A Complete Guide to National Day in Oman for Expats

Oman's citizens and residents celebrate the country annually in November...

Oman's National Day falls on November 18 every year, which is a day that celebrates the Omani independence from the Portuguese in 1650. The occasion is a public holiday in Oman for all.

Coincidentally, it's also the day before Sultan Qaboos Bin Said's birthday on November 19, so Omanis celebrate the two days in a row.

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As part of Oman National Day celebrations, expats living here can expect to see parades, pageantry, equestrian shows, fireworks, camel races, and even bullfights across the country. Many Omanis will return to their home villages, too, to celebrate - so roads may be busier than usual!

History of Oman's National Day

Historically, Oman and its people remained relatively independent from the tribes surrounding them until 1507, when the Portuguese took control over the ports in Muscat and Sohar using their naval tactics and technology.

As a result, they were able to gain control over Oman's coast, rendering the country occupied. After all, Oman was seen as a resourceful trading point along the Indian spice route.

The Portuguese influence was finally weakened after the British East India Company signed a treaty with the Al-Ya'ribi clan allowing them legal and religious rights to operate in Oman's ports. This dampened Portugal's control over the region considerably allowing for a rebellion to be successful.

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In 1650, on November 18, Imam Sultan Bin Saif led a rebellion that successfully expelled the Portuguese from the Omani shores, and the country has been independent ever since.

Oman is recognised as being the longest continuously independent state in the Arab region and continues to enjoy that independence.