National Day Decorations

National Day is a big deal in Oman.  This year, they are celebrating the 48th National Day.  The day marks Oman independence from Portugal which actually happened in the 1500s.  But it is considered the 48th National Day because it is the 48th year of the reign of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos.  Omanis love Sultan Qaboos.  He has led the country in a renaissance.  He has encouraged modernization, education, welfare, and economic reforms.

I think I've mentioned before that people here decorate their cars for National Day.  This is a big deal because it is only allowed for basically a month around National Day.  Otherwise, car decorations are not allowed.  The Oman colors of green, red, and white, cover cars as well as pictures of Sultan Qaboos.

I've tried to take some pictures while walking to or from school.  Also occasionally if Stephen was driving.  Here are some of the sightings:

The car in front has a picture of the sultan on the rear window.  Note where these cars parked...

On this car, you can sort of see that even the sides are covered.

Another fun aspect of National Day is how all of Muscat gets decorated in the flag colors.  As other expats have said, just pretend it's for Christmas and enjoy an early celebration of the season.  See below for pictures that we take if we happen to get around at night when all the lights are turned on.  Don't worry, Stephen took these while I drove.

The lights around our nearby shopping area.

Wreathes on a bridge.

The Oxy building covered in a giant, lit up Omani flag.  Very cool!  It even sparkles.

The HSBC building is a bit blurry, but they are lit up in red, white, and green with a large Omani flag and a large picture of the sultan flanking the door.  This building is impressive even not lit up.  It has a huge, golden door entry, and the interior is beautiful, too!

The lights along Sultan Qaboos Rd.

Lights on a bridge and the lights stretching into the distance.

All in all, the entire city has been cleaned up for National Day.  Kind of nice to a have a date when everyone works to improve the city.