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

In 749, the tribes of Oman chose an Imam, a Muslim spiritual leader, marking its first ruler after the influx of Islam into the region. The country’s people remained relatively independent until 1507, despite some pressure from neighbouring Iran and other Arab countries.

In 1507, Portugal’s naval fleet arrived taking the strategic ports of 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.

Trading spices and other Eastern commodities was a lucrative activity for the British, Dutch and Portugese in the 17th century. 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.

On November 18, 1650, Imam Sultan Bin Saif and others led an uprising that effectively expelled Portugal from Oman and its ports. Oman has since been independent and as such is one of the Middle East’s longest continually independent Arab states.

Traditions and Activities

Today, people celebrate both Oman’s independence from the Portuguese and the Sultan’s birthday on November 18. 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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