Muscat – The Government of Japan has conferred one of the highest civilian awards for foreign nationals on two Omani citizens. 

Dr Rawya bint Saud al Busaidiya, former minister of higher education, has been honoured with ‘The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star’, while Harib bin Abdullah al Kitani, President and Founder of Kitani International and former CEO of Oman LNG and Qalhat LNG, has been conferred the ‘The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette’.

They have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to the development of friendly relations between Japan and Oman.

The Order of the Rising Sun, one of the most prestigious decorations in Japan, was introduced in 1875. Presentation of the award to non-Japanese nationals started in 1981.