Haitham bin Tariq

Haitham bin Tariq was appointed by his cousin, Sultan Qaboos, as Minister of Heritage and Culture. This role allowed him to oversee Oman's cultural preservation and tourism development, though he remained outside the direct line of succession.

Haitham bin Tariq launched Oman Vision 2040, a national development plan aimed at diversifying the economy away from oil, promoting private sector growth, and improving governance. The plan set targets for economic transformation and social development.

Facing low oil prices and the COVID-19 pandemic, Haitham bin Tariq implemented austerity measures including subsidy cuts, introduction of VAT, and reduction of public sector wages. These reforms aimed to reduce the budget deficit but caused public discontent.

Following the death of Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Haitham bin Tariq was named as his successor according to Qaboos's will. He became the Sultan of Oman, inheriting a stable but oil-dependent economy and a neutral foreign policy.