Ascended throne in 1970 after overthrowing his father in a coup. Sultan Qaboos bin Said has an estimated net worth of $700 million. He has led successful diversification of economy with grand objective of reducing the oil sector's hefty 40% contribution to GDP to 9% by 2020.

Promoting gas and tourism industries; government also owns stake in the Wave, a $2.5 billion mixed-use beachfront development in country's capital, Muscat. Avid classical music fan; personally financed restoration of mosques across the country.

Graduate of Britain's Sandhurst Military Academy, served in British Infantry.Divorced with no children, succession plan is matter of much speculation.