Oman: Haitham Bin Tariq greets Prince Harry

An official visit to Oman by Britain’s Prince Harry on 18-19 November went ahead despite Sultan Qaboos Bin Said’s absence. Arriving in Muscat on the sultan’s birthday, the prince was greeted at Muscat International Airport by Qaboos’ cousin Haitham Bin Tariq Al-Said, who is seen as one of the main contenders for succession. The traditional parade to mark national day – to have been a centrepiece of Harry’s visit – was cancelled due to Qaboos’ illness; on the evening of 18 November, it was Haitham who hosted a dinner reception at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel in honour of the prince.