How did Sultan Qaboos bin Said modernize Oman after taking power in 1970?

After taking power in a palace coup on July 23, 1970, Qaboos bin Said fundamentally transformed Oman by reversing his father’s policy of isolation and initiating a comprehensive modernization program.1

His efforts included:

• Governmental Structure: Qaboos established the country’s first official cabinet and began building a modern government structure, personally serving as prime minister, minister of defense, and minister of foreign affairs.1
• Infrastructure: The country developed a modern network of roads from virtually nothing to connect major settlements. Several major ports, including Port Qaboos and the container terminal at Salalah, were constructed or expanded after 1970.2
• Education: Access to schooling expanded dramatically; while only three primary schools existed in 1970, the country later established a robust system providing free education, including the opening of Sultan Qaboos University in 1986.3
• Foreign Relations: Qaboos ended Oman's isolation by joining the Arab League and the United Nations in 1971 and later becoming a founding member of the Gulf Cooperation Council.1