MUSCAT: Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of Oman, the Arab world’s longest-serving ruler, has passed away. He was 79.
Last month he returned home after undergoing medical checks and treatment in Belgium. Medical reports said he was suffering from cancer.
Sultan Qaboos had deposed his father in a bloodless coup with British support in 1970. Using its oil wealth, he then set Oman on a path to development.
He was unmarried and had no heir or designated successor. Sultan Qaboos died on Friday evening, state media reported early on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Oman government has announced three days of national mourning.
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