As per the site, today’s Doodle celebrates Oman’s National Day and the freedom of the oldest independent state in the Arab world. On this day in 1650, Oman expelled the Portuguese forces from the country and its ports, ending nearly 150 years of colonization.

To kick off the holiday, students sing the national anthem of Oman, also called as-Salâm as-Solṭâni. Pride for the country runs deep as people of all ages dance to the folk music that flows through the streets. Buildings, bridges, and cars are decked out in patriotic symbols and national colors as the Omani flag, like the one waving in today’s Doodle, flutters from every streetlight.

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Family and friends often gather during the holidays, and there are a variety of festivities to suit everyone’s interests — from camel races to marine festivals, to equestrian shows. Whether people prefer to celebrate their nation’s culture or simply enjoy spending time with loved ones, there’s an engaging activity for everyone.

National Day is an official holiday in the Sultanate of Oman and the main one in the country. The holiday currently celebrates the birthday of Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, who reigned from 1970 to 2020.

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The Portuguese first arrived in the country in the early 1500s, and used the now capital of Muscat as a fortified port to protect their trade routes to India. Unhappy with a Portuguese presence that exploited Oman, the Al-Ya’ribi clan agreed a treaty with the British East India Company to allow the British to have rights in their ports, in a rebuke of the Portuguese government. Imam Sultan bin Saif led a rebellion that expelled the Portuguese from Oman and its ports.

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Updated: 18 Nov 2023, 06:39 AM IST