The pledge of allegiance to Imam Ahmad bin Said, who was the governor of Sohar and its surrounding areas in 1744, marked the beginning of a new era in the Omani history. This era has continued through various phases for over two hundred and seventy-three years to the present day. It is noteworthy that Imam Ahmad bin Said's ascension to leadership in Oman was in response to the wishes of the influential figures of the time, given his stances and bravery, especially in liberating the country from Persian invaders.

For the first time in Oman, during the reign of Imam Ahmad bin Said, who founded the Al Busaid dynasty, a form of central authority was established after he succeeded in uniting the warring tribes. He took proactive measures to solidify the foundations of the state and to prepare armed forces that could address the challenges facing Oman. He also modernized economic activities and possessed both a naval and a commercial fleet. Under his rule, Muscat maintained its status as one of the most important commercial cities in the region, and its port became one of the key trading hubs frequented by European ships. Moreover, he restored Oman’s role in the region; a clear indication of this was his dispatch of about one hundred vessels, led by the large ship “Al-Taradh Al-Rahmani”, in 1775 to the northern Gulf to lift the siege the Persians had imposed on Basra at the time, following a plea for help from the governor of Baghdad, and he succeeded in breaking the siege.

Both Arab and European sources agree that various factors contributed to the Omanis assuming a leading role, chief among them being their navigational and commercial skills and experience. Omanis accumulated significant knowledge as a result of historical events, geographical location, and their rich heritage. Additionally, Oman enjoyed a period of stability, particularly in its ports, during a time when chaos and unrest prevailed in most Gulf ports. The character of Ahmad bin Said was also marked by a high degree of discipline, decisiveness, and the ability to make appropriate decisions. Furthermore, he was respected by European powers, which trusted his policies and attracted foreigners to establish commercial agencies in Omani cities, especially Muscat, which became one of the most important Asian cities by 1790, according to a report prepared by the English East India Company.

After the death of Imam Ahmad bin Said in Rustaq in 1189 AH (1775 AD), which was his capital, he was succeeded by several prominent imams and sultans who maintained the rule of the Al Busaid family. During the reign of his grandson Hamad (1193 AH/1779 AD – 1207 AH/1792 AD), the capital was moved from Rustaq to Muscat, where it remains to this day. The deep sense of belonging among Omanis to a unified Omani land, strongly bonded by its citizens in facing any external challenges, has been a constant truth throughout the Omani history. Consequently, the continued rule of the Al Busaid family since the mid-eighteenth century has indeed provided another layer of support for Omani national unity, particularly during critical phases, peaking during the reign of Sayyid Said bin Sultan (1807–1856) and later during the reign of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimur—may God rest his soul—who was the architect of modern Oman.

Despite some periods of weakness and contraction, this ongoing historical era has yielded many significant achievements in Oman’s historical journey. Among the most notable is the elimination of all forms of foreign occupation and influence, alongside the construction of a large Omani empire that extended to various regions in East Africa during the first half of the nineteenth century. This empire asserted its maritime presence in the Indian Ocean and established balanced political relations with the great powers of the time, particularly Britain, France, and the United States. It also overcame various internal and regional challenges and laid a strong foundation for balanced relationships on the Gulf, regional, and international levels, allowing the Sultanate of Oman to safeguard its national interests. Furthermore, it facilitated the establishment of a modern, prosperous state that serves as a motherland for all its citizens, where Omanis enjoy equal citizenship rights. Above all, it has ensured the continuity and unity of Omani history, the restoration of Oman’s glory, and its ongoing civilizational contributions.