As Oman prepares to celebrate its 54th National Day, people and businesses across the governorates are decking up their premises in tricolours. Many streets have Omani flags and prominent buildings are illuminated with colourful LED strips. Citizens and residents are expressing their joy with many decorating their vehicles with flags and photos of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
People are flocking to shops to buy flags, accessories, shawls, decoratives and danglers.
"We get mostly locally sourced products for National Day and Suhar is our main sourcing centre where most of the products such as canes and danglers are made. However, some products from countries like China are also dominant in the market," Salman al Balushi, a vendor said.
A manager of a leading hypermarkets said the major takers of the decorative items are schools, corporates, individuals, and organisers of National day events.
“While streets and public buildings have contractors to decorate the premises with National Day decorations, schools, colleges, and private buildings are decorated using our merchandise and miniature flags are of great demand as the day nears,” said Al Balushi.
“We get bulk orders for products ranging from coffee mugs to t-shirts, and from pens to key chains and you name it, there are takers for the same and they are mostly used as giveaways to their clientele,” Yaqoob, a designer and printer in Wadi Kabir adds.
Many landmarks of Oman are adorned in green, red and white lights and decorations to mark the event on November 18 to foster a sense of nationalism.
Speaking to the Observer, a seller of vinyl automotive stickers said that the demand for car decoration is high.
"Lots of citizens are approaching us to get their cars decorated with national colours. Some expats also want such decorations," he said, adding that decorating a car would cost a minimum of RO 15.
The Royal Oman Police (ROP) said motorists can place stickers on vehicles until November 30.
The guidelines stated that it is prohibited to place unsecured fabrics on the engine cover.
It is also prohibited to change the colour or shape of the vehicle or use unpolished materials or stickers.
It should comply with traffic safety requirements. It is prohibited to place stickers on the vehicle's windows (front and side windows, license plates, and lights).
The images in the rear window are only of the type that allows the driver to see. The posters should be limited to pictures and phrases related to the occasion.
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