The National Day of Oman is a proud and solemn occasion that is close to the heart of every person living in the country or has moved out. The day reminds every one of the extraordinary journey to a rapidly developing modern nation dedicated to empowering all its citizens and residents.
For me, it is all about celebrating the country where I spent a major part of my life. Ever since I landed in Oman, like thousands of expatriates, I too fell in love with the hospitality, the shining landscape, and the optimistic feel of the blessed land.
Every National Day was an additional treasure of knowledge for me. I could learn, disseminate, and become part of the country and its journey to growth!
As a journalist, I could interview many senior citizens, ministers, officials, and expats from different countries and write about the country’s heritage, and culture and write about the country’s journey over the past decades, and their aspirations for the future. Of course, I could see how the country evolved and developed!
Although I am away from Oman, I could visualise how the proud flags in red, green, and white fly high and coloured led lights adorn the streets reminding everyone of the achievements that were delivered in the last half a century.
November 18 is a day of pride to mark Oman’s modern renaissance buoyed by both the legacy of late Sultan Qaboos, and the words and actions of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. The day is a historic milestone in the renaissance march, as it envisions a new era underpinning the commitment to Oman Vision 2040.
Looking back over the past years, what’s been achieved in all sectors is just tremendous. Decades of continuous development are more than a reason to celebrate. From a time when school education was imparted under trees to today’s highly-equipped modern buildings in which children enjoy education, a transformation of the country is continuing with vigour and purpose under His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
Of course, Oman in 2022 is completely different from Oman in the 1970s! Continued investments in nationhood and maintaining its culture and values will make Oman remain unique and stand out among other nations.
Definitely, the Sultanate of Oman is a country where a lot of others are looking to replicate the same model... be it education, innovation, business, or infrastructure. The country has taken a quantum leap of development during the last 52 years of its existence to be a world-class country and top of the charts among tourist destinations around the world.
I would like to see more advances in new technology and learn from the developed world while respecting the country’s heritage and social identity as a nation.
Also, I wish the country continues to follow the foundational values of peaceful coexistence and see it continues the friendly and collaborative approach so that it reaches greater heights and is admired by people around the world.
I would like to see Oman go through economic diversification, lessen its reliance on petroleum exports and continue to develop its human resources in order to achieve resilience in its economy.
No doubt, the anniversary of the glorious day of November 18 is dear and close to the heart of each and every Omani living in this blessed land. Oman has always been beautiful, but I am happy that it is becoming more beautiful!
Finally, I wish Oman stupendous success in every aspect of its growth and wellness parameters!
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
