Oman Names New Ruler
Qaboos was 79, and ruled Oman for five decades before his death Friday. He overthrew his father in a bloodless coup in 1970, becoming the longest serving Arab leader. The Omani government declared three days of national mourning.
Haitham bin Tariq al-Said has been named as the new ruler, according to state-run Oman News Agency.
Qaboos did not have children or a direct heir at the time of his death. The Omani Constitution calls on the royal family to choose a new sultan within three days.
Qaboos was born November 18, 1940. He was also a graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in England and served in the British army.
Haitham bin Tariq, who is Qaboos’ cousin, was born in 1954. An Oxoft graduate in political sciences, he was Oman’s minister of heritage and culture until today.
