Oman announces national holiday to mark Sultan Haitham’s ascension
Oman announced that January 12 will be a national holiday to mark the third anniversary of Sultan Haitham’s ascension to the throne. The holiday will apply across the private and public sectors.
Sultan Haitham succeeded Sultan Qaboos bin Said ― who ruled Oman for 50 years ― in 2020. On his second anniversary as ruler, Sultan Haitham spoke about the job opportunities his country had provided for Omanis despite struggles and fall-out from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Almost a year later, at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Sultan Haitham gave orders to “consolidate investment and diversify its sources” to boost investor confidence in Oman. During the session, he also emphasised the need to generate jobs for Omanis and encourage young people towards entrepreneurship.
Earlier this week, Sultan Haitham approved 11.35 billion rials ($28.34 billion) in spending this year, including the biggest increase in social security budgets in six years. People took to social media to congratulate Sultan Haitham before the anniversary.
