His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik  issued a Royal Decree in July 2020 appointing Dr. Saud bin Hamoud bin Ahmed Al Habsi as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. Dr. Saud had earlier held the position of Under Secretary of Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
He brought over 20 years of management, professional and scientific experience to OADC. His vast experience spanned from governmental work at various positions within MAFW, research entity, funding and recently managing private company that was reformed to meet the main pillars of the Government economic diversification of the national economy.

Dr Saoud joined Newcastle Upon Tyne University, Newcastle-UK and was granted a PhD degree in Fisheries Resources Management. Then move to the Research Council to work as the Director of the Research Centers before joining the new established Oman Aquaculture Development Company (OADC) in 2016. His previous experience in managing fisheries resources has had a good impact at the early reforming stages of OADC.