In a sad turn of events, Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of Oman passed away yesterday, leaving behind an incredible legacy as the Arab world’s longest-serving ruler since 1970. Credited with the renaissance of Oman into a modern and culturally fervent country, Sultan Qaboos positioned the Sultanate on the world map for its richness and diversity.

As his cousin Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, former culture and heritage minister and Oxford graduate, takes the reins with the promise to carry forward the mantle of his predecessor, we look back at a few key cultural milestones that Sultan Qaboos achieved during his life.

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Launched the Sultan Qaboos Prize for Environmental Preservation 

The award is the first Arab award that recognizes achievements in the in the field of environmental protection. It was established in 1989 with the support of UNESCO. The idea is to celebrate the contributions of individuals, institutions and organizations in safeguarding the environment, something that has been a key cause for concern in recent times. Sultan Qaboos’ futuristic approach led to the initiation of the award that offers a diploma and a grant of US$70,000 to carry forward environmental efforts. Last year, India’s Ashoka Trust received the prize for its socially just environmental conservation and sustainable developments.

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Initiated the Sultan Qaboos encyclopedia of Arab names

A real literary feat, Sultan Qaboos set work on the project in motion in October 1985. The resulting encyclopedia features extensive research by more than 150 academics from across the Arab world. The scope of the researchers ranged from the realms of linguistics to politics to history, who focused on nearly 7 million Arabic names by using the latest scientific and statistical methods. The encyclopedia is a treasure trove of information and provides a model for superb cooperation between thinkers from various fields. 

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Had a rose named after him for his humanitarian and environmental efforts

A true visionary, Sultan Qaboos instilled in his people a reverence for progressiveness and leading an enriched cultural life. For his efforts towards upholding human rights and protecting the environment, the Netherlands-based World Rose Society named a rose after him. 

First Arab head of state to receive the International Peace Award

Recognized earlier on in his tenure for his efforts to make Oman a peace-loving country, the National Council on US-Arab Relations was joined by over 35 organizations and institutes, including Harvard University, to nominate Sultan Qaboos for the International Peace Award, the first of its kind to be bestowed upon an Arab head of state. The award was presented by former American President Jimmy Carter. 

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Promoted an understanding of the Silk Road

Sultan Qaboos adopted the global call by UNESCO to study the Silk Road and trade as we’ve known it over the centuries. A huge proponent of understanding the region’s culture and history, and how the Silk Road served as the link between the East and the West, Sultan Qaboos had allocated his own Royal yacht ‘Folk As-Salamah’ (Safety Boat) with its crew to UNESCO staff for the exploration.

Cover image credit: @Kostis_grivakis