Sultan Qaboos bin Said al-Said died 10 Jan aged 79; royal family council 11 Jan pronounced his cousin, Haitham bin Tariq al-Said, as Sultan. In his first address, Sultan Haitham pledged to continue his predecessor’s friendly relations with all states.

Foreign Ministry 26 June announced that it planned to open embassy in Ramallah, Palestine.

FM Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah 27 Oct said that Oman is offering ideas to bring Israel and Palestinians together, but not acting as mediator. Palestinian Authority President Abbas visited Oman 21-23 Oct meeting Omani leader Sultan Qaboos. Days later, in unexpected visit, Israeli PM Netanyahu met Sultan Qaboos 26 Oct, first visit of Israeli leader to country since 1996. Following killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Saudi Arabia’s consulate in Istanbul 2 Oct, Oman 21 Oct welcomed Saudi Arabia’s response, including firing of top officials and arrests, but insisted on “allow[ing] justice to take its course”.

Sporadic pro-reform protests continued, with hundreds demonstrating from 6 May in southern port Salahah; smaller protests continued in Muscat, Sur.

At least 1 protester killed, 60 detained 1 Apr in crackdown on pro-reform protesters in NE town Sohar; second protest-related death since demonstrations began late Feb. Heavy security presence in Sohar from 2 Apr prevented further mass protests, though small rallies continued. Govt 17 Apr promised $2.1bn public spending to “satisfy” protesters’ demands. Officials 20 Apr announced pardon of 234 people detained during demonstrations. Some 3,000 protested 22 Apr in southern port Salalah in one of largest pro-reform demonstrations.

Sultan Qaboos bin Said 13 March announced reforms in response to ongoing protests, including delegation of some legislative powers to partially-elected Majlis al-Shoura council, cabinet reshuffle, welfare increases.

Protests demanding political reform starting 26 Feb in main industrial town Sohar, 28 Feb spread to capital Muscat; at least 2 killed 27 Feb by police. Sultan Qaboos bin Said 26 Feb replaced 6 cabinet members, increased minimum wage by over 40%.