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National Day is a special time in Oman. The whole country celebrates, and it feels like every year the celebrations get more intense, maybe it’s just me. In reality, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos is getting older, and with every year that passes, the nation celebrates our benevolent leader maybe for the last time. Last year was extra special.
On this day in 2015 we celebrated 45 years of rule by Sultan Qaboos. During his reign, Oman became a modern, tolerant nation with good quality roads, education, and healthcare. What made 2015 extra special was that in 2014 Sultan Qaboos was in Germany being treated for an undisclosed medical condition. This was the first time he missed a National Day celebration in Oman. The nation still celebrated, but it wasn’t the same.
So, today, the 18th of November, we celebrate not only the 46 year reign of Sultan Qaboos, but also his improved health, and his birthday.
Happy National Day to everybody!
4 Comments
Hi and thanks for your posts. Do you think that, this year, for the 50th anniversary there will be some spciel celebration ?
I will be there the first 3 weeks of November (back flight on Nov.21), but since I read somewhere that celebrations are done later than Nov.18 in order to grant 4 days vacation, I thought do stay 2 weeks in Oman “mainland”, then, from nov.15 to nov.18 in Khasab, Musandam and the last 3 days in Dubai.
What do you think ? Is it worthwhile to review my schedule in order to be in Mascate on Nov.18?
Thanks
It is unclear what will happen regarding National Day now the HM Sultan Qaboos died. Likely there will be some event. (Fun fact: The 18th of November is Sultan Qaboos’ birthday.) However, I don’t think there will be a huge event in Muscat now. For the 40th there was a big show at the sports stadium, but again we have no way to know what exactly will happen at this point, but it is the 50th National Day in the Renaissance, so something will happen at least to celebrate 50 years in this modern era. Personally, I like seeing all the small events that people do simply in their villages, so you can try to see something in Khasab during your dates in Mussandam. I do not think it is worthwhile to reschedule your dates to be in Muscat on the 18th, the traffic is horrendous as all the young men take to the streets and hang out their windows blocking traffic.
Thanks
I just heard that the Sultan has died and his cousin will take his place