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On
July 23, 1970, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said assumed power. His
promise to his people was to renew Oman’s historic glories and open a
brighter chapter of prosperity, social and economic progress, following
the long period of isolation. The Omani society was rapidly transformed
from a traditional society to a modem one. Twenty-nine
years later, Oman is continuing to reap the fruits of his wisdom and his
visionary policies. Sultan Qaboos realized it would be necessary for
every Omani to participate in the rebuilding of a new Oman. As a result,
a new government was formed, diplomatic relations were established with
the rest of the world and amnesty was granted to those opposing the old
regime. Subsidized houses were provided for the needy, free education
and health care were given to all Omanis. Transportation, commerce and
industry had to be developed almost from scratch to ensure the progress
and prosperity of the whole nation.
In
1994, Sultan Qaboos summed up his political and social policy with the
statement “there is no evolution without roots.” New Oman has
flourished by building upon the achievements of the past while embracing
modern technology in a unique blend which reflects the strength of Omani
character. This sensitive, yet vital, balance is what has kept Oman
unique among its neighbors. It
emanates from the nation’s pride in its heritage as echoed by His
Majesty: “WE believe that the future of our coming generations resides
in their patriotic Commitment
to our fatherland, our pride in the sacred work tradition established by
our forefathers, and in energetically utilizing our country’s national
resources.” Here
in our beloved land, we look back at the past to help provide a platform
for the present. In a period of just over a quarter of a century, the
renaissance of a nation has been completed as its people rise to the
occasion, beginning a new chapter in the history of the nation. |
