Happy

This is an important time of year in Oman. Normally, the Sultan would have spent the last month touring the country listening to the concerns of his subjects and, in doing so, maintaining an old Arabic tradition. Then, later in November on National Day, he would tell the Oman Council what the people have told him and that they should get on and fix it.

Not a bad way to run a country.

However, the Sultan has been ill and receiving treatment in Germany. Yesterday, he appeared on TV and gave a short speech - the first people had seen of him for four months. He reported he was recovering and, in order to maintain progress, he couldn't be in Oman at this important time.

His broadcast was a major event and brought many people out in the street in celebration. Including this young man.

If there was a poll for the world's most popular leader, I reckon Sultan Qaboos would be in with a shout.