Muscat: The longest-reigning leader of the modern Arab world Sultan Qaboos (79) has died said the royal court on Saturday. The royal court in a statement said that with a great sorrow and deep sadness the royal court mourns his majesty Sultan Qaboos bin, who passes away on Friday.

He has ruled since 1970, when he deposed his father in a palace coup had been ill for some time and had been believed to be suffering from colon cancer. He was unmarried and had no children or brothers.

Sultan Qaboos was laid to rest at the royal cemetery on Saturday after his coffin, draped in the Omani flag, was given through the streets of the capital Muscat. Thousands of people including members of the royal family were present for prayers at the main mosque which is named after the sultan.

His cousin Haithan Bin Tariq, the culture minister was sworn-in shortly after modern Omens founding father was laid to rest. The Haitan (65) in his first public speech which was live telecasted on state television said that we will follow the path of the late Sultan.