National Day in Oman

Oman's official National Day was November 18, but the celebration is still going on a week later. National Day this year marks the 43rd anniversary of the ascension of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said to the throne. It really is different living in a kingdom as opposed to a republic. The people of Oman are very fortunate to have a Sultan, or king, that has invested as much in improving his country. Honor was given by the people to the Sultan last week on the 18th, and he has granted a 4-day weekend this week to the people! It coincides perfectly with Thanksgiving for us American ex-pats, so we are glad to have the day off to celebrate our own national heritage!

Don and I decided to go out for a drive around Muscat on National Day to take pictures of the city all decorated in honour of the Sultan. Oman's colours are red, white, and green, so it kind of feels like Christmas! We were here last year for National Day, but I didn't have near the grasp on understanding this holiday as I do now! I hope you enjoy learning how other cultures celebrate national holidays!

Cars

Omanis like to decorate their cars and drive around town at night on the main "drag", namely Sultan Qaboos Highway, around the Royal Opera House in the al Shatti area of Muscat.

Pictures of His Majesty on the rear window

Yes, they really do drive around like this sitting on the car doors. 

The symbols on the front door are Arabic numbers for "43".  I have no
idea who the creature no the side of the car is supposed to be!

These guys in the two pictures above were moving so fast I couldn't get a clear picture of them. They have on masks, and they were marching and making lots of noise across the street from the Royal Opera House. The ROP (Royal Omani Police) were on hand at the intersection to prevent a recurrence of last year's event where the young people marched out into the actual street (a very busy intersection!) and tried to "direct" traffic! Again, Omanis love their National Day!

Royal Opera House

Right behind me as I was taking the pictures at night above was the Royal Opera House. It was gloriously decorated in red and green lights.

The front of the Opera House with a message to His Majesty on the white square on the front.

The moon was full and gorgeous that night!

Side marble courtyard lit up.

Businesses

Many of the businesses around town decorate to celebrate--both inside and outside.

Inside a bank in the mall, they changed their light panels to red, green, and white.

This same bank also had a big monitor flashing poses of His Majesty from various times during his reign. I found these very interesting as we usually only see current pictures of him.

Pictures of His Majesty are also displayed around town outside of buildings and on the street.

Outside of a Muscat Bakery location

On the median of a major road

Streets

Last, but not least, are the lights that decorate the entire length of Sultan Qaboos Highway. They start putting them up weeks before National Day.

All walk-overs and fly-overs (overpasses for both pedestrians and cars) are
decorated with lights and an image of His Majesty.

Close-up of His Majesty's image.

Arabs love the "curlicue" 

You can tell that traffic was bumper to bumper!

Lights lining both sides o the highway in addition to the string down the median.

And, as it is well-known that Omanis love their sweets, it is only fitting to end this post with a picture of  the cupcakes served at Don's office!

The Omani flag. The symbols in the upper left are actually 2 crossed swords
with the traditional Omani khanjar (knife) on top of them.