Photo by Linda Pappas Funsch His Royal Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Sa'id Al Sa'id SLIDE SHOW: More photos

A VIDEO INTRODUCTION AUDIO SLIDE SHOW: Drawing from her collection of photos, Linda Pappas Funsch compares her experiences in Oman more than 30 years ago to those of her most recent trip.

Sultan Qaboos bin Sa'id Al Sa'id represents the 14th generation of his family to rule Oman. The Al Bu Sa'id family assumed power in 1749 and is the oldest ruling family in the Arab world. The present Sultan is widely respected and admired for guiding Oman into the modern age.

Much of the credit for the current Omani renaissance is given to this remarkable leader. Since ascending to power in 1970, Qaboos has invested his energies and his country's treasure into transforming this land. The changes have been extraordinary and observable on many levels, from the construction of roads and utilities, to the expansion of services in education and healthcare, to the introduction of universal suffrage, increased participation in governmental institutions and the integration of women into all spheres of national life.

The Sultan runs his government in a uniquely democratic fashion. Under this system, which has worked well for the citizens of Oman, the monarch's power is constrained by "Shari'a," Islamic law, tradition and through consultation and consensus.

In 1996, the Basic Law was introduced in Oman, establishing a bi-cameral parliament, providing for royal succession and guaranteeing equal rights for men and women.

The Royal Tour, established by the young Sultan early in his reign, is a particularly interesting tradition. Journeying into even the most remote provinces of Oman, Qaboos, accompanied by his cabinet ministers, periodically visits with his subjects, listening to their concerns, hearing their grievances, mediating disputes and resolving issues on the spot.

In both eastern and western circles, Qaboos is generally regarded as one of the brightest visionaries and most effective reformers in the Middle East. He is credited with unifying disparate elements of his country through keen political acumen and effective communication.