Oman’s 54th National Day marks not just a celebration of its rich heritage, but a reflection on its remarkable journey and our collective role in safeguarding its future.
For me, this day evokes profound memories of representing Oman in some of the most extraordinary corners of the Earth. Whether planting the Omani flag atop mountain peaks or braving the icy landscapes of Antarctica, every moment was imbued with a sense of pride and responsibility - not just to the country, but to the very land that defines us.
I recall the biting cold and the haunting silence of my South Pole expedition, where the Omani flag fluttered against an endless white expanse under a sun that never set.
Standing there, thousands of miles from home, I felt an overwhelming connection to Oman’s natural beauty and resilience. Memories of the towering Al Hajar Mountains, where I first learned to climb, and the pristine shores of the Arabian Sea, where I spent countless childhood afternoons, flooded my mind.
Similarly, during my mountaineering adventures, raising the flag at each summit was not just a symbolic act but a deeply personal gesture of gratitude to the land that shaped me. These experiences forged an unbreakable bond between patriotism and the environment — a connection that underscores our duty to protect Oman’s natural heritage.
Oman’s biodiversity is unparalleled. Growing up, I spent weekends exploring wadis teeming with life, observing birds, and marvelling at the playful dolphins off our coast.
The knowledge that we are home to the last remaining Arabian leopards fills me with both pride and a sense of urgency. However, the threats posed by climate change and human activity loom large.
I have witnessed the aftermath of severe cyclones that have become more frequent, devastating coastal communities and fragile ecosystems. Walking through villages affected by these storms, speaking with families who have lost everything, the high cost of adaptation became painfully clear. Protection is no longer optional; it is an urgent imperative.
In my international convenings and roles as a youth negotiator, I have seen how Oman’s efforts inspire others. I remember a moment at a global summit when a delegate approached me to praise Oman’s initiative in planting mangroves — a natural climate solution that not only protects our coastlines but also nurtures marine life.
From hosting conservation projects that reintroduce native species to leading regional dialogues on sustainability, Oman’s initiatives are a testament to its commitment. Yet, these global forums also reveal stark realities. The collapse of global wildlife populations by nearly 69 per cent since 1970 is a sobering statistic that serves as a warning.
Even countries like Oman, which take pride in their ecological richness, are not immune.
Patriotism, for me, is inseparable from preserving the land. Oman’s deserts, with their rolling dunes, mountains that touch the sky, and seas that cradle abundant life, are not just geographical features; they are living testaments to our history and identity.
When I see young Omanis today — whether cleaning beaches on weekends, developing innovative solutions, or championing sustainability in schools — I am filled with hope that our love for this country is best expressed through action.
As we celebrate Oman, let us remember the values that have guided our progress: unity, resilience, and a deep respect for the land. Let us honour the legacy of our ancestors who lived in harmony with nature and understood its importance.
Together, we can ensure that the natural heritage of Oman continues to thrive for generations to come, a legacy as enduring as the flag that flies proudly over us. My journey across the globe has taught me many things, but perhaps the most important is this: no matter where we go, it is our duty to protect the home we carry in our hearts.
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