Saturday 10 / May / 2025
Take a walk on any of Oman’s busier roads and you are sure to find people sporting the iconic 50th National Day emblem. Commissioned to celebrate 50 years of the country’s renaissance, the golden badge (as well as other national symbols that are a source of pride for everyone in this country, such as the flag and its red white and green colours) has become an integral part of the country’s National Day celebrations.
Badges and keychains continue to be sold by shops in the country, featuring iconic elements of the Sultanate, such as the national emblem of the khanjar – the traditional curved Omani dagger – and the two crossed swords. Whether Omani or expat, even during the uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic, these items are eagerly bought by customers in the country.
Often, these are preserved as memorabilia that prompt their owners to share tales of their time in Oman, which has long been home to a sizeable expatriate population that calls this country its second home, thanks in no small part to the warm and welcoming nature of the Omanis.
First among those to fly off the shelves were the iconic 50th National Day badges and keychains, which in time will surely become a collectible. Die cast from zinc alloy, measuring 35 by 35 mm across and 2mm in thickness, the Arabic script on the gold-plated badge alludes to the 50th National Day, with the year of the occasion inscribed in soft maroon enamel in both the Islamic and Gregorian calendars.
On the back, the badge features a magnetic clip, allowing it to be worn or attached to a suitable surface.One of the companies tasked with distributing the badge in Oman is local design firm Warshah. A design firm founded by young Omanis, Warshah is typical of the new generation of locals: a group of young, creative, like-minded people who get together to bring life to their thoughts.
“We received permission from the government to distribute these badges and keychains in the country. We are only one of many SMEs allowed to do so,” says founder Malik Al Nabhani. “We sell the keychains and badges along with stickers of His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik and the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said.”
“You can attach these anywhere,” he adds. “On computers, on the back of your cellphone … the idea was for us to create something that helps people easily remember our country’s National Day.”
Several versions of stickers have been snapped up by customers in the country, so much so that Warshah had to put in orders for more goods. One of their most popular items is a gift set containing five National Day badges, along with an assortment of 10 commemorative stickers.
To sweeten the deal, the SME offered to deliver the set for free to all those who’d ordered them, and the design firm also made available customised versions for companies and government organisations.
“We are all young Omanis who want to help the country grow and do better in the future,” admitted Malik. “It is good to see attention being given to SMEs in the country in terms of business, and we hope this continues so that we can contribute to the economy.”
SMEs like Warshah have accounts on Instagram and Facebook to attract younger customers, who they hope will buy their products and spread their popularity through two forms of word of mouth — still the strongest type of advertising. The first is through social media, where they can reach out to their peers, while the second is via direct contact with their parents and older relatives.
Rawaj Oman, another SME in the country, has designed some stunning scarves in the colour of the country’s national flag. Featuring the badge, the iconic Al Alam Palace, located in the heart of Muscat, and the Sultan, the scarves are also emblazoned with slogans inspiring patriotic fervour.
The company, which primarily operates in and around the capital areas, also tied up with a company in Salalah in the southern Governorate of Dhofar, more than a thousand kilometres away, so that people there could also buy these National Day mementoes.
“I was inspired to come up with the idea to design scarves because it was a special day,” revealed Talal Al Marhoon of Rawaj, whose firm employs nine young professionals, including himself.
“Oman’s 50th National Day is a special occasion and a golden jubilee does not come often. We wanted to create something that would be easy for our customers to recognise.” “The reason we chose to include both His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik and the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said is to show the two great leaders our country has had,” he added.
“The signature of the previous Sultan on the scarves, in the old style of Arabic font added a great touch, and the colours chosen were inspired from our flag, which resulted in a unique scarf.” The scarves also contain quotes from both the Sultans: while those of the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said speak of fulfilment of one’s goals, those of His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik are on loyalty and commitment.
Permission to use all of these elements on the scarves came from the Secretariat General of National Celebrations and the Directorate General of Commerce at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. Like Malik Al Nabhani, Talal too felt enabling SMEs to create and market their products during National Day helped them grow. “His Majesty the Sultan shows his support to SMEs by giving us the full support of his government,” he explained.
“We have always received the right support from all the sectors that help us with our services, which gives us greater ambition to work and grow. We have full trust that we will be able to serve the community.”
This is an opinion shared by Sharifa Al Barami, the co-founder of online shop Markeetex. Sales of National Day collectibles continue to remain strong on her e-commerce site, and she expects the trend to continue until Christmas.
One of the more popular baubles is that of a little boy in his traditional Omani kandoora and kumma, sporting a beaming smile and his national flag. Other knick knacks featuring red, white and green include umbrellas, rosettes, caps, and of course, the ensign itself. Curiously enough, bags of frankincense and boxes of Omani halwa – two items at the core of Omani heritage and culture – are also in demand.
“I think despite the pandemic, National Day is a time for everyone in this country to celebrate,” she says. “We’ve actually seen huge demand in our goods, which is a positive sign. I think, every year, people celebrate this day by going out and gathering with friends, but this year is all about how to celebrate in small numbers. People have had to get creative with their celebrations.
“This time, a lot of SMEs have come up with designs for National Day … it’s great to see so many of us being creative,” added Al Barami, whose company has around 45 staff, both expat and Omani. “Sales have been good: everyone wants a way to remember National Day.”
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