BY MOHAMMAD TARIQUE SALEEM, MUSCAT
Oman’s Glorious National Day was marked with unmatched splendour today as Al Fateh Square in Muscat became the heart of a grand national celebration. His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Supreme Commander, arrived to preside over a military parade that reflected not only the discipline of the nation’s armed forces but also the profound pride of the Omani people. Her Highness the Honourable Lady Assayida Ahd Abdullah Hamed Al Busaidi, Spouse of His Majesty, added to the grace of the ceremony by her distinguished presence.
The moment His Majesty’s motorcade entered the parade ground, a deep sense of reverence swept across the field. He was received by HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Gen. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Nu’amani, Minister of the Royal Office, and Vice Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis Al Ra’eesi, Chief of Staff of the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF). As His Majesty reached the Royal Dais, the parade columns raised their arms in a flawless military salute. The joint military bands struck the Royal Anthem, followed by a resounding 21-gun salute from the Royal Army of Oman’s artillery, a powerful symbol of national devotion.
A parade commander on horseback approached the Royal Dais to seek His Majesty’s permission to begin the ceremony. With the Supreme Commander’s signal, the parade unfolded into a full display of precision, discipline, and unity. Joining the march were units from the Royal Army of Oman, Royal Air Force of Oman, Royal Navy of Oman, Royal Guard of Oman, Sultan’s Special Force, and the Royal Oman Police, accompanied by meticulously trained military music bands.
The musical corps, representing SAF, RGO, ROP and the Royal Court Affairs, filled the square with ceremonial tunes as they marched past His Majesty. Their movements were perfectly synchronized, reflecting decades of military tradition and cultural pride. The Protocols Guard then entered the ground, performing ceremonial gestures that highlighted Oman’s distinct identity and respect for leadership. A striking moment followed when the camouflage column, symbolizing the combined spirit of SAF, RGO, SSF, and ROP, marched with unwavering determination before the Royal Dais.
Soon after, traditional Omani culture took centre-stage as the Firaq Forces presented the folklore chant “Al Habout,” merging military discipline with historic heritage in a powerful display. His Majesty also witnessed an elegant mounted musical performance, before the skies above Al Fateh Square roared with the passage of advanced fighter jets and rotary-wing aircraft. Their aerial formations emphasized the nation’s modern capabilities and the readiness of its forces under His Majesty’s leadership.
As the ceremony drew towards its end, loud cheers from the parade echoed over the ground: “Faith in Allah, Loyalty to the Sultan, Sacrifice for the Nation.” The call, repeated thrice, was a heartfelt tribute to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. The parade concluded with the Royal Anthem as His Majesty took leave of the venue, accompanied by Royal family members, senior officials, diplomats, military leaders, and citizens who had gathered to honour Oman’s national pride and enduring unity.
