Accession Day is observed across Oman with a rich tapestry of local traditions, customs and celebrations.
Each governorate marks the occasion in its own distinctive way, reflecting the unique cultural, historical and social fabric of its communities. From vibrant student performances and public ceremonies to displays of traditional arts, crafts and heritage practices, the festivities offer a window into the local expressions of loyalty, pride and belonging.
While the capital often draws attention for its formal events and national broadcasts, the regions showcase a more intimate, community-centred commemoration, highlighting the diversity of Omani identity while reinforcing a shared national spirit. These regional celebrations not only honour the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, but also bring communities together, weaving past traditions into contemporary expressions of civic pride.
Celebrations in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate
In Al Sharqiyah South Governorate, Accession Day is observed as a profound national occasion that reflects both loyalty and pride in Oman’s continuing journey of development.
According to Suad al Araimi, Director of the Office for Monitoring the Implementation of Oman Vision 2040 in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate, the governorate annually celebrates the Accession Day of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik as a national event that evokes loyalty and belonging. Institutions, civil society organisations and individuals participate to highlight developmental achievements across various sectors, reflecting the ongoing implementation of Oman Vision 2040 and the community’s engagement with comprehensive national progress.
This year, a central highlight will be the national student operetta, performed by students from across the governorates.
She notes that the operetta will cultivate a sense of loyalty and belonging in the younger generation, enhance their understanding of the national journey and strengthen their connection to Oman’s development. The governorate organises the ceremonies and events in a coordinated manner, ensuring participation from all the wilayats within the governorate, with programmes and activities that express loyalty, pride and a shared sense of national identity.
The celebrations also emphasise the integration of local heritage and traditions. She explains that the events are designed to reflect the historical and cultural characteristics of each governorate, preserving inherited customs while allowing modern expressions of celebration.
Schools, cultural institutions and families actively engage in the festivities. Through these initiatives, the governorate ensures that Accession Day resonates with the values of national unity, pride in Oman’s achievements, and the reinforcement of community identity, while linking Al Sharqiyah South’s celebrations to the broader national context.
Celebrations in Al Wusta Governorate
In Al Wusta Governorate, Accession Day is celebrated with a blend of traditional customs and community-driven initiatives that emphasise loyalty, pride and regional identity. According to Mubarak bin Saud al Harsousi, Director of Communication and Media and official spokesperson for the governorate, the governorate will celebrate the occasion this year through a student festival organised in coordination with the Directorate of Education. He notes that the celebrations will begin with formal acknowledgements at local institutions and will extend to social media, where citizens themselves will express their pride and joy, reflecting the community’s authentic connection to the occasion. Traditional arts, crafts and local heritage will be prominently showcased, including maritime practices and camel breeding, demonstrating Al Wusta’s unique cultural identity while linking it to the national celebration.
Al Harsousi emphasises the role of schools in the festivities, leading morning programmes, radio broadcasts, and online initiatives that actively engage students and instil civic and national values. He highlights that these celebrations reinforce a sense of national cohesion by demonstrating Al Wusta’s strategic contributions to Oman’s history and economy, particularly in energy, mineral resources and industrial development. The governorate, he explains, coordinates closely with neighbouring governorates to share cultural experiences and best practices, ensuring that traditional practices coexist harmoniously with contemporary expressions of national pride. Through this integrated approach, Accession Day fosters loyalty, unity and pride among residents, while celebrating local identity, cultural heritage and Oman’s ongoing progress.
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