November 18, 2024, saw everyone getting creative in making the day special. The military parade presided over by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Supreme Commander, was held at Al Sumoud Ground of the Sultan’s Special Force, marking the 54th National Day.
The weather was ideal for the military parade, and the ground was vast. The sounds of bugles, horns and fanfare trumpets always electrify the atmosphere. The bagpipes are an integral part of Oman military music.
The units of the Royal Army of Oman, Royal Air Force of Oman, Royal Navy of Oman, Royal Guard of Oman, Sultan’s Special Force, Royal Court Affairs, and the joint military music band made the parade an exceptional experience. It is only during the National Day parade when we get to see all the units in their ceremonial uniforms.
An enchanting part and a proud moment for all women was the mounted women band led by the woman band master, immediately followed by the two women drummers and then the rest of the Omani mounted band that had a combination of men and women musicians. They were mounted on horses, and it is always amazing to watch them perform while being mounted on horses back. To keep up with the notes in unison with each other is achieved with practice, but to manage music and the horse is an exceptional skill.
Since morning, the activities began with schoolchildren wearing their best to celebrate the National Day. The previous day people were rushing to purchase the tricolour decorations, and we could see people on the road well dressed, sporting shawls of national colours.
My friend observed something else: this year most of the girls chose to wear a Suri dress called Al Kidma Al Suriyah.
The Suri dress is unique in its style. It is vibrant, and the silk stripe-designed fabric makes it distinct. The thin black cloak with silver embroidery is a priceless possession in every woman’s wardrobe in Sur. But this year, the trend turned out to be Al Kidma Al Suriyah amongst school students.
The expatriate schools also had school assemblies dedicated to Oman National Day, and this gave students the opportunity to explore culture, heritage, and most importantly, traditional attire of Oman.
It is interesting the Suri dress was explored more this year because the Arab Tourism Organisation declared Sur as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2024, bringing into spotlight the wilayat’s cultural, historical and geographical significance. So the students seemed to have paid a tribute on their own to this historical place. But the way they could have done it, of course, only because of the efforts of their parents. It just goes on to prove how the day has become so meaningful for different age groups.
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, as part of an executive programme for Sur as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2024, in cooperation with Muscat Yacht Club, organised two training courses in Sur for open water and flood rescue in October.
The youth had also been involved in the process of Sur being the Arab Tourism Capital. A competition was held to choose a design to create a monument commemorating Sur’s selection as the Arab Tourism Capital. The winning design was the project by Maryam al Habsi, titled ‘The Meeting of Land and Sea'. The team in second place featured the traditional shipbuilding craft of Sur, and the third winner focused on the Ghanjah ship, a distinguished feature of Sur’s maritime history and heritage.
After the parade, by late evening, the public was keen to find out where the fireworks were going to be. The celebration will continue as the long weekend approaches and until the end of November. And now it is time to look forward to more achievements as part of the renewed Renaissance. Steps taken by each individual to fulfil their own hopes, dreams and aspirations make the nation proud.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
