As countdown begins for Oman’s 51st National Day of the Renaissance, preparations too are in full swing to welcome one of the most awaited days in the Sultanate of Oman.
Every year, the nation celebrates November 18 as its National Day with preparations to mark this significant occasion beginning weeks before. It is a time to reflect on the progress that the country has seen during the past years.
Although celebrations are expected to be conducted in a simple way, as indicated by the Supreme Committee, in view of the Covid-19 pandemic, there is no lack of enthusiasm and patriotic favour. Citizens and residents have already started sharing “I love Oman” posts on social media to mark the occasion.
To add to the festive fervour, streets in many parts of Muscat and the rest of other governorates are being festooned with decorations and lighting in red, white and green colours on the Sultanate of Oman’s flag.
The company that won the tender for decorations has already started illuminations and other works in many parts of the capital city including all major roads and Grand Mosque areas.
Lighting installations are also being made on the side streets of Sultan Qaboos Street, major malls in Muscat and along Al Mawaleh Street. National flags will be placed from the Al Bustan roundabout to Barka roundabout.
Lights are expected to be switched on soon and the festivities will last until the end of this month. There will be 30-minute fireworks displays in Al Amerat and Al Khoudh in Muscat and Salalah on November 18.
Shops selling National Day merchandise have started displaying miniature flags and other items like throbs and badges.
“We expect the sales to pick up in the coming week. Now only children are the main customers for National Day items,” said Nassir Kamaruddin, a shop owner in Ruwi.
The Oman Pavilion in the ongoing Expo 2020 Dubai will celebrate the National Day on November 21 bringing international glory to the festivities.
According to Alya al Hosni, director of Oman Vision 2040 in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion and the National Day Celebration Programme at Expo 2020 Dubai, the programme will consist of many events.
“It will start with the official delegation of the government receiving Shabab Oman II, followed by an event hosted by Expo 2020’s organising committee to celebrate our National Day. There will be a formal evening reception to showcase Omani culture to the world,” he informed.
There will also be a fashion event showcasing creations of Omani designers with an objective to reach out to international audiences.
