By Dr.Ahmed Mohiuddin Siddiqui
The Sultanate of Oman erupted with immense joy as the citizens and the residents celebrated the 49th National Day throughout the country that falls on 18th November.
It marks the birthday of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the glorious ruler of the Sultanate of Oman with phenomenal development in the past 49 years.
His contribution to peace and harmony in the Middle East and the world is recognized all over the world. As a political commentator of the Middle East, I had emphasized this on the Sultanate of Oman’s national television not long ago.
Cake cutting
The noble Sultan has issued a Royal pardon to 332 prisoners, including 142 from different nationalities, convicted in different cases.
The Royal pardon coincides with the advent of the 49 National Day in consideration of prisoners’ families.
The long march of the Omani Renaissance, under His Majesty, continues to witness a great and sustained developmental momentum in a way that puts the Omani economy on the threshold of a novel and unique stage as it prepares to enter with greater horizons, goals and hopes to achieve the grand Oman Vision 2040.
As part of the national day celebrations, a 2-day national holiday for the public and the private sector has been declared from Wednesday, November 27 to Thursday, November 28. Work will resume on Sunday, December 1st.
National Day songs by children
The citizens and the residents will enjoy the celebrations longer as Friday and Saturday is the usual weekend holiday in Oman.
The Higher Institute of Health Specialties (HIHS) celebrated the 49th National Day with great fervour as its Dean, Dr. Manal bint Abdul Majeed Al Zadjali paid glowing tributes to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos and enumerated the development made by Oman under his leadership.
Quiz pertaining to the Sultanate of Oman, patriotic songs by pre-school children and authentic Omani music of small drums and jazz were the highlights of the celebrations.
Oman is known for traditional hospitality. Lip-smacking culinary delights apart from the Omani Halwa and Qehwa were served.
Google — the search engine giant — joined the 49th Omani National Day celebrations by putting up a doodle of the Omani National Flag on the Google.com and Chrome browser homepages.
When internet users click on the animated flag, it takes them to website links, videos, and photos about Omani National Day.
Defining the Omani National Day, Google said: “November 18th, a time for family gatherings and celebrations, that commemorates the 369th anniversary of independence from Portugal.
Oman’s culinary delight
“This day also represents the 49th National Day since Qaboos bin Said Al Said’s rise to the Sultanate, as well as his 79th birthday.”
Greetings poured into Oman from all over the world. Eminent Dental Surgeon Dr. Wasif Manzar, who spent more than a decade in the Sultanate of Oman, sent his greetings from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the Omani citizens and the residents.
It is of significant to note that there are 2 million expatriates out of a total population of 4 million.
Oman is an equal opportunity employer and the Omanis are friendly and generous.
No wonder, the expatriates consider the Sultanate of Oman as their second home. Long Live Sultan Qaboos!