Oman profile – Timeline – BBC News

2007 June – Cyclone Gonu, the strongest storm to hit the Gulf for decades, kills more than 50 people and disrupts oil production.

Oman’s Arabian Oryx sanctuary becomes the first site to be removed from UNESCO’s World Heritage list after the rare species dwindled and the government cut the park size by 90%.

2011 February – Protesters demand jobs and political reform. One demonstrator is shot dead by police. Sultan Qaboos reacts by promising jobs and benefits.

2011 October – Elections to the Consultative Council. Following unrest inspired by the Arab Spring, Sultan Qaboos grants the council greater powers.

2012 September – Trials begin of activists accused of posting “abusive and provocative” criticism of the government online, amid reports of a crackdown on protests over unemployment and lack of democracy. Six are given jail terms of 12-18 months and fines of about $2,500 each.

2013 March – Sultan Qaboos pardons around 30 people, including online activists and protesters.

2016 September – The national newspaper Azaman is forced to close after publishing an article about alleged pressure on judges from officials. The editor is sentenced to jail.

2017 June – Qatar starts bypassing sea, land and air transport restrictions imposed by its Gulf neighbours by using ports in Oman to carry cargo.

2020 January – Haitham bin Tariq Al Said succeeds to the throne on the death of his cousin Sultan Qaboos.