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Latest: Holiday announced in Oman for National Day
Muscat: Oman is all geared up to celebrate its 49th National Day, with people in a festive mood as they look forward to honouring the development the country has seen under the visionary leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.
Celebrated on November 18 every year soon after His Majesty ascended the throne in 1970, Oman’s National Day is a time for joy, sharing and togetherness, as citizens and expats together reflect on the progress that the country has seen during his stable and steady rule.
His Majesty to preside over Oman’s National Day parade
It’s hard to miss the build-up that follows the announcement and in the days leading to the arrival of National Day. In the days before and after National Day, streets across Muscat and the rest of Oman are festooned with decorations and lighting in the colours of Oman’s red, white and green flag, while the Royal Oman Police relaxes its rules regarding the adorning of vehicles, allowing people to mark this occasion with Omani flags and symbols.
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To honour what is one of the most important days in Oman’s history, National Day is marked by a series of shows including fireworks around the country. Two of these locations this year – Al Seeb near Al Khoudh Dam, and near the Amerat Dam – are in Muscat, while a third will be held at Sahel Ittin in Salalah, the capital of the Dhofar Governorate. The fireworks will begin at 8 pm on 18 November.
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Speaking to the Times of Oman, an official from the Supreme Committee for National Day Celebrations said, “The streets have been decorated since Friday, 15 November 2019 in Muscat Governorate, from Azaiba intersection to Sidab. This year, the lighting installations took the shapes of musical instruments and notes, as well as depictions of flowers. We have also undertaken the installation of the Sultanate’s flags from Bait Al Al Barakah roundabout to Al Bustan Palace roundabout. All municipalities of the Sultanate of Oman have installed flags and decorations on streets and buildings.”
The Muscat Municipality have also organised National Day celebrations around the capital. Two celebrations have been organised: one at Amerat public park, and one in Al Seeb, on the occasion of the 49th National Day.
Watch: Lights on for the 49th National Day
A spokesman for the municipality said, “As part of the Sultanate’s celebrations of the 49th National Day, Muscat Municipality is pleased to announce the holding of events called ‘Oman Al Khair’ from 22 to 29 November 2019 at the old Amerat Park from 4:30 pm to 11 pm. It will include shows by students, activities, electronic and fun games, various artworks, concerts, and restaurants serving both local and international cuisine.”
Muscat Municipality will also hold celebrations at the office of the Directorate General of Muscat Municipality, in Seeb, in the presence of HE Issam bin Saud Al Zadjali, the mayor of Muscat Municipality, as well as the Wali of Seeb, and representatives from the Wilayat of Muscat Governorate in the Shura and Municipal Councils, as well as Badr Al Bahri, the DG of Muscat Municipality in Seeb.
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“The municipality’s ceremony will also include students expressing their fondness for the nation, in addition to the operetta consisting of a number of presentations, co-presented and directed by authors, composers and performers who embody the theme of each presentation distinctively, and reflect the importance of the occasion in the hearts of the Omani people,” said the spokesman. “The celebration will also be accompanied by the launch of two photo exhibitions, which will show Muscat in the past and present, and another exhibition of classic cars.”
Expats in the country were happy to express their joy on the occasion of 18 November, with Rashid Sohail saying, “Omani people are very, very friendly. We pray to God that this country continues to do well. Oman is an awesome country,” and Linda Ballesteros adding, “National Day is truly amazing. Oman has been my home for 30 years.”
Aisha Asim said, “I would like to wish everyone in Oman a happy National Day in advance. Long live the Sultanate of Oman, and I wish a long, healthy, happy and successful life to our father, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. May God bless him.” Cherie Oakley remarked, “We are all gearing up for National Day. There are just a few days to go...how quickly time flies!”
“Wishing the Sultanate of Oman a very prosperous, productive and happy 49th National Day. May almighty god bless His Majesty and the citizens and residents of my beloved Sultanate of Oman”, said Wendy Lee.
