Muscat: Omani folk troupes, displaying traditional swords and guns, on Monday sang in praise of Sultan Qaboos Bin Saeed in a two-hour show at the Maidan Al Fath in Wattayeh district of Muscat.
The finale of the show, also watched by King Abdullah II of Jordan, had 15,997 military and civil personnel creating a spectacular view while expressing their loyalty to their leader, who took over the reign of the country 40 years ago.
Personnel from the Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF), Royal Guard of Oman (RGO), Royal Oman Police (ROP), Royal Court Affairs (RCA), Firaq Forces and Omani traditional troupes, who represent the Sultanate's governorates and regions, took part in the ceremony.
"With the rise of the blessed Renaissance dawn under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Saeed the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces in 1970, Oman, the man and the land, has entered a new stage of its history with a comprehensive approach towards building a bright present and a brighter future," said Lt. Gen Ahmad Bin Harith Al Nabhani, Chief of Staff of the Sultan's Armed Forces and General Supervisor of the 40th National Day Festival.
"The achievements made during the past 40 years on the dear Omani land are really the re-birth of an ancient people," he added.
The military and civil personnel formed 40 Groups of military columns and Omani traditional troupes under the direct supervision of the Sultan's Armed Forces.
After the Royal Anthem, the protocol guard columns that represent the RAO, RAFO, RNO, RGO, ROP marched in military columns in front of the Royal box and saluted Sultan Qaboos, who is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
The Firaq forces, sporting their traditional dress, then marched past the Sultan even as they sang Omani traditional songs, praising the national occasion.
The celebrations also included the recital of the military anthem, followed by the loyalty and appreciation anthem Sana Al Arbaeen.
