Monday 18 / November / 2024
Muscat: Patriotism and pride were on full display as Oman celebrated its 54th National Day on Monday, with streets and skies alive with festive joy.
A sea of white, green, and red flags fluttered across the Sultanate, creating a vibrant spectacle of unity and national pride.
The celebrations began early, with cars decorated in elaborate designs featuring National Day logos, stickers, and images of late Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimour and His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik cruising through the streets.
Al Shatti Street, in particular, was transformed into a moving parade of patriotism, as citizens and residents waved flags, honked horns, and cheered with uncontainable enthusiasm.
The festive atmosphere on Al Shatti Street was a sight to behold.
Vehicles adorned with flags and lights, some even fitted with speakers blaring patriotic songs, lined the roads in a lively procession. Families, youth, and children leaned out of windows, waving flags with bright smiles. Drivers honked their horns in rhythmic unison, adding to the pulsating energy of the evening.
Crowds gathered along the sidewalks, joining in the excitement as groups of friends and families walked by, holding flags and wearing traditional Omani attire.
Children, dressed in the colours of the national flag, danced and cheered while proudly waving small flags.
In addition to the street celebrations, there were other acts of unity observed across the capital. Offices hosted cake-cutting ceremonies and exchanged gifts as a way to celebrate the day’s significance. Many organisations held National Day events to honour Oman’s progress and achievements.
The Google Doodle for Oman’s National Day 2024 was another notable tribute, with a colourful illustration of the Omani flag and the word “Google” written in Arabic, serving as a digital celebration of the Sultanate’s glory.
Avantika Bhattacharya, an Indian housewife, captured the essence of the moment. She said: “The energy on Al Shatti Street was contagious. We were amazed by the decorated cars, and we couldn’t stop cheering as the procession passed us. It’s a celebration that brings everyone together, no matter where they’re from.”
The celebratory fervour was mirrored across Oman, with similar scenes in other cities and towns. Roads were packed with decorated vehicles, as people headed to key gathering points like Qurum Corniche, where the excitement reached its peak.
Hamad Al Abri, a private sector employee, reflected on the unique atmosphere.
“Driving through the streets on National Day is an unforgettable experience. The honking, the flags, the lights - it’s a celebration of unity and joy. My friends and I joined the convoy on Al Shatti, and it was a moment of shared pride.”
Fireworks and festivities
As night fell, the celebrations extended to the skies, with dazzling fireworks displays in Muscat, Salalah, and Musandam lighting up the evening. These bursts of colour symbolised the shared joy of Omanis and expatriates, who gathered in open spaces and parks to admire the spectacle.
Mohammed Al Saqri, a government employee, summed up the spirit of the day. “National Day is a time to talk about our achievements and express gratitude for our leadership. Seeing the streets filled with joy and the skies illuminated with fireworks reminds us of the progress and unity of our nation.”
Across offices, homes, and streets, Oman’s 54th National Day was a heartwarming celebration of unity, heritage, and pride, leaving unforgettable memories for everyone who participated.
