Sailing, diplomacy and globe-trotting: 16 Omanis making their mark on the world

As Oman celebrates its 50th National Day on Wednesday, we look at some of the excellent people the country has produced

Saleh Al Siyabi is a promising name in the world of sales and marketing in real estate developments. This year Mr Alsiyabi was appointed as Vice President of Sales at Al Mouj Muscat - a prominent mixed-use waterfront development in Oman after climbing up the ranks from when he started in 2006 as part of al Mouj's sales team.

Ambassador Lyutha Al Mughairy is the Oman's Permanent Representative to the UN and was a career international civil servant for the UN from 1980 to 2006, serving in the political affairs, peacekeeping and information departments. In 2019, she was recognised by the Omani Ministry of Information as a media pioneer. She had a long career in media since 1975. She established and managed an English language service radio and television programme in Oman. United Nations

Hassan Abdulamir Shaaban is General Manager and Head of Government Banking and Alliances Group at the National Bank of Oman which he joined in 2004. Prior to that Mr Shaaban has worked in the diplomatic field as Oman's commercial attache in South Africa (1993 -1995) and in Taiwan (1995 -1997). Last month, Mr Shaaban participated in the NBO Youth Award initiative for a second year running, and signed a three-year partnership with not-for-profit foundation Outward Bound Oman, that will help 900 young people develop their skills in line with Oman Vision 2040.

Rumaitha Al Busaidi is known for being the first female football analyst in the Arab world; owing to her love of the game and for being part of Oman’s women's football team. She earned the title of the youngest Omani woman to step foot on the South Pole and plans to become the first Muslim woman to conquer the seven volcanic summits. Courtesy Rumaitha Al Busaidi

Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah served as as the Omani Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs for 23 years, retiring in August 2020. His career in the diplomatic service started in 1970, serving Oman’s diplomatic missions in Cairo and Beirut, before being appointed as Oman’s Ambassador to Lebanon in 1973. Mr Alawi played a key role in maintaining Oman’s neutrality and as a regional mediator.

Dr Rawya Saud Al Busaidi is Oman's Minister of Higher Education since 2004. She was the first Omani woman to be appointed to a ministerial portfolio. Ms Al Busaidi is also the president of the Council of Sultan Qaboos University and is credited with making significant improvements in Oman's education sector. YouTube

Sultan bin Mohammed Al Nu'amani is the Minister of the Royal Office. As acting chairman of the Defence Council, he was entrusted to open Sultan Qaboos' will, containing the name of Haitham bin Tariq as the Sultan of Oman. YouTube

Ibtisam Al Salmi is one of the Middle East’s first professional female sailors and a member of Oman Sail's pioneering Women’s Sailing Programme. In February 2020, she and partner Marwa Al Kaifi made history by becoming the first all-female team to finish on the podium in 10 years of the EFG Sailing Arabia. Courtesy Oman Sailing

Mohammed Al Barwani, billionaire and chairman of MB Petroleum Services LLC, started his career in the oil industry in 1976, as a reservoir engineer for Petroleum Development Oman. He founded MB Holding in 1982 to provide oilfield services. MB expanded into oil and gas exploration and production, and then engineering services. Mr Al Barwani also runs Musstir, a real estate developer with stakes in several hotels in Oman. Bloomberg

Basma Al Said established the first mental health Clinic in Oman, called “Whispers of Serenity Clinic for Mental Health," as she continues to raise awareness about mental health. She is a psychotherapist and a hypnotherapist who won several awards which include: “Golden Recognition Award” by the Arab Women Council, the GR8! Women Achievers Awards, and an Honorary Doctorate for youth volunteer projects. Courtesy YouTube

Author Jokha Alharthi won the Booker International Prize for the book 'Celestial Bodies' in 2019. The novelist became the first Arabic language writer to win the prestigious literary prize. Her book is a surrealistic look at her homeland through the eyes of three sisters residing in the Al Awafi village on the sultanate. AFP

Qais Al Khonji is a Omani businessman and founder of Qais United Enterprises Trading and co-owner and chief executive of Genesis International, a medical education company based in Oman. Mr Khonji serves as a board member for many Omani companies and is known for assisting Omani citizens with their small start-ups. Courtesy theaniajames.com

Haifa bint Juma Al Khaifi is the CFO of Petroleum Development Oman, and Chairperson of the Board of State Street Saudi Arabia Financial Solutions, and has been named as one of the most influential women in the Middle East for five years by Forbes. Courtesy YouTube

Ali Al Habsi is professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. Before retiring in August he represented Al Mudhaibi, Al Nasr, Lyn Oslo, Bolton Wanderers, Wigan Athletic, Brighton and Hove Albion, Reading, Al Hilal and West Bromich Albion. He also played for the Omani national team in several Asian Cups and Arabian Gulf Cups. Mr Al Habsi has been associated with the Safety First, a not-for-profit road safety awareness organisation. PA Images

Fatma Al Nabhani is the region’s only professional female tennis player and has been playing since the age of nine, when she won the West Asian Championship in the under-13 category. During her professional career, she has won four singles and four doubles titles on the ITF tour. She was featured in a Nike video as a unique example and role model for women athletes in the Arab world. AFP

Ahmad Al Harthy is Oman's top racing driver, where he won the 2012 Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain Pro-Am 1 Championship and in 2017 became the Blancpain Endurance Cup Pro-Am Champion along with British teammate Jonny Adam.

On Wednesday Oman will celebrate its 50th National Day, when Sultan Qaboos bin Said took the throne.

Under his reign Oman developed at lightspeed but took careful steps to preserve the nation's character and customs.

The country has produced an array of diplomats, sportspeople, explorers and businesspeople worthy of mention.

Take a flick through our gallery to find out more.