His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Supreme Commander, today graced the Fleet Parade 2025, within the context of the Sultanate of Oman’s celebration of the Glorious National Day.
As the motorcade of His Majesty the Sultan, the Supreme Commander, passed along the maritime route in the Wilayat of Muttrah, crowds of citizens, residents and school students lined both sides of the road to greet His Majesty. They carried His Majesty’s portraits and the flags of the Sultanate of Oman, chanting expressions of loyalty and gratitude to His Majesty, while folk troupes performed a number of traditional Omani arts.
The Royal Yacht Fulk Al Salamah, with His Majesty the Supreme Commander aboard, set sail from Port Sultan Qaboos in the Wilayat of Muttrah, accompanied by a fleet of traditional sailing ships. This scene embodied the Omani maritime heritage and the pride of the nation’s people in their ancient history, reflecting Oman’s maritime history adorned with values of authenticity and antiquity; and the development and modernity enjoyed by the Royal Navy of Oman.
Upon its approach to the parade area adjacent to Al Qurum Beach, the Royal Yacht was honoured with a 21-gun salute, fired from the Royal Navy of Oman’s vessel Shabab Oman II, for His Majesty the Supreme Commander. As the Royal Yacht Fulk Al Salamah proceeded, the participating ships performed a naval military salute, their crews uniting in a triple acclamation: “Long Live His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Supreme Commander”.
The Parade featured an assembly of naval vessels from the Royal Navy of Oman, the Royal Yachts and crafts from the Royal Oman Police, alongside participating ships from the navies of the GCC states.
On this occasion, His Majesty the Sultan, the Supreme Commander, accepted a commemorative gift, which was presented to His Majesty by Rear Admiral Saif bin Nasser al Rahbi, Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman.
The Fleet Parade was attended, alongside His Majesty the Sultan, by some Royal family members, ministers, commanders of the Sultan’s Armed Forces and military and security services.
In celebration of this glorious occasion, coinciding with the nation’s National Day festivities, a series of accompanying events were held on Al Qurum Beach. The celebrations featured immersive technological displays, including interactive screens and laser shows projected from the participating vessels, complemented by dynamic lighting and sound technologies. The programme also included musical pieces from the Band of the Royal Navy of Oman, traditional Omani songs performed by folk and scout troupes, a participation by the Oman Kite Team and a grand fireworks display.
The Royal Navy of Oman also organised an exhibition with the participation of several entities and departments. It highlighted the Navy’s national tasks, roles and its ongoing modernisation and development, while also featuring equipment, devices and the most prominent innovations and modern technologies currently in use.
The Fleet Parade 2025 affirms the profound antiquity of Omani maritime history, which for centuries has been a firm pillar of Oman’s strength, stability and openness to the world. Today, this heritage is renewed as the sea constitutes a strategic depth for the nation — a vital channel through which Oman continues to extend bridges of cooperation and civilisational exchange, open avenues for development and advance its economic diversification programmes within the framework of Oman Vision 2040. — ONA
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