The Sultanate of Oman, marks its 38th National Day of establishing modern Oman under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said.

Throughout the last 38 years, the Sultanate managed to address the local and foreign challenges, guided by a carefully studied national strategy, determined wise leadership and far-sighted vision that takes into consideration the current developments and future requirements.

In response to His Majesty the Sultan’s directives, the Sultanate’s government has focussed on the development of its human resources.

His Majesty the Sultan has shown great interest and concern in the empowerment of the Omani women. His Majesty the Sultan said “We are inviting the Omani women either in the village or the city, rural or urban areas, valleys or mountains to take part in the socio-economic development; each according to her abilities, energy, experience and designation in the society.”

The Sultanate has been one of the pioneering countries in the region in the field of adopting Shura system. His Majesty the Sultan conducts annual tours to different parts of the Sultanate during which His Majesty has direct contact with his subjects.

His Majesty the Sultan issued the Royal Decree No 101/96 on October 6, 1996 which includes the basic statute of the state which is considered one of the most developed legislative charts not only in the Gulf region but also in the Arab region.

Articles from 15 to 34 of the basic statute of the state preserve public freedom. Article 35 also reads as follows: “Every foreigner, who is legally a resident in the Sultanate, shall have the right to protection of his person and his property in accordance with the Law.

Foreigners shall have regard for society’s values and respect its traditions and customs.”

Article 36, which highlights the respect for every human being, reads as follows: “Extradition of political refugees is prohibited. Extradition of criminals is subject to the provisions of international laws and agreements.”

Developing the education sector in the Sultanate has always been one of the main concerns of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said since 1970. On more than one occasion, His Majesty the Sultan has emphasised that the most important objective of the development process is to improve the quality of education.

The Ministry, therefore, is trying to implement the Royal directives and ensures providing high-quality education that serves the sustainable development goals in the Sultanate.

Since the dawn of the Blessed Renaissance, one of the main concerns of the Sultanate’s government was to develop health services and provide high quality health services for all Omanis in different parts of the Sultanate.

The country has taken great strides in developing its health services, leading to striking improvements in the country's public health.

During the first quarter of 2008, the Omani economy has achieved a remarkable gross in terms of GDP at the current rates; 42.9 per cent compared to the first quarter of 2007 – the highest since 1980.

The Sultanate’s joining FTA, liberal policies and FTA with USA has played a major role in pushing the Omani economy forward.

As for the foreign trade, the Sultanate trade balance has posed RO 3361.5 million surpluses in 2007. Oil and gas came on top of the Sultanate’s commodity exports.

The Ministry of Social Development is doing its best to achieve development through several programmes that aim at building the capabilities of Omani citizens and creating a conducive atmosphere for their effective participation in the development process.

As of December 2007, the Sultanate road network now covers 10,033 km of asphalt roads and 15284km dust roads that connect different parts of the Sultanate.

In a bid to diversify source of national economy and attain the Omani vision, the Sultanate government is endeavouring to develop the infrastructure for ports and airports and build new ports to absorb the growing local manpower.

The Sultanate’s strategy to develop the tourism sector is based on improving the infrastructure for the sector by construction of accommodation and service projects and encouraging the investment projects that promote for the Sultanate as a tourist hub.

The Sultanate government is making endeavors to attract local and foreign investments to the Sultanate as well as enhance the partnership between the private and public sector.

A number of tourism development projects have been signed including Jabal Seifah, Salalah Tourism Project, Yiti project, Salalm Shanas and other projects.

The environment sector has also received a great deal of attention in the Sultanate since His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said assumed power in 1970.

The Sultanate comes among the pioneering countries in the world in the field of environment preservation.

Sultan Qaboos Prize for Environment Protection reflects His Majesty the Sultan’s recognition of the efforts of those interested in environment issues.

Since the launch of the award in 1991, it has been awarded to individuals and organisations working in the filed of environment in the different parts of the world.

Since 1970, His Majesty the Sultan has been very keen on availing modern armed forces equipped with the latest technologies.

His Majesty the Sultan’s wise foreign policies have been recognised by different international organisations.

In 2007, His majesty the Sultan won Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Underst-anding’ which is an outstanding award granted to leaders and distinguished personalities who made great contribution to understanding and friendship among countries.

His Majesty the Sultan also won the Peace Award 2007 of the Russian International Association in recognition of His Majesty the Sultan’s efforts in the field of international peace and cooperation.