Tuesday 29 / April / 2025
Muscat: This year’s National Day will give Oman and its residents a much needed shot in the arm, according to business chiefs.
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Plans for the big day are well underway with sales of flags, badges and souvenirs at Muttrah Souq, while an army of government workers decorate the streets between the hours of midnight and 5am.
The detailing is remarkable, with street decorations outside the Royal Opera House Muscat in the shape of musical notes and all along the main roads the themes change depending on the area.
To mark the 46th National Day, one airline is even offering a OMR46 flight deal.
Oman’s economy is set to receive a major boost with hotels, shopping markets and retailers gearing up for more business during the National Day celebrations.
“This has been a hard year for Omanis as well as for expatriates, so I hope this National Day celebration will give the country a much needed boost,” said Ahmed Al Hooti, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry member.
Vijay Handa, general manager at Masirah Island Resort and the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, said: “I am fully confident that national day holidays will bring in more tourists from within Oman and GCC countries. This will surely boost the country.”
He added that they are planning special offers for residents of Oman on the 46th National day of the Sultanate. “OMR 46 net for a room maybe to mark the 46th national day,” he said.
Ben Watson, General Manager, Oman Avenues Mall, said that they are expecting footfall to rise by 20 to 25 per cent during the national day holidays. “On this 46th National Day everyone is invited to participate in building up a huge Omani Map at Oman Avenues Mall. There are exciting Lego gaming stations to enjoy and the entry is absolutely free.”
Vijay Manwani, COO Safeer Mall Sohar, said “We have a special promotion that has been going on since last month and will continue until December 11 where 160 winners will be chosen, as well as a scribble board where customers can write feel good messages for the HM.”
“These short holidays we see extremely positive foot traffic and it is good for businesses to develop. At the same time you have to invest in it to make that happen. Overall it does help in improving morale of the people,” he said.
Shops are witnessing a spike in demand as the National Day celebrations approach.
Shops have started displaying National Day-related items such as key-rings, wristbands, mementos, stickers, badges and other festive items.
A shopkeeper at Ruwi said most of his customers go for national flags of Oman. “There is demand for decorative lights also. Both nationals and expatriates are on a shopping spree. They are not only buying for themselves but gifting it to others,” said Ahmed, who has been busy selling.
The oganiser of a musical show on November 18, Shital Kumar Sawant, said: “As a mark of respect we are organising a musical show on November 18 consisting of melodious and romantic songs of Indian films since 1949. This event is not only an opportunity to entertain our all like-minded people in Oman but also to get actively involved in Oman’s national day celebration.”
“Spending levels generally go up during Eid and National days,” a financial expert said, adding that “however, people are cautious this year.”
“Malls have prepared well for national day and are putting up attractive offers to lure people and make them spend, but because of the current economic scenario, people are more cautious,” he said.
