Thuwaini bin Said
Thuwaini bin Said al-Busaidi (1821–1866) was Sultan of Muscat and Oman from 1856 to 1866 as the third son of Sultan Said bin Sultan, inheriting control of the Omani territories after the partition of his father's empire between Oman and Zanzibar.[1]
From 1833, he served as his father's viceroy in Muscat during Said's extended stays in Zanzibar, administering local governance amid growing internal and external challenges.[1]
During his reign, Thuwaini confronted territorial disputes, including the loss of Bandar Abbas to Persia via treaty, and fraternal rivalry with Sultan Majid bin Said over imperial unity, culminating in British-mediated division in 1861 that confirmed Thuwaini's authority in Oman.[1][1]
His rule ended abruptly in February 1866 during a military expedition against Wahhabi incursions near Al-Buraymi, where he was reportedly assassinated by his son Salim bin Thuwaini, who claimed death by fever but faced immediate suspicions from palace servants alleging a nighttime shooting to seize power and avert the campaign.[2][2][1]
Salim's brief succession sparked further tribal opposition and intrigue, leading to his overthrow by uncle Turki bin Said in 1868 with British involvement.[2]