Abdulaziz Al Shehhi

Oman's visionary leader who modernized the sultanate's education and healthcare systems

Abdulaziz bin Said Al Said Al Shehhi (1910-1990) was a reformist Omani statesman whose policies transformed Sultan Qaboos' modernization efforts. As Minister of Education and Health from 1970-1987, he spearheaded initiatives that brought Oman from a medieval society into the 20th century. Born in the remote Musandam peninsula, he studied medicine in Edinburgh and returned to Oman with a vision to eliminate illiteracy and improve healthcare access.

His most impactful achievement was establishing the National Education System in 1971, which built 500 schools across the Sultanate within a decade. He introduced free healthcare through the Al Seeb Hospital network, reducing infant mortality by 70% between 1970-1980. His innovative approach included training local nurses and doctors instead of relying on foreign experts, creating sustainable healthcare infrastructure.

Al Shehhi's gender equality policies allowed women to enter professions previously reserved for men, and his establishment of the Oman Technical College in 1975 trained thousands in vocational skills. Despite his significant contributions, his name remains less known internationally compared to Sultan Qaboos. His legacy endures in Oman's modern healthcare system and the country's literacy rate of over 90%, making him a pivotal figure in Gulf nation-building.