Saudi king pays condolences to new Oman sultan after Qaboos death

The visit comes after the death of the Qaboos, which was announced Saturday morning, who ruled Oman for close to 50 years.

The death of the monarch has led to an outpouring of grief in the sultanate and marks of respect from worldwide leaders. His role as an important regional mediator saw the flag at the United Nations lowered to half-mast.

After visits to Oman from Gulf royals, including Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, Saudi Arabia's King Salman flew to Muscat on Monday.

He was greeted at the airport by Sultan Haitham bin Said, where the Saudi monarch offered his condolences to Oman's new leader.

Saudi Arabia was the only Gulf state not to lower its flag to half-mast on news of Qaboos' death.

This was explained due to presence of the Shahada - the Muslim declaration of faith - on the banner.

Iraq - which also has the Shahada ascribed on its flag- also followed Riyadh on this matter.

Sultan Qaboos ruled Oman since 1970, and led an economic boom in the country by tapping into the country's oil supplies.

He was also widely respected as a peacemaker, and viewed as the figure behind the brokering of the Iran nuclear deal, between Tehran and world powers.


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