Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said is the current Sultan and Prime Minister of Oman, having ascended to the throne on 11 January 2020 following the death of his cousin, Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who had designated him as successor. Born into the Al Said dynasty, Haitham has been a prominent figure in Omani governance for decades. Prior to his accession, he served as Minister of Heritage and Culture from 2002 to 2020, where he played a key role in preserving Oman's cultural heritage and promoting tourism. He also held the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs briefly in 2020 before assuming the premiership. As Sultan, he oversees the country's government, sovereign institutions, and the Oman Investment Authority, focusing on economic diversification, foreign relations, and internal reforms. His leadership emphasizes continuity with Qaboos's policies while introducing modernization efforts, such as administrative reforms and youth empowerment initiatives. Educated abroad, Haitham brings a blend of traditional Omani values and international perspective to his rule, navigating challenges like oil dependency and regional geopolitics. His reign has been marked by efforts to enhance Oman's neutral stance in international affairs and foster economic partnerships.