Oman celebrates 38th Renaissance Day

Muscat: Omanis on Wednesday celebrated Renaissance Day, which an Omani doctor said is the reminder of what could have been if Sultan Qaboos Bin Saeed had not taken over country's reign 38 years ago.

"This day is a pleasant reminder of what our life was and what it is today," Dr Jawad Mohammad Al Lawati, Head of Non-Communicable Diseases and Surveillance Control Department, told Gulf News yesterday.

"Our fate would have been completely different from what it is now," he said, adding that Sultan Qaboos came at the right time to ensure that the younger generation was educated. He thanked the Ruler of Oman for changing the future of this generation for the better.

Development years

He said: "The current healthy state of the sector in the country speaks for its tremendous development under the Sultan."

Dr Yahya Bin Mahfoudh Al Mantheri, Chairman of Majlis Addawla, said the July 23 anniversary was an "eternal day in Oman's modern history as it marked the beginning of the blessed Renaissance under Sultan Qaboos's leadership".

"Comprehensive development was extended to all parts of the Sultanate, benefiting both the Omani citizens and expatriates," Al Mantheri told ONA.

"As we celebrate the glorious anniversary, we are delighted to see that the Sultanate is zooming ahead with its comprehensive development and the progress has been based on a true partnership among Omani citizens, with our leader's support and enlightened vision, on the basis of co-operation and the contemporary Shura practice."

"This true Shura practice has been based on genuine Omani values and traditions, coping with modernity. The Majlis has contributed to achieving national partnership and development for this country and its citizens," Al Mantheri said.

To mark the 38th anniversary of the Sultanate's Renaissance Day, Sultan Qaboos pardoned a number of prisoners. They included 249 Omanis and 32 inmates of other nationalities.

Our fate would have been completely different from what it is now."