In a moment that has stirred both sorrow and awe across the Sultanate of Oman, the nation bids farewell to one of its most extraordinary figures. At the remarkable age of 133, Sheikha Salma bint Said Al Riyami—widely believed to be the oldest living person not just in Oman but perhaps the world—has passed away peacefully in her ancestral village in the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate.

Her passing is more than the death of an individual; it marks the end of an era. She lived through sultans, sheikhs, wars, peace treaties, the discovery of oil, the rise of the modern Omani state, and the digital revolution. Her life was, quite literally, a living history of Oman.

A Life Beyond Time

Born in 1892, during a time when Oman was a vastly different land, Sheikha Salma grew up surrounded by the traditions of the desert and the sea. She witnessed the transition from tribal rule to the consolidation of the modern Omani state under Sultan Qaboos bin Said and later Sultan Haitham bin Tariq.

She often recounted childhood tales of riding camels across the interior highlands with her father, a respected tribal elder, and hearing news of world wars on battery-powered radios many years later. She married at 17, raised 10 children, and was known as the matriarch of a sprawling family that now extends into great-great-grandchildren.

A National Treasure

Salma bint Said Al Riyami was not just a family elder but a cultural icon. Her wisdom was sought by journalists, historians, and even members of the royal family. Despite her advanced age, she remained mentally sharp until her final days, frequently offering insights about traditional medicine, tribal customs, and oral histories that are now being documented by Omani universities.

Her story was featured in regional news outlets and even caught the attention of international longevity researchers who were intrigued by her age, lifestyle, and health secrets. Despite limited formal education, she spoke eloquently in classical Arabic and was known for her poetic recitations of old Omani verses.

The Secret to Her Longevity

When asked about the secret behind her astonishing lifespan, Sheikha Salma would smile and respond with a blend of humility and wit:

“Clean mountain air, goat milk, dates, and peace in the heart.”

Her diet was rooted in traditional Omani fare—simple, organic, and unprocessed. Her physical activity included daily walks, tending to a home garden, and prayer rituals that involved movement and mindfulness.

Unlike many in today’s fast-paced society, she led a life of simplicity, community bonding, and spiritual grounding. Researchers noted that these factors, combined with genetic predisposition and minimal stress, could have contributed to her extraordinary health.

A Farewell Marked by National Mourning

As news of her death broke on May 3, 2025, thousands of people across Oman paid their respects—both online and in person. Social media was flooded with tributes under hashtags like #SheikhaSalma133, #OmaniWisdom, and #OmanHistoryLivesOn.

Her funeral, held in the scenic village of Jebel Akhdar, was attended by high-ranking officials, scholars, family members, and residents from all walks of life. The Omani flag flew at half-mast in her region, and a moment of silence was observed in several schools across the country.

The Ministry of Heritage and Culture has announced plans to establish a small museum section in her name, preserving personal artifacts, photographs, and recordings of her oral accounts. A documentary highlighting her life and her impact on Omani heritage is also in production.

Sheikha Salma’s Contributions to Cultural Memory

Even at a time when most would retreat into silence, Sheikha Salma made an effort to pass on her cultural knowledge. Her memory held stories from over a century ago—of shipwrecks off the Musandam coast, camel caravans traveling from Nizwa to Salalah, and the arrival of the first motor vehicle in her village.

She was instrumental in preserving traditional Omani poetry and oral storytelling, often mentoring young students and performers. Her home became a meeting point for folklore preservationists and heritage researchers.

Through her, the past did not fade into obscurity—it lived on in new generations.

Family Ties That Spanned Centuries

At the time of her death, Sheikha Salma had:

• 10 children (5 of whom are still alive)

• 38 grandchildren

• 96 great-grandchildren

• 47 great-great-grandchildren

Some of her descendants now live in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, while others work in government, academia, and agriculture across Oman.

Her family attributes their values of hospitality, honor, and resilience to the matriarchal leadership of Sheikha Salma.

A Symbol of Omani Identity

In a rapidly modernizing world, the life of Sheikha Salma bint Said Al Riyami served as a grounding reminder of Oman’s deep-rooted traditions and timeless values. Her voice echoed stories of a pre-oil Oman, a land of frankincense trails, pearl divers, and mountain fortresses.

In classrooms, her name will be spoken alongside Omani legends. In public parks, elders will recount her tales to children. In the nation’s collective memory, her legacy will endure.

Tributes from the Nation

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq expressed his condolences through an official statement:

“The loss of Sheikha Salma bint Said Al Riyami is the loss of a living chronicle of Omani heritage. May her memory be eternal, and may her story continue to inspire our people.”

Omani poet Ahmed Al Rawahi penned a tribute:

"She walked with the age of sand,
And spoke like the wind on the dunes.
A soul from Oman’s golden past,
Has now become one with the moon."

Her Final Message

In a recorded video taken on her 132nd birthday, Sheikha Salma gave a message that now feels like a farewell note:

“I have lived many lives in one life. Love your land, love your family, and keep your heart light. That is the Omani way.”

A Legacy Carved in Stone and Soul

As the sun sets behind the majestic mountains of Oman today, the spirit of Sheikha Salma soars beyond the physical world. Her passing may have closed a chapter, but her influence will be felt for generations to come.

She wasn't just the oldest living person in Oman—she was a keeper of time, a guardian of stories, and a symbol of a nation's soul.

Conclusion: Honoring a Centenarian of Historic Significance

The passing of Sheikha Salma bint Said Al Riyami at the age of 133 is more than a news headline—it is a story of resilience, culture, and legacy. As Oman continues its path toward innovation and global integration, it is souls like hers that remind us of our roots and our purpose.

In her life lies a reflection of Oman’s transformation—from humble tribal beginnings to a forward-thinking nation. Let her story ignite in us all a passion to preserve, to learn, and to remember.

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