A Tribute to His Excellency Sayyid Abdulla Hamad Said Al Busaidy

 Many of you will have seen the profoundly sad news that our Patron, H.E. Sayyid Abdulla Hamad Said Al Busaidy passed away suddenly a few weeks ago.

H.E. Sayyid Abdulla’s legacy extends far beyond his contributions to OSFA.  His leadership and vision were instrumental in various initiatives aimed at improving the lives of others and building a more connected and harmonious world.  Throughout his illustrious career spanning more than 38 years he became well-known as a man of remarkable integrity, compassion and dedication to the betterment of society.

At Governmental level, he was appointed Head of Administration in the Ministry of Land Affairs in 1973, progressing to become Director and Director General of various notable Ministries and departments, including the Ministries of Justice, Religious Affairs and Environment.  Of his more prominent roles, he was appointed Minister of Housing in 1986, followed by some time as the Permanent Representative of the Sultanate to the League of Arab States as Ambassador of the Sultanate to Tunisia, Egypt and Cyprus, where he played an instrumental role in strengthening the Sultanate’s relations with other countries.  Laterally, he held the position of Chairman of the State Audit Institution before his retirement in 2011.

Passionate about the advancement of the Education and Welfare sectors, he played a pivotal role in the establishment of A’Sharqiyah University and Nizwa University, subsequently leading the Committee for Private Higher Education which oversees 27 Universities and Colleges in the Sultanate until 2017. 

His deep commitment to promoting inter-country relations continued with his contribution to founding the Oman Switzerland Friendship Association in 2016, graciously serving as Patron for the Oman side ever since.  His tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to OSFA significantly contributed to the strengthening of bilateral relations, promoting cultural exchange, and enhancing mutual understanding between the two nations. Under his patronage, the Association flourished, bringing people closer together and fostering a spirit of collaboration and unity.

His Excellency’s sudden departure is a tremendous loss to all who had the privilege of knowing him and working alongside him.  His memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched and in the enduring friendship between Oman and Switzerland, which he so passionately nurtured.

In this time of sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues.  May they find comfort in the knowledge that his legacy of kindness, dedication, warmth, compassion and diplomacy will continue to inspire and guide us all.

May he rest in eternal peace.

الله يرحمه و يغفر له و يدخله فسيح جناته