UAE President Sheikh Khalifa led the congratulations after Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said was sworn in as the new leader of Oman.
Sultan Haitham was announced as the country’s new ruler following the death of Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who led the nation for close to half a century.
Sheikh Khalifa backed Sultan Haitham to build on the achievements of his predecessor, who was the longest-serving leader in the Middle East and won widespread recognition for his efforts to modernise Oman.
“We would like to extend warmest congratulations on the assumption of office in the Sultanate of Oman, to continue the journey of development, the foundation of which was laid by the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said, in a way that will achieve the aspirations of the brotherly people of Oman for further progress and prosperity,” Sheikh Khalifa said in his message.
“The UAE and Oman enjoy a longstanding history of co-operation, underpinned by strong fraternal bonds between the two peoples. The UAE is keen to reinforce this cooperation for the benefits of the two brotherly countries and peoples.”
Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, also sent congratulatory messages to Sultan Haitham.
Sultan Qaboos died on Friday evening at the age of 79.
Sheikh Khalifa ordered prayers to be carried out in all state mosques after Maghrib prayer on Saturday.
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Omani leader Sultan Qaboos bin Said attends the opening of the Gulf Cooperation Council summit in 2007. AFP -
Oman's Sultan Qaboos walks with UAE President Sheikh Zayed in Sohar, Oman, in 1999. Wam / AFP -
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, left, meets with Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Sultan of Oman, during an official visit to Oman in 2013. Ryan Carter / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi -
United Arab Emirates's President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, right, walks with Oman's leader Sultan Qaboos bin Said upon his arrival to Al Ain Airport in 2011. Wam -
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid and Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman held talks on bilateral ties at the Zabeel Palace in Dubai in 2012. Wam -
Sultan Qaboos bin Said in 1975. AP Photo -
Oman's Sultan Qaboos Bin Said is pictured during a cabinet meeting at the royal palace in Muscat. Sultan Qaboos, who ruled Oman for almost half a century, has died at the age of 79. AFP -
Oman's Sultan Qaboos bin Said welcomes Britain's Queen Elizabeth II upon her arrival at Muscat in 2010. Sultan Qaboos, who ruled Oman for almost half a century, has died at the age of 79. AFP -
Jordan's King Abdullah welcomes Sultan Qaboos of Oman on his arrival at Aqaba airport in 1999. Reuters -
Sultan Qaboos of Oman escorts US President Bill Clinton upon his arrival to Oman airport. Sultan Qaboos, who ruled Oman for almost half a century, has died at the age of 79. AFP -
Sultan Qaboos bin Said greets French President Nicolas Sarkozy upon his arrival in Muscat. Sultan Qaboos, who ruled Oman for almost half a century, has died at the age of 79. AFP -
The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo with Oman's Sultan Qaboos during a recent visit to Muscat. Sultan Qaboos, who ruled Oman for almost half a century, has died at the age of 79. AP -
Sultan Qaboos Bin Said of Oman attending the country's National Day in Muscat. Sultan Qaboos, who ruled Oman for almost half a century, has died at the age of 79. AFP -
Portrait of Qaboos Bin Said Al Said, the Sultan of Muscat and Oman, in military uniform, circa 1970. Sultan Qaboos, who ruled Oman for almost half a century, has died at the age of 79. Getty Images -
Omani Sultan Qaboos greets South African President Nelson Mandela in 1999 upon his arrival in Muscat at the start of a short tour of the Gulf to promote investments in South Africa. Sultan Qaboos, who ruled Oman for almost half a century, has died at the age of 79. AFP -
Queen Elizabeth II walks with the Sultan of Oman, His Majesty Qaboos bin Said Al Said, after arriving in Muscat, Oman in 2010. Sultan Qaboos, who ruled Oman for almost half a century, has died at the age of 79. Getty Images -
Sultan Qaboos of Oman has returning home after traveling to Belgium for a medical check-up. Sultan Qaboos, who ruled Oman for almost half a century, has died at the age of 79. AP
