Oman will mark National Day with its first-ever formal two-day holiday starting in 2025, commemorating the historic 1650 expulsion of Portuguese forces that restored the nation’s ports and sovereignty. More than a public holiday, it is a celebration of national identity, cultural pride, and community, giving Omanis an extended period to reflect, rejoice, and spend time with their families.
A historical struggle for independence
Oman’s National Day commemorates the end of Portuguese control over the country. The Portuguese arrived in Oman in 1507, shortly after Vasco da Gama’s voyage around the Cape of Good Hope to India. They fortified Muscat and established it as a strategic port to protect their Indian Ocean trade routes.Over time, the Portuguese presence faced resistance. The influential Al-Ya’ribi clan, frustrated by perceived exploitation, signed a treaty with the British East India Company granting the British rights in Omani ports. This weakened Portuguese control and paved the way for a successful rebellion. On 18 November 1650, Imam Sultan Bin Saif led forces that expelled the Portuguese from Oman and its ports, restoring the nation’s sovereignty. This historic victory is the foundation of Oman’s National Day celebrations.
Modern observance and Royal Decree
Traditionally, Oman’s National Day was observed on 18 November. To modernize and consolidate the holiday period, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik issued Royal Decree No. 15/2025 on 21 January 2025, amending Royal Decree No. 88/2022. The decree established 20 and 21 November as the official National Day holiday, creating a continuous two-day celebration.The decree, published in the Official Gazette (Issue 1581) on 26 January 2025, came into immediate effect. Key points include:
- Article I: Amended Royal Decree 88/2022 to state, “National Day of the Sultanate of Oman: 20 and 21 November.”
- Article II: The decree was to be published in the Official Gazette and became effective on issuance.
This change consolidates the observance into a single holiday period while preserving the historical significance of Oman’s independence.
National Day celebrations
Omanis observe the holiday with patriotic and cultural events:
- Students sing the national anthem, Salâm as-Solṭâni.
- Public festivities include parades, fireworks, camel races, equestrian shows, and a marine festival.
- Once every five years, a military show is added to the celebrations.
The two-day holiday encourages many Omanis to visit their home villages, often resulting in heavier traffic during the period. These celebrations blend historical remembrance with community engagement, reflecting both pride and unity.Oman’s National Day serves as a reminder of the nation’s historic struggle for independence and a celebration of contemporary national identity. From the historic rebellion against the Portuguese to the modern decree consolidating the holiday, the observance connects Oman’s past and present, highlighting its journey as a proud, sovereign nation.
