Weekly Prayer for the Arabian Peninsula - January 13, 2020Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, the late ruler of Oman, passed away on January 10, 2010. He is a ruler who has been lauded for mediating role he played between conflicting parties in the Arabian Gulf in addition to developing Oman's infrastructure. In recent years, however, Oman has faced challenges of diversifying its economy and reducing dependence on hydrocarbons that fueled Oman's development.The new sultan, Haitham bin Tariq, will now have to undertake reforms to safeguard the late Sultan Qaboos's legacy and maintain internal stability. He will also have to uphold the country's foreign policy. In fact, in his inaugural address, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq has pledged to stay course on the country's foreign policy and continue to "assist in resolving disputes peacefully."Let us pray for Oman as the country undergoes this transition. Let us also lift up Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, as he begins to rule Oman in face of new economic and political challenges in the country and the region.
