Oman National Day

Oman National Day

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  1. 1650Portuguese expelled from Muscat by Yaruba imams
  2. 1970Sultan Qaboos begins modern Omani state-building
  3. 2020Sultan Haitham succeeds Qaboos after five decades

The story behind the day

18 November marks Oman National Day, the birthday of Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who took power in 1970 and reshaped the country. The date celebrates the modern Omani state more than a single independence moment.

The day became Oman's main national celebration because Qaboos is associated with roads, schools, hospitals, diplomacy and national unity after isolation. It also connects to older Omani maritime power, Ibadi tradition and the expulsion of the Portuguese from Muscat in 1650.

Today National Day is marked with lights, flags, official ceremonies, parades, fireworks, decorated cars and public displays across Muscat and other cities. Visitors see red-white-green flags, portraits of the sultan, forts, frankincense and a calm Gulf style.

Across Oman, the day is family-oriented and dignified. People gather for shuwa, rice, dates, coffee and sweets, while wadis, mountains and old ports give the national story a strong sense of place.

  1. 202618 November 2026 · Wednesday
  2. 202718 November 2027 · Thursday
  3. 202818 November 2028 · Saturday
The Omani flag
Oman flag

The Omani flag has white, red and green bands with a vertical red stripe and the national emblem of crossed swords and khanjar. White represents peace, red historic battles and green fertility. The khanjar dagger is a central symbol of Omani identity and dress.

Omani celebration food is aromatic and hospitable, built around rice, lamb, fish, dates, coffee, spices and slow cooking for family gatherings.

What to eat

ShuwaSpiced lamb slow-cooked underground, often prepared for major holidays.
MajboosSpiced rice with chicken, lamb or fish, common across Gulf tables.
MashuaiGrilled kingfish served with lemon rice.
HareesWheat and meat porridge cooked until smooth for festive meals.
Omani halwaSticky sweet with saffron, rosewater, nuts and cardamom.
Rukhal breadThin Omani flatbread served with honey, cheese or stews.

What to drink

Omani coffeeCardamom coffee served with dates as a welcome ritual.
LabanChilled yoghurt drink served with rice and grilled dishes.
Lemon mint juiceCold citrus and mint drink popular in warm weather.
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Oman culture

Omani culture is maritime, desert and mountain at once, shaped by Ibadi Islam, frankincense, forts, dhow trade, khanjar dress and a reputation for careful diplomacy.

Muscat lightsThe capital is decorated with flags, portraits and night lighting.
Khanjar traditionThe curved dagger is worn ceremonially and appears on the national emblem.
Frankincense heritageDhofar's frankincense trade links Oman to ancient commerce.
Dhow seafaringWooden ships recall Oman's Indian Ocean trading history.