremains in power today.
During sultan Qaboos’ rule Oman has preserved its long time close relationship with the UK and an extensive modernization program has also opened it to the rest of the world.On 6 November 1996, Sultan Qaboos issued a royal decree.In it he clarified the royal succession, provision of a prime minister, the ban on ministers from benefitting in companies conducting business with the government, the establishment of a bicameral legislature, and the guarantee of basic civil liberties for Omani citizens.
Oman has a moderate; independent foreign policy successfully maintains good relations with all Middle Eastern countries. However, it did not escape the inspiration of the recent popular uprisings of 2010-11. Omanis staged marches and demonstrations against corruption, lack of political rights, and demanded economic benefits. In aresponse to this, in March 2011 the sultanreorganized his cabinet, pledged to create more government jobs, and promised to implement economic and political reforms, such as conceding legislative and regulatory powers to the Council.
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