Tuesday 23 / April / 2024
Muscat: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq bin Taimour continued receiving mourners on the death of late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.
His Majesty received mourners from the Sultanate’s various governorates and wilayats, as well as different sisterly and friendly countries to convey the condolences.
The condolences’ conveying ceremony was attended along with His Majesty by members of the Royal family.
With the passing of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, locals and expats mourned his death, recalling what he meant to them.
“I was at the Grand Mosque on the morning of January 11,” recalled Omani national Ammar Al Naaimi.
“It’s a very large mosque but there were so many people that we filled it. Many of the men wept, and I would try to soothe them. His Majesty built our current life and has been with us since we were born. From the bottom of my heart, I am praying for him.
“Today I am reading through his old speeches and I am blessed to see his wisdom and kindness. I am trying to take lessons from his speeches so that I can keep them with me and help build Oman just as he wanted all of us to,” he said.
Talking to the Times of Oman, some expats expressed how Oman has been their home and the love they had for HM Sultan Qaboos.
“My whole family has considered Oman to be our home country, as my father came to Oman in 1974 when he was young,” recalled Manal Zaki, a Palestinian national born in Muscat.
“He refused to leave Oman after he saw the kindness and humility of the people of Oman, the wisdom of HM Sultan Qaboos and his love for all in this peaceful country.”
Norma Nasir, a Jordanian national, added, “We, as expatriates, who came to Oman many years ago were welcomed to this beautiful country with open arms. Many of us have been born and raised here. To us, this is our home country and the late Sultan Qaboos was like a father figure. He is the face of world peace; the humblest and noble leader of all time.”
Egyptian national Ahmed said, “I have been raised in Oman during its renaissance and witnessed each step the country has taken since then. I am extremely saddened by the death of HM Sultan Qaboos bin Said. We’ve lost one of the greatest leaders in history; a wise and inspiring leader, who achieved the impossible for his country and people. HM Sultan Qaboos and Oman are forever in my heart.”
“I came to Oman at the age of five. I grew up here, made memories, completed my school and medical college in a country I only call home,” said Zeena Al Fadli, an Iraqi resident.
“Within that time, I grew to admire HM Sultan Qaboos as a father and leader of peace. This is by far one of the saddest news I have heard, and it is indeed a gloomy day in Oman and all around the world. May he rest in peace.”
A Libyan national who has lived in Oman for six years said that despite being a guest in the country, she always felt at home.
Fatma Hashad said, “I was in Oman as a guest of His Majesty for six years, but never have I felt like a guest in this great country – I always found myself at home. He was a father before being a leader. He was and will still be loved by all. We are all saddened by this news. May God forgive him, and may he rest in peace.”
“Without any doubt, HM Sultan Qaboos bin Said was one of the most glorious leaders in the history of humankind,” added Mohammed Zaeem, a Pakistani national.
“His eternal belief in faith, peace and harmony spoke louder than words. It is extremely tragic to hear of the passing away of HM Sultan Qaboos bin Said as he had not only taken care of his people, but opened his doors to millions of us and provided us with the same care and love. Baba Qaboos, thank you for all that you have done for us, our children and our future generations.”
Indian national Mukund Manohar, who was raised in Oman, and is currently president of the Indian School Muscat Alumni (ISMA) association, added, “As someone who has grown up in Oman, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos has been the only leader I have always looked up to and admired. He cared deeply about Oman and the Omani people and aspired to put the greater good of the country above himself. His transformation of the country and his lifelong commitment to making Oman the most peaceful and friendly country showed us all that in Oman, anything is possible.
“My fellow alumni and I are truly privileged to have had the opportunity to grow up in this country and to be part of the modernisation of Oman,” added Manohar.
“His Majesty Sultan Qaboos is the world’s most valuable partner for peace, and the entire expat community joins the Omani people in mourning the irreparable loss of the world’s most revered statesman. We also pledge our support to His Majesty Haitham bin Tariq and pray to the Almighty to give him long life, good health and continued success.”
Another Indian national, Sayonto Gupta, added, “His Majesty is the most generous and peace-keeping visionary leader who was loved by not only the citizens but also the expats of the country. His presence and leadership will be deeply missed by everyone, and may his soul rest in peace.”
