Ahad Al Busaidiyah, the first lady of Oman. Photo: Oman News Agency
Ahad Al Busaidiyah, the first lady of Oman. Photo: Oman News Agency
Ahad Al Busaidiyah, the first lady of Oman. Photo: Oman News Agency
Ahad Al Busaidiyah, the first lady of Oman. Photo: Oman News Agency

First lady of Oman oversees female police officers' graduation


Ali Al Shouk
  • English
  • Arabic

Oman's first lady attended the graduation of hundreds of women police officers on Sunday.

On a crisp winter morning in mountainous Nizwa to the south of Muscat, Ahad Al Busaidiyah, the wife of Sultan Haitham, looked on as Royal Oman Police recruits pledged their allegiance.

The recruits were graduates of Sultan Qaboos Academy for Police Sciences.

The graduates sung the Royal Oman Police anthem, took the oath of allegiance and repeated three times “Long live His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik”, their supreme commander.

The first lady honoured a number of graduating officers who were top of their class.

Sayyida Al Busaidiyah has taken on a series of public roles since Sultan Haitham became head of state in January 2020, following the death of Sultan Qaboos, one of the world's longest-serving monarchs.

The first lady of Oman - in pictures

  • Ahad Al Busaidiyah, wife of Oman's Sultan Haitham, hugs a child during her visit to a centre for orphans in the country's Al Sib governorate. Photo: Oman News Agency
    Ahad Al Busaidiyah, wife of Oman's Sultan Haitham, hugs a child during her visit to a centre for orphans in the country's Al Sib governorate. Photo: Oman News Agency
  • Sayyida Al Busaidiyah visited a state-affiliated care home in Al Rustaq, in the Al Batinah South district. AFP
    Sayyida Al Busaidiyah visited a state-affiliated care home in Al Rustaq, in the Al Batinah South district. AFP
  • Queen Elizabeth II receives the Sultan of Oman and first lady, Sayyida Al Busaidiyah, at Windsor Castle. PA
    Queen Elizabeth II receives the Sultan of Oman and first lady, Sayyida Al Busaidiyah, at Windsor Castle. PA
  • Sayyida Al Busaidiyah receives a gift during a visit to Al Rustaq care home. AFP
    Sayyida Al Busaidiyah receives a gift during a visit to Al Rustaq care home. AFP
  • Sayyida Al Busaidiyah and Prince Dhi Yazan at Sandhurst. Photo: @OmanNewsAgency Twitter
    Sayyida Al Busaidiyah and Prince Dhi Yazan at Sandhurst. Photo: @OmanNewsAgency Twitter
  • Sayyida Al Busaidiyah talks to an elderly woman at the Al Rustaq care home. AFP
    Sayyida Al Busaidiyah talks to an elderly woman at the Al Rustaq care home. AFP
German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

The Pope's itinerary

Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport


Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial


Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport

Traits of Chinese zodiac animals

Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent   

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Updated: February 26, 2023, 10:48 AM