Festive cheer all around on Oman's 52nd National Day

Muscat: Friday, November 18, turned out to be a day of outpouring of joy and pride for citizens and residents of the Sultanate of Oman.

The celebrations of 52nd National Day were witnessed across the Sultanate of Oman with people and organisations holding a series of events. From cake-cutting to exchange of gifts in offices to processions and marches organised in various headquarters of wilayats, the feeling of joy and pride was evident.

In capital Muscat, pomp and gaiety marked the occasion as people came out in thousands on the roads with decorated cars from early evening. Children, elderly and young were all in a celebratory mood on the National Day.

Roads were chock a block with cars, with the road jam extending to more than 10 kms around 8pm.

The mood was celebratory with beautifully decorated cars and people honking horns all along as they headed to Qurum Corniche and the service roads in Shatti Qurum.

In view of the large number of cars, the Royal Oman Police had to halt traffic at various places to manage the rush of people enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Kite, laser and drone shows were held for the first time in three governorates to celebrate the 52nd National Day. Laser and drone shows were held in Amerat Park in Muscat and Sahel Ittin in Salalah in Dhofar while a kite show was held in Sahel Ittin in Salalah.

On Saturday, laser and drone shows were held in the Khoudh Dam area in Muscat and the wilayat of Khasab in Musandam. The celebrations will continue on Sunday and Monday with kite shows to be held at Seeb Beach and Azaiba Beach.

Loud cheers were heard from the crowds in Al Amerat as drones displayed the portrait of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and flag of the Sultanate of Oman to express their joy. Along with Muscat, all other major cities across the nation have been decked up for the National Day with flag and colourful lights illuminating the main roads.

In Salalah, light shows using drones and lasers were held on Friday evening.

The activities, organised by the Secretariat General of National Celebrations included display of a set of photographs and words expressing love for the homeland and His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Supreme Commander, in the presence of a large number of citizens and residents.