Sultan Qaboos bin Said al-Said

Position: Sultan of Oman

Biography: Sultan Qaboos bin Said al-Said is one of the leading figures behind the push to develop Oman’s tourism sector.

As Oman’s limited oil supplies start to dwindle, the tourism sector has become a key part of the country’s economic diversification strategy. More than $30bn has been invested in Oman’s tourism infrastructure since the Vision 2020 economic plan was launched under Sultan Qaboos’ directives in 1995.

After graduating from the Royal Military Academy of Sandhurst in 1960, Sultan Qaboos joined a British infantry regiment and served in Germany for one year.

After leaving the military, Qaboos spent six years studying Islam and Omani history in Salalah. Qaboos acceded to the throne when his father abdicated power in 1970. Qaboos established the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra in 1985.

Oman is also building the House of Musical Arts theatre in Muscat to boost cultural tourism.

Company website: www.omanet.om/english