As a mark of rememberence for the time Oman gained inependence from Portugal in the 17th century, a National Day is celebrated on 18th November each year. The celebration also coincides with Sultan Qaboos bin Said's birthday, adding significance to the day.

History of National Day in Oman

A tribal society, in 749 Oman chose an Imam to be its first ruler, and so Islam became the main religion there. The country's people remained relatively independent until 1507, despite some pressure from neighbouring Iran and other Arab countries.

The Portuguese demonstrated their formidable naval tactics and superior technology to take control of the ports of Muscat and Sohar, and then rest of the coast of Oman in 1507. Strategically placed along the spice trade route, these ports were especially important to the Portugese.

This lucrative trading activity raised the eyes of both Britain and Dutch. However, not satisfied with the conditions imposed under the Portugese, the Al-Ya'ribi persuaded the British East India Company to take over in 1646. The British signed an agreement with Oman which effectively reduced Portugese power in the area. The agreement guaranteed certain legal and religious rights to Oman, in exchange for the East India company to hold trading positions.

On November 18, 1650, Imam Sultan Bin Saif and others led an uprising that effectively expelled Portugal from Oman and its ports.As independence has been a staple since, Oman is generally recognized as being the longest continually independent Arab state in modern history.

Traditions and Activities

Oman's independence is now celebrated every year on 18th November. Fireworks displays, images of the sultan, and Oman’s flag can be seen during celebrations that focus on the progress the current sultan, Qaboos bin Said, has made for the people of Oman.

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The celebration of Oman’s National Day takes place every year on November 18 as a celebration of independence from the Portuguese in 1650. The event is shortly followed by the Sultan Qaboos bin Said's birthday, so it's a very important date in the Omani calendar.

History of National Day in Oman

A tribal society, in 749 Oman chose an Imam to be its first ruler, and so Islam became the main religion there.While outside forces from Iran and areas applied temporary pressure to the people of Oman, the people remained relatively independent until 1507.

In 1507, the Portugese arrived, bringing with them superior naval technology which infiltrated Muscat and Sohar.The Portuguese saw the ports along the coast of Oman as valuable stopping and trading points in their Indian spice trade routes.

Spice trading became a lucrative and important source of income for the Portugese, as well as the British and Dutch who were performing similar commercial operations at the time. However, not satisfied with the conditions imposed under the Portugese, the Al-Ya'ribi persuaded the British East India Company to take over in 1646. By signing a treaty to guarantee legal and religious rights whilst operating in Oman, the British significantly reduced the power exercised by the Portugese.

However in 1650 there was an uprising: Imam Sultan Bin Saif and his followers effectively expelled the Portugese from their position of occupancy. Since then, Oman has been relatively independent and is certainly one of the longest continually independent Arab states.

Oman’s National Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Today, people celebrate both Oman’s independence from the Portuguese and the Sultan’s birthday on November 18. The celebrations often include fireworks, images of the Sultan and prominent displays of Oman's flag.

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