Saturday 01 / November / 2025
Muscat: The Al Busaidi Dynasty Foundation Day by Sayyid Ahmed bin Said, in 1744, was a pivotal event and a landmark in Omani history. It laid the foundations of national unity and delineated the contours of national sovereignty.
Since that time, the Al Busaidi Dynasty has remained at the forefront of steering the state's course, preserving its internal balance, confronting external challenges, upholding the values of stability and openness, and continuing the march of nation-building.
The adoption of 20 November as a National Day in the Sultanate of Oman affirms the deep connection to the roots of the Al Busaidi State. Oman draws on its historical memory to embody the continuity of its approach; the founding legacy was not a fleeting moment, but an enduring project whose significance continues into the present phase of the Renewed Renaissance, under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
His Majesty referred to this in his Royal speech last January, on 11 January—the day he assumed the reins of power—stating: "It is a source of our pleasure and an honour to our ancestors, the Sultans, and a commemoration of a glorious day in Oman's history filled with bright days, that we announce on this occasion that 20 November of every year shall be a National Day for the Sultanate of Oman. This is the day on which the Al Busaidi Dynasty has been honoured to serve this dear nation since 1744, at the hands of the Founding Imam, Sayyid Ahmed bin Said Al Busaidi, who unified the banner of the Omani nation and led its struggle and noble sacrifices for the sake of full sovereignty over the land of Oman, and freedom and dignity for its faithful sons. After him came great Sultans who carried its banner with all courage and competence and completed its triumphant march with all determination and resolve."
In this context, Dr. Nasser bin Abdullah Al Saqri, Assistant Professor of Modern History in the Department of History at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the rule of the Founding Imam, Sayyid Ahmed bin Said Al Busaidi, established the roots of the Al Busaidi State and set the foundations of leadership that made him a pivotal figure in confronting internal and external challenges, extending to the establishment of the concept of national sovereignty, which remains to this day the cornerstone of the independence of Omani political decision-making. His legacy also illustrates how the Al Busaidi Dynasty has been able to maintain the stability of the state over the centuries, while enhancing national unity, so that the Founding Imam's project remains a living reference for the new generation in understanding leadership and national strategy.
He added that the Founding Imam established the roots of the Al Busaidi State with firmness and steadfastness, thereby laying the foundations of a historic state that has ruled Oman to this day. This, he added, was no easy task amid the internal and external challenges he faced after assuming the reins of power in Oman on 20 November 1744. This day (Al Busaidi Dynasty Foundation Day) thus became a National Day for the Sultanate of Oman, celebrated every year, marking a landmark in the march of the Omani state and recalling one of the bright pages in its ancient history.
He indicated that on 20 November 1744, the memory of the Al Busaidi Dynasty Foundation Day and the founding of the Al Busaidi State is revived, whose effects extend to a glorious present that Oman enjoys today and a flourishing civilization, under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, drawing from the accumulation of history a strength that helps shape the features of the present and craft a promising future.
For her part, Dr. Bahiya bint Said Al Athobi, a researcher in Omani history, told Oman News Agency that the Al Busaidi Dynasty continued the project of building the modern state through integrated and evolving historical stages. It began with consolidating the foundations of governance and stability during the era of Imam Sayyid Ahmed bin Said, who established the pillars of the Al Busaidi State upon assuming power in 1744. It then evolved and expanded to include the economic, military, and administrative fields, which in turn contributed to making Oman an influential force in the Indian Ocean and East Africa.
She added that this trajectory continued to evolve under the subsequent Sultans, specifically during the era of Sayyid Said bin Sultan, under whom Oman achieved great expansion in all fields domestically and regionally. It then reached its peak in the modern era under the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said beginning in 1970, when the country witnessed a comprehensive renaissance extending to all sectors—from education, health, and infrastructure to economic and social development.
His reign, she said, was also distinguished by the adoption of a policy of positive neutrality and quiet diplomacy, which enabled Oman to assume the role of a trusted mediator in resolving many regional and international conflicts, earning it global respect and appreciation.
She emphasised that during the prosperous era of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Oman has entered a new stage of Renewed Renaissance since 2020, focusing on deep administrative and economic reforms, modernizing the machinery of government, and implementing Oman Vision 2040, which aims to diversify income sources away from reliance on oil and to develop vital sectors such as tourism, logistics, and manufacturing, in addition to empowering youth and investing in human capital.
Regarding the nature of the relationship between the Omani people and the Al Busaidi leadership, and how this relationship helped overcome national challenges, Dr. Bahiya said that it has been characterised by a unique mutual loyalty and cohesion. It is, she added, reinforced by the leadership's commitment to direct and open communication with citizens through public councils and periodic meetings to listen to their concerns and aspirations.
Meanwhile, Dr. Yunis bin Jameel Al Nu'mani, a researcher and writer in history, pointed out to Oman News Agency that geography has posed a challenge for Oman: the sea before them, and mountains and desert behind them. Consequently, the response was to take to the sea and explore its depths, so Omani ships reached China, the Malay Archipelago, and Indonesia. Throughout history, they formed naval fleets that combined travel, trade, and the spread of Islam, as well as naval forces.
He added that the Founding Imam, Sayyid Ahmed bin Said, benefited from this historical legacy and the depth of the Omanis' knowledge of the sea. When he assumed power, he was keen to revive the Omani fleet to defend the homeland, whether from external threats or even internal conflict. By controlling Muscat, Imam Ahmed bin Said was able to extend Omani influence over coastal Oman.
Dr. Hanan bint Mahmoud Ahmed, a researcher in Omani cultural identity, emphasized to Oman News Agency that national days and occasions play a vital role in rooting national identity and entrenching a sense of belonging and national unity among peoples. The importance of celebrating national memory on a specific national day lies in reviving and recalling various historical scenes, and in inspiring Omani symbols and figures to renew allegiance and to preserve the fabric of the relationship between the citizen and the nation.
She added that reviving historical scenes and the most prominent milestones in the Sultanate of Oman's history to root and entrench the Omani national identity in the collective memory serves the goal of continuity and reminds generations of these achievements and the great contributions that extended over eras.
Sultan Sayyid Said bin Sultan (1804–1856) worked to expand Oman's borders until they extended to Africa, making Zanzibar a second capital of his empire. He supported trade and clove cultivation, established friendly and commercial relations with various countries of the world, and signed many agreements and treaties.
She mentioned that during his reign, he built the ship "Sultana," which carried on board the first Omani envoy to the United States of America in 1840, laden with the most precious and exquisite gifts for the American President. It marked the beginning of the true launch of economic and commercial activity and relations with other countries; his journey remains one of the immortal journeys in memory to this day, she added.
She confirmed that sea voyages continue to this day, and they are among the most prominent practices that Omanis have preserved throughout the ages, as the vessel "Shabab Oman II" sails the world carrying with it Oman's message of peace and harmony, bearing on board a historical message embodying Oman's status and what the Omani people have achieved while touring the world as ambassadors of goodwill and peace.
She pointed out that, following the same path of the Al Busaidi Imams and Sultans, Sultan Sayyid Barghash bin Said (1870–1888) continued the work of building the country, constructing the House of Wonders Palace in Zanzibar, which is an architectural masterpiece that amazed the world given the capabilities available to the Sultan at that time, which were difficult to obtain. The House of Wonders Palace remains a focal point for many tourists worldwide. During the era of Sultan Sayyid Faisal bin Turki (1888–1913), he continued his diligent pursuit of what the Imams and Sultans before him had started in the renaissance of Oman and in consolidating its trade, political, and economic relations with various countries of the world.
She noted that formal education took shape during the reign of Sultan Sayyid Taimour bin Faisal (1913–1932), and the Sultan School was established in 1930. During the reign of Sultan Sayyid Said bin Taimour (1932–1970), the oil era began in Oman, along with the search for minerals as a source of revenue for the country. The late Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimour (1970–2020) worked relentlessly to establish a modern state that endures in the Omani memory.
She added that His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik continues the march of building along the same path as his predecessors, the Imams and Sultans of Oman.
He has emphasised the importance of cooperation among members of society for the elevation of the country. His main concern has been the citizen, and the sound upbringing of the sons of his nation.
His paramount preoccupation has been adherence to customs, traditions, and the authentic Omani character, as well as to the heritage of the Sultanate of Oman, its glorious past, and striving to build the Omani individual and train him to play his role as a partner in formulating and implementing Oman Vision 2040, and in achieving a better life in all fields, thereby enabling the citizen to participate constructively and continuously in raising the banner of the nation and achieving more progress and prosperity.
As for the role of the Founding Imam, Sayyid Ahmed bin Said, in establishing the foundations of the modern Omani state and unifying it politically, economically, and socially, Dr. Rana bint Hamdan Al Dhoyani, a researcher and writer in history, pointed out to Oman News Agency that the Founding Imam is considered a leadership symbol who, through his journey, was able to achieve Omani unity.
She added that the Founding Imam implemented a prudent economic policy; he abolished taxes, which contributed to attracting merchants to his administration. This confirms his personal commercial expertise and illustrates his deep understanding of commercial movement and its course, as he started as a merchant, and this had an impact on shaping his personality.
She reported that social factors played a prominent role in shaping the personality of Imam Ahmed bin Said. During his governorship of Sohar, he gained the trust of those around him, as he demonstrated justice and wisdom and earned respect, and his fame spread for sound judgment and exceptional leadership.
Dr. Rana pointed out that the impact of the military and administrative experience of Imam Ahmed bin Said in building a stable model of governance formed the foundation of the Al Busaidi State and its construction, focusing on achieving national unity; entrenching citizenship based on loyalty and national belonging; achieving a balance between strength and justice; and maintaining internal political stability by establishing military forces.
Regarding the role of the women of the Al Busaidi Dynasty in the political sphere, Dr. Ahlam bint Hamoud Al Jahwari, a researcher and writer in history, pointed out that their role was not incidental or marginal, but rather an integral part of the journey of this ancient family, whose legacy and extended history we celebrate today since 1744. She added that the National Day for Oman and its people is a day to honour this Dynasty whose rule began on 20 November 1744, and that on 20 November 2025, we recall 281 years of achievements and look forward to more under the wise leadership of His Majesty the Sultan.
She said that as we celebrate this solemn occasion, we revive the biographies of women from the Al Busaidi Dynasty who played important roles in the course of governance and the transfer of power, and of others who had an impact and influence on the civilizational scene in general.
She said that historical sources and references record an important and influential presence of Omani women in several fields through successive historical eras.
The period of the Al Busaidi State is considered an important and rich period for observing the presence and various roles of women. The historical events that Oman underwent highlight the influential and active participation of some women of the Al Busaidi Dynasty in the alternation of power and governance within the temporal and spatial framework in which the Al Busaidi family ruled in both Oman and East Africa.
At the forefront is Al Sayyida Moza bint Imam Ahmed bin Said—daughter of the founder of the Al Busaidi State. She possessed political ability, diplomatic wisdom, and military competence in her administration of Oman during her regency over the rule of her nephew, Sayyid Said bin Sultan, and during the period of his full assumption of power and his travels to Zanzibar.
Dr. Ahlam indicated that the direct support of the men and leaders of the Al Busaidi Dynasty for the roles and positions of some women of the family created a supportive and enabling environment. This support, she said, is epitomized in the person of Al Sayyida Moza bint Imam Ahmed, and through her, great influence was transmitted to the women of the ruling Al Busaidi Dynasty, who considered her a model and example to emulate.
She mentioned other examples of women from the family who possessed qualities of leadership, wisdom, and shrewdness in dealing with events; this was evident in the personalities of her brother Mohammed’s daughter (Al Sayyida Jokha), her brother Sultan's daughter (Al Sayyida Aisha), and the two daughters of her brother Said (Al Sayyida Salma and Al Sayyida Khawla), among others.
She pointed out that Al Sayyida Moza bint Ahmed Al Busaidi was a primary reason, among others, for drawing the attention of her nephew, Sultan Sayyid Said bin Sultan, toward Zanzibar, thus enabling Sayyid Said's influence to expand and establish a vast empire. Credit is also due to Al Sayyida Jokha and Al Sayyida Aisha for the status and power enjoyed by Sayyid Hilal bin Mohammed Al Busaidi. Al Sayyida Salma chronicled the history of the Al Busaidi Dynasty in Zanzibar in her memoirs, and she was the first Arab woman to publish in German.
She said that Al Sayyida Azza bint Saif Al Busaidi, the wife of Sultan Said bin Sultan, in addition to managing the Sultan's main palace, was also one of five executors chosen by Sultan Said to carry out his will after his death.
Dr. Ahlam pointed out that Al Sayyida Fatima bint Ali Al Busaidi, the daughter of Sayyid Ali bin Salim bin Thuwaini bin Said bin Sultan bin Ahmad bin Said Al Busaidi, and the first wife of Sultan Taimour bin Faisal, gave birth to Sultan Said bin Taimour. Al Sayyida Fatima played a major role and had a profound impact on his upbringing and preparation to assume power. She is considered one of the most influential figures during the reign of her husband, Sultan Taimour (1913–1932), and her son, Sultan Said (1932–1970), from 1913 until her death in 1967.
From the depths of history to the vastness of the present, the roots of the Al Busaidi State extend, bearing witness that glory is not merely inherited, but built every day with determination and wisdom. The Al Busaidi State remains a fundamental pillar of nation-building in Oman, and an immortal legacy for the Sultanate of Oman to continue, under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the march of building and renaissance.
