Oman's Sultan Qaboos passes away, cousin Haitham bin Tariq sworn in as new ruler

Sultan Qaboos, the longest-reigning leader of the modern Arab world, has died at the age of 79, the royal court said on Saturday.

“With great sorrow and deep sadness [...] the royal court mourns His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who passed away on Friday,” the court said in a statement.

His cousin Haitham bin Tariq, Oman's culture minister, was named as Qaboos' successor, the government said on Saturday.

"Haitham bin Tariq was sworn in as the new sultan of the country [...] after a meeting of the family which decided to appoint the one who was chosen by the sultan," the Oman government said in a tweet. Discussions over the late ruler's successor were held as he had left no apparent heir. He was unmarried and had no children or brothers.

Qaboos, who ruled Oman since 1970 when he deposed his father in a palace coup, had been ill for some time and had been believed to be suffering from colon cancer.

Prime Minister Imran Khan, in a tweet, offered his condolences on the death of Qaboos and termed the ruler as a "visionary" who "transformed Oman into a vibrant, modern state".

"Oman has lost a beloved leader and Pakistan a close, trusted friend. May his soul rest in eternal peace," the premier said.