The National Day celebrations have continued for the last many days how did you celebrate it?

Lubna al Kindi Government employee
I work in the Diwan of Royal Court and we celebrated the National Day in a big way. The event this year was more special as it was the 45th year. We cut specially decorated cakes and decked the entire office. We even attended several functions and barbecue parties to celebrate the National Day. We also took the children to see the excellent fireworks organised this year.

Faisal Ahmed Salim al Shibli Student
We got our cars specially decorated for the National Day and toured the city for several days. It was fun to go round the city especially until the wee hours. We even offered lifts to unknown people as a gesture on this special occasion.

Rahul Udeshi Private sector employee
I celebrated the National Day with friends. We had good food and even saw fireworks. Like previous years this year too I got my car decorated in vibrant colours to commemorate the occasion.

Said Salim Businessman
This National Day some of my friends from the interiors had come to visit me. I took them out and toured the city. We had a great time together as we were meeting after a long time. We even saw fireworks. We also enjoyed traditional Omani dish. However I feel the crowd has increased over the last few years.

Sultan Khalfan Filmmaker
I do not believe in celebrating just one single day as the Omani day. I take pride in every day. For the National Day I posted videos on Oman on social media sites that I had captured over many years. My aim is to tell the world about Oman and its beauty.

Amjad al Quraini Student
I went to Sohar Sports Complex to watch the celebration of 45th National Day. It was very interesting and exciting. I enjoyed a lot.

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Was there anything special about this year's celebrations that you found interesting and something to remember?

Abdulrahman al Zadjali Private sector employee
The importance of this year's celebrations is that His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has completed 45 years as the ruler of this country. He is the longest serving head of a state in the entire Middle East. The country has achieved a lot under his leadership.

Abdullah Khudabakhsh Businessman
We missed His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said last year during the National Day celebrations. I think what makes it special this year is his presence in the country and that he is robust and healthy. His presence is reassuring and something to be remembered and cherished.

Hussain al Balushi Engineer
I think this National Day is special as it marks His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said's 45 year rule. People celebrated the day in their own way by decorating their vehicles houses and places of work. Mass celebrations continue even today in different wilayats to mark the day.

Imran Ma'ali Bank employee
The celebration this year is special because everyone is happy to see His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said in good health. Street illumination this year is far more elaborate than ever before. The extra glitz around Al Khuwayr and Ministries area is a visual treat.

Nawaf Darwish al Fazari Student
This year's National Day celebrations were special as His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has completed 45 years as the ruler of Oman. People have been expressing their joy in different ways. The many official parades and functions along with marches by residents in my town Saham have made this National Day special.

Hazza Khamees al Badi Private sector employee
I think this National Day is special as the people of this country are very happy to see that His Majesty the Sultan is healthy. The people of Oman were quite thrilled when His Majesty the Sultan presided over the Council of Oman's meeting.

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Are you happy that the holidays were announced well in advance? Has it helped you make plans? What do you intend to do?

Maqbool Afzal Bank employee
Yes I am happy that this year the government announced the holidays well in advance. Holidaymakers had close to two weeks to plan their itineraries. I am planning to make good use of my holidays.

Mohammed al Rashdi Teacher
No I am not happy even though the holidays were announced in advance. I was expecting the government to announce the holidays during the National Day week itself since that's when I got my salary. But it's more than two weeks now and I don't think I will be able to take my family for a holiday to Muscat as I don't have enough money left now.

Salah Mohammed Bank employee
I would like to appreciate the government for announcing the National Day holidays well in advance. This has helped residents and citizens to plan their trips. I am planning to spend the holidays with friends this time.

Issam al Balushi Bank employee
Yes. Announcing the holidays well in advance gives people the opportunity to plan well. I have some pending work I will finish that first and then probably go out with friends.

C Y Shameer Private sector employee
I am happy. I think a lot of people will appreciate that the government announced the holidays well in advance. This has helped avoid confusion among residents. I am planning to finish my pending work first. I hope to spend a good part of my holidays with my friends.

Ram Ghosh Private sector employee
Yes I appreciate the government's move to announce the National Day holidays in advance giving at least two weeks for people to plan. This has helped people plan their trip and save money. I am planning to spend the holidays with my friends.