Final answer:
Sultan Qaboos bin Said ruled Oman as an absolute monarch and had total control over the country's governance. He utilized Oman's oil wealth for development, but some citizens faced oppressive policies due to his unchecked power.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sultan Qaboos bin Said, as an absolute monarch, had complete control over the governance of Oman, including its nobility, from the 1970s until his passing in 2020. He oversaw Oman's transformation into a wealthier nation, leveraging its vast oil reserves to foster development and international influence.
The monarch's approach towards nobility typically involved centralized power and decision-making without formal checks. While living conditions for citizens improved significantly under his rule, some may have experienced oppressive policies due to the nature of absolute monarchy.
In history, leaders such as Sultan Qaitbay displayed generosity towards nobility and merchants, showcasing diplomatic relationships through gift-giving, as indicated by the traders in Florence and the citizens benefiting in Cairo under Qaitbay's rule.