Sheikh Khalifa offers congratulations to Sultan Haitham of Oman

UAE leaders have delivered their best wishes to Oman’s new leader, who succeeded the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq makes his first speech in front of the Royal Family Council in Muscat. AP

UAE President Sheikh Khalifa led the congratulations after Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said was sworn in as the new leader of Oman.

Sultan Haitham was announced as the country’s new ruler following the death of Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who led the nation for close to half a century.

Sheikh Khalifa backed Sultan Haitham to build on the achievements of his predecessor, who was the longest-serving leader in the Middle East and won widespread recognition for his efforts to modernise Oman.

“We would like to extend warmest congratulations on the assumption of office in the Sultanate of Oman, to continue the journey of development, the foundation of which was laid by the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said, in a way that will achieve the aspirations of the brotherly people of Oman for further progress and prosperity,” Sheikh Khalifa said in his message.

“The UAE and Oman enjoy a longstanding history of co-operation, underpinned by strong fraternal bonds between the two peoples. The UAE is keen to reinforce this cooperation for the benefits of the two brotherly countries and peoples.”

Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, also sent congratulatory messages to Sultan Haitham.

Sultan Qaboos died on Friday evening at the age of 79.

Sheikh Khalifa ordered prayers to be carried out in all state mosques after Maghrib prayer on Saturday.