The last time Sultan Qaboos had been seen in public was back in November 2014, when he appeared apologetic on national television for having had missed the country’s National Day due to his stay in Germany. Oman’s National Day and the Sultan’s Birthday fall on the same day, 18 November. Last year The Sultan had invited HRH Prince Henry (Harry) of Wales as a VIP for the military parade, and a welcome at Al Alam Palace in Old Muscat. Nevertheless due to the monarch’s absence Prince Harry was instead warmly received by the sovereign’s cousins including the Minister of Heritage, His Highness Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq Al Said as well as His Highness Sayyid Kamil bin Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said.
Oman is the world’s only “official” sultanate. Qaboos bin Said bin Taimur Al Said rules over Oman since 23 July 1970 which is now fêted as “Renaissance Day” annually.
The Sultanate first opened an embassy in the Benelux area based in The Hague because of the trade and historical links between The Netherlands and Oman. Currently the mission is co-accredited (non-resident) to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg under the leadership of Ambassador Sayyid Mohammed bin Harub bin Abdullah Al Said. In Brussels, an Omani diplomatic mission is accredited to Belgium and the EU, and is being headed by HE Ambassador Najeem bin Sulaiman Al Abri.
