Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Oman's Minister of Heritage and Culture, has succeeded Qaboos bin Said al-Said as the country's monarch, the government confirmed.
Caption: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said - may God preserve him - swore an oath to the country in accordance with the text of Article Seven of the Basic Law of the State, following the convening of the Royal Family Council.
Omani newspaper Al-Watan reported that the official, who is Qaboos' cousin, had taken the oath to become the country's Sultan.
Caption: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said takes the oath before the Council of Oman this morning, to become the Sultan of Oman, according to the Basic Law of the State, during an emergency session held by the Council of Oman at its headquarters in Al-Bustan.
Similarly, the sultanate's Al-Roya newspaper reported that the culture minister had taken the oath and affirmed the continuation of the country's modernisation and development in various fields.
Caption: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said affirms the continuation of the process of modernisation and development in various fields following the demise of Sultan Qaboos bin Said - may God rest his soul.
The Royal Court of Oman earlier announced the death of the Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said, at the age of 79. He had ruled the country for almost 50 years.