Oman’s First Lady Honoured with Top Royal Award, Symbolizing Women’s Evolving Role
The recent bestowal of the Grand Order of Honour by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik upon Her Highness the First Lady of Oman, Ahad bint Abdullah Al Busaidiyah, captured a moment far richer than its ceremonial appearance. Though the event itself was singular, its depth and symbolism echoed across the nation—an image with many dimensions, carrying layers of meaning about leadership, national identity, and the evolving role of women in Omani society.
The Grand Order of Honour, granted solely at the discretion of the Sultan, stands as one of the most distinguished recognitions in the Sultanate. Awarding it to Her Highness reflects profound appreciation for her extensive efforts in social, cultural, and humanitarian spheres, and for the transformative initiatives she has championed. These contributions have strengthened the culture of institutional giving in Oman and highlighted the importance of compassion and community engagement in national development.
Presented during the celebration of Oman’s 55th National Day, the decoration symbolized a convergence of national pride and personal merit. It affirmed Her Highness as a key figure in the country’s renewed renaissance—a genuine embodiment of Omani womanhood, and a prominent representative of the nation’s aspirations under Oman Vision 2040. This vision aims to build a diversified, knowledge-based, and sustainable economy; achieve financial stability; and prioritize employment for Omani citizens. It emphasizes balanced development, community partnership, and the vital role of women as core contributors to progress.
The vision places women at the heart of its “Human and Society” pillar, promoting an enabling environment for their active participation. It seeks to enhance their well-being, expand their opportunities, and strengthen their leadership capacities across political, social, and economic fields. In this context, Her Highness stands as both an inspiration and a driving force behind the country’s modern trajectory.
Her Highness’s character and leadership are also shaped by her distinguished heritage. Born in Muscat on April 4, 1970, she descends from the storied Al Busaidi family, whose lineage traces back to Imam Ahmed bin Said Al Busaidi, founder of the ruling dynasty in Oman. Her father, Sayyid Abdullah bin Hamad Al Busaidi, held several important government roles, serving as governor, deputy minister, and later advisor at the Ministry of Interior. From her mother, the late Khalsa bint Nasr Al Busaidiyah—remembered for her purity, generosity, and steadfast spirit—Her Highness inherited a deep sense of compassion, resilience, and humility.
Raised in a loving, principled household, she grew up with strong values of faith, respect for parents, and devotion to country. Her early passion for reading shaped a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. She received her education in Oman before continuing her studies abroad, choosing sociology—a field that deepened her understanding of human behavior, social structures, and community development. Her academic journey later expanded through extensive reading in political thought, philosophy, leadership studies, and history, equipping her with a broad intellectual foundation for her public role.
Her marriage to Sultan Haitham bin Tarik in 1989 marked the beginning of a new chapter, both personal and national. Together they raised four children—Theyazin, Bilarab, Thuraya, and Omaima—instilling in them the values of humility, responsibility, and love of country. Her close, attentive role as a mother has long been admired by the public as part of her grounded, human-centered presence.
Her first public appearance after her husband’s accession in 2020 was a defining moment, symbolizing the harmony of tradition and modernity. Addressing Omani women on their national day, she offered sincere recognition of their contributions throughout the nation’s history and reaffirmed their essential role in shaping the future. Her words resonated deeply, highlighting the importance of education, family, and social responsibility in building a strong and resilient society.
Her Highness has since become a unifying figure in the national consciousness—a source of positive energy, cultural refinement, and moral clarity. Her message consistently underscores the shared responsibility of men and women in advancing the nation. She speaks of womanhood as a force of wisdom, compassion, and creativity, emphasizing that the empowerment of women enriches families, strengthens communities, and secures the future of the country.
The title “Her Highness” carries deep historical resonance in Oman, tracing back to the 18th century and reflecting the pivotal role of women in the nation’s political and social fabric. Today, Her Highness Ahad bint Abdullah embodies that legacy with renewed meaning, representing both continuity and transformation in Omani society.
Five years after her first public appearance, as Omani women celebrated their day in 2025 under the theme “She Is Oman,” Her Highness delivered another powerful message. She affirmed that despite the complexities of the modern era—with its rapid changes, evolving technologies, and emerging challenges—Omani women remain steadfast pillars of the nation. Their strength, she noted, lies in timeless values of integrity, resilience, and unity.
Her Highness’s prominence in the hearts of the Omani people is not merely an extension of her position; it is a reflection of her presence, her humanity, and her unwavering commitment to the nation’s well-being. She is seen as a symbol of good fortune, a beacon of clarity and renewal, and one of the most compelling influences of soft power in contemporary Oman.
As consort to the Sultan and mother of Crown Prince Theyazin bin Haitham—currently Minister of Culture, Sports, and Youth—she stands at the intersection of tradition and progress. Through her work, she continues to embody generosity, national loyalty, and deep love for the people of Oman. Her leadership radiates the spirit of a new era—one rooted in heritage yet looking confidently toward the future.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Essaafi)
