Opinion

A day of pride and dignity

While revitalising the memories of a dazzling past and aspiring for a better future, Omanis are certain to realise their new dreams and renewed hopes armed with a strong spirit of patriotism and a success

 
It’s another milestone day in the Sultanate of Oman. January 11 marks the anniversary of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s ascension to the reins of power.

This is the day when the people of this country welcomed the new leader and unanimously pledged loyalty and allegiance to him.

The Renaissance Day constitutes Oman’s symbols of pride and dignity. The day provides moments of contemplation in the past and the future, also a time to remember the founder of modern Oman, the late Sultan Qaboos who sculpted this Arabian edifice from scratch.

The late Sultan’s memory rhythms in the heart of every Omani and every resident, who incessantly pray for him in gratitude for his good deeds for the nation and its loyal people.

Their achievements made by him are stark and manifest in every sphere of life. He sowed and cultivated true faith in the people.

Although His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik took over the leadership of Oman at a time impinged by sentiments of sour sorrow for the loss of Sultan Qaboos and the catastrophic Covid-19 pandemic that befell the country, with insight and strong will, and his vigilant eye not missing any flaw, His Majesty was able to make many achievements in a short span of three years.

During the outbreak of coronavirus, it is in everybody’s knowledge how His Majesty devised plans and solutions in accordance with the assessment of general health results.

Oman was in the limelight with international accolades pouring in for its success in tackling the situation and bringing solace to the citizens and residents with a great decline in mortality, infection, and hospitalisation rates

While rejuvenating the memories of a dazzling past and aspiring for a better future, Omanis are certain to realise their new dreams and renewed hopes armed with a strong spirit of patriotism and success.

Since the very first day of his rule, His Majesty confirmed his sincere endeavour to set up a new phase of the renewed Renaissance that would meet the requirements of the period and fulfil the aspirations of the Omani people as well as preserve the achievements that took place over the past.

As soon as he assumed office, His Majesty the Sultan reaffirmed the permanent stand of the country’s foreign policy, saying that it advocates peaceful co-existence among nations, good neighbourliness, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

He initiated the restructuring of the country’s administrative apparatus to keep pace with the ambitious Oman Vision 2040 whose salient features were drawn out by all segments of society.

The economic recovery has been gaining traction and is projected to grow at 4.3 per cent in 2022.

The achievements are manifest in every sphere of life. He sowed and cultivated true faith in the people.

While celebrating the renewed Renaissance Day today, Omanis are determined to move to a period of transformation armed by a strong faith in their ability to give more and more to consolidate their past achievements.

So it is the time all have to derive new, strong will and firm resolve to work in full cooperation and collaboration using all the resources and energies in a manner that will facilitate all difficulties and overcome all challenges for the good of Oman and its noble people.

For me, after spending nearly two and a half decades in Oman, it is the first time that I am not physically present in the country to be part of the celebrations marking this historic day.

Yet, I cherish those memories of witnessing and writing about the country’s transformation into a beacon of modernity and prosperity.