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Shihab bin Tariq


Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq bin Taimur Al Said is a member of Oman's Al Said ruling family who serves as for Defence Affairs and Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs. As the brother of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, he previously commanded the Royal Navy of Oman as a and advised the late Sultan on defence matters. His tenure as naval commander underscored Oman's emphasis on in the and , while his current portfolio involves overseeing military modernization and international defence cooperation.

Personal Background

Early Life

Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq bin Taimur Al Said was born in 1955 as one of the sons of Tariq bin Taimur Al Said, who served as a key advisor and briefly as of in the 1970s under . His father was the brother of , making Shihab a first cousin to Qaboos. Shihab grew up within the Al Said during a period of significant modernization in following the accession of Qaboos in 1970, which transformed the sultanate from isolation to active participation in regional and international affairs. As the brother of Sayyid (born 1954, later Sultan of ) and Sayyid (born circa 1954), Shihab was part of a close-knit cadre of royal siblings who pursued careers in , and diplomacy. Limited public details exist on his formative years, consistent with the private nature of Omani royal upbringing, though family members like his brother Asa'ad attended local schools such as Al Saidiya School in before overseas education.

Family and Marriage

Shihab bin Tariq is married to Sayyida Rawdah bint Abdullah bin Hamad Al Busaidi, sister of Sayyida Ahad bint Abdullah Al Busaidi (wife of ). The couple has six children. Known children include sons Sayyid Malik bin Shihab bin Tariq Al Said and Sayyid Nader bin Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, as well as daughter Sayyida Meyyan bint Shihab Al Said (born circa 1990). Sayyida Meyyan married her paternal first cousin Sayyid Al Said, eldest son of Sultan and Omani Crown Prince, on 11 November 2021 at in ; the union ended in divorce after approximately six months.

Military Career

Naval Service

Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq bin Taimur Al Said commanded the Royal Navy of Oman for 14 years under Sultan , from approximately 1990 to 2004. This position equipped him with substantial operational experience in maritime defense, contributing to 's strategic posture in the Gulf region. During his tenure, Shihab bin Tariq was regarded as an effective leader in naval affairs, overseeing modernization efforts and maintaining readiness amid regional tensions. His command emphasized with allied forces, including joint exercises that enhanced the navy's capabilities in securing Omani waters. The role underscored his expertise in defense logistics and fleet operations, which later informed his broader military and governmental contributions.

Leadership in Armed Forces

Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq bin Taimur Al Said held key leadership positions within the Sultan's Armed Forces, including as of the Royal Navy of for 14 years during the reign of Sultan . In this capacity, he oversaw naval operations, fleet modernization, and strategic maritime defense, drawing on his extensive experience in the Royal Navy of . His command emphasized operational readiness and alignment with 's broader security posture amid regional tensions. Concurrently with his naval leadership, Shihab served as Deputy Commandant of the Sultan's Armed Forces , contributing to the training and development of officers across the , , and branches. This role involved curriculum oversight, strategic education, and fostering joint-service expertise, enhancing the professional capabilities of Oman's . His involvement in the extended the scope of his influence beyond naval affairs to the integrated command structure of the armed forces. These positions highlighted Shihab's strategic acumen in both specialized and inter-service domains, retiring from active naval duty in while maintaining advisory influence in defense matters thereafter.

Governmental and Diplomatic Roles

Appointment and Responsibilities as

Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq bin Taimur Al Said was appointed for Defense Affairs on 9 March 2020 by , shortly after the latter's accession to the throne following the death of Sultan Qaboos bin Said. This appointment effectively transferred oversight of defense matters from the previous Minister Responsible for Defense Affairs, Badr bin Saud bin Hariq Al Busaidi, who retired concurrently. As a full brother of and a seasoned naval with prior roles in the Royal Guard of , Shihab's elevation reflected the new sultan's intent to consolidate defense leadership within the royal family while leveraging familial trust in sensitive security domains. In this capacity, Shihab exercises executive authority over Oman's national defense portfolio, including supervision of the Ministry of Defense and coordination of armed forces operations. His responsibilities encompass policy formulation for military readiness, procurement of defense assets, and strategic planning amid regional security challenges in the . Shihab also presides over key military ceremonies, such as the annual Day celebrations, underscoring his role in maintaining institutional morale and public-military ties. Diplomatically, Shihab represents Oman in high-level defense and security dialogues, leading delegations to forums like the Arab Summit in on 17 May 2025 and the Arab-Islamic Summit in on 14 September 2025, where he advanced Oman's positions on regional stability. He engages bilateral ties through meetings with counterparts, such as Belarusian Viktor Karankevich on 7 October 2025 to discuss enhanced cooperation, and Iraqi Fuad to commend Iraq's regional efforts. These engagements highlight his mandate to foster defense partnerships while safeguarding Oman's policy of neutrality and non-interference.

Key Diplomatic Engagements

As for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said has represented in several high-level regional summits, focusing on security, , and multilateral cooperation within Arab and Islamic frameworks. His engagements emphasize Oman's neutral mediation stance, particularly on issues like the conflict and broader stability. In May 2025, he led Oman's delegation to the 34th Ordinary Session of the Summit in , , where discussions covered Arab unity, , and responses to regional security challenges. During the visit, he met with Iraqi to review bilateral ties and explore enhanced cooperation in defence, trade, and investment sectors. He also engaged with Iraqi Deputy and Foreign Minister , addressing the Palestinian crisis, developments, and mutual interests in countering extremism. On 14-15 September 2025, Sayyid Shihab headed Oman's delegation to the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit in , , convened to address the escalating situation in and call for immediate ceasefires. In his address, he advocated for unified Arab-Islamic action through the , including Security Council resolutions, and highlighted Qatar's mediation role while urging accountability for violations of . The summit endorsed positions on access and de-escalation, aligning with Oman's longstanding policy of dialogue over confrontation. Sayyid Shihab has also participated in bilateral diplomatic exchanges, such as accompanying Sultan during talks with the Dutch Prime Minister on 16 April 2025, which advanced defence collaboration and economic partnerships. In another instance, he met Pakistan's on the sidelines of the Al Roya Forum, discussing counter-terrorism and regional security coordination. These activities underscore his role in bridging Oman's defence portfolio with foreign policy objectives.

Business Interests

Seven Seas Group and Investments

Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq serves as the owner and chairman of the Group of Companies, a diversified headquartered in , , with operations spanning multiple sectors. The group encompasses subsidiaries focused on and , , and services, reflecting his strategic oversight in and industries. Seven Seas Petroleum LLC, a key affiliate established in 2002, specializes in quality-oriented oil and gas services, emphasizing superior operational standards under his leadership. Similarly, Seven Seas Navigation Services Co. LLC provides specialized support within , while Modern Shipping Services LLC handles agency functions for international shipping lines. These entities underscore the group's emphasis on and infrastructure critical to Oman's . Beyond domestic operations, the Seven Seas Group maintains global investments in ventures, mutual funds, properties, and medical supplies distribution, diversifying risk and capitalizing on international markets. This portfolio aligns with broader economic strategies in the Gulf region, where members like Shihab bin Tariq leverage business holdings to support national development alongside public roles.

Titles, Styles, and Honors

Formal Titles

His Shihab bin Tariq bin Taimur Al Said is the formal style of address accorded to Shihab bin Tariq as a senior member of Oman's Al Said ruling family. The prefix "" denotes his status as a male-line descendant of the dynasty's founders, distinct from the Sultan's exclusive "His " , and is paired with "His " in diplomatic, official, and ceremonial contexts to reflect his rank among non-sovereign royals. This nomenclature traces his lineage directly to , emphasizing patrilineal succession in Omani royal protocol.

Awards and Recognitions

Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq received the Order of Sultan Qaboos in the first degree from Sultan Haitham bin Tariq on 11 January 2021, in recognition of his contributions to national and . This honor, one of 's highest civil decorations, underscores his prominent role as for Defence Affairs.

References

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