Fahd bin Mahmoud Al-Said dies at 85

Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al-Said of Oman has died at the age of 85. 

His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al-Said died yesterday in Oman. The prominent statesman was a major figure within the Omani Royal Court who held a key role in the development of the Sultanate for decades. Sayyid Fahd served as Deputy Prime Minister, the second-highest position after the Sultan.

The Diwan of the Royal Court announced yesterday in a statement,

With hearts believing in God’s will and decree, the Diwan of the Royal Court mourns the passing of His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, may God have mercy on him, who passed away this morning (Thursday), the 22nd of Ramadan 1447 AH—corresponding to the 12th of March 2026—following a life filled of giving, spent in sincerity and dedication to the service of this cherished nation since the dawn of the Blessed Renaissance Era.

His Highness was born on 5 October 1940 and studied at Cairo University, graduating in 1965 with a degree in economics. Later attending the Sorbonne in 1970, obtaining a master’s degree in economics and political science.

The late Sayyid Fahd’s public career began when he was appointed to several key ministerial positions within the Sultanate. Serving first as Minister of Foreign Affairs, then Minister of Information and Culture, and later Deputy Prime Minister for Legal Affairs.

In 1994, Sayyid Fahd was appointed as Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers, which he held until his death in March 2026.

His Highness was known for his “intellectual depth, he was fluent in Arabic, French and English,” per the Oman Observer. The Deputy Prime Minister was also the spokesperson of the Royal Family Council upon the death of the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said (1940—2020).

Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al-Said was married and had four children.

Video later posted to social media on Thursday evening showed the draped body of the late Sayyid Fahd being carried in a funeral procession, as is Islamic tradition.

Condolences were sent from around the world to Oman yesterday.

Bahrain — King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, as well as Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad, sent cables of condolences to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq

France — The French Embassy in Oman, as well as French Ambassador to the Sultanate H.E. Nabil Hajlaoui, offered their condolences in a message posted to social media

Kuwait — The Emir of Kuwait, Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, sent a cable of condolence to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq

Saudi Arabia — The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince sent their condolences to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, per SPA

Swiss Confederation — The Ambassador of Switzerland to the Sultanate of Oman posted a message to social media, in part, saying, “I also convey my sincerest condolences to the family of Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said”

UAE — The Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates have sent separate messages of condolences to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, Crown Princes and Deputy Rulers also sent similar messages of condolences to the Sultan of Oman, per WAM