To commemorate the birth of Oman’s independence, the National Day is celebrated every year on 18th November.National Day coincides with Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s birthday, which occurs November 19, adding additional significance to the day.
Quick History of National Day in Oman
A tribal society, in 749 Oman chose an Imam to be its first ruler, and so Islam became the main religion there. The country’s people remained relatively independent until 1507, despite some pressure from neighbouring Iran and other Arab countries.
In 1507, Portugal’s naval fleet arrived taking the strategic ports of Muscat and Sohar.The Portuguese saw the ports along the coast of Oman as valuable stopping and trading points in their Indian spice trade routes.
This lucrative trading activity raised the eyes of both Britain and Dutch. But as the Portugese started to exploit Oman’s resources, the Al-Ya’ribi decided to woo the East India Company of Britain to reduce the strain on resources the Portugese were placing on Oman.Under an agreed treaty, British merchants were guaranteed legal and religious rights while operating in the Oman’s domain, effectively weakening the influence of Portugal in the region.
An uprising in 1650, lead by Sultan Bin Saif ultimately forced the Portugese to leave Oman. Since then, Oman has been relatively independent and is certainly one of the longest continually independent Arab states.
Oman’s National Day Traditions, Customs and Activities
The Oman celebration emcompasses not only the day of independence but also the Sultan’s birthday. Fireworks displays, images of the sultan, and Oman’s flag can be seen during celebrations that focus on the progress the current sultan, Qaboos bin Said, has made for the people of Oman.
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