Muscat: Omanis celebrated Sultan Qaboos’ return after an eight-month absence by taking to the streets, performing group prayers, and slaughtering cattle for charity as a show of thanks.
Qaboos Bin Saeed returned home on Monday from Germany, where he had been receiving medical treatment for an unknown illness, which authorities said had been successfully treated. State television showed Qaboos’s arrival, walking off the plane unaided along a red carpet before being lifted onto a helicopter to Bait Al Barakah palace in Seeb province.
Streets were empty when the sultan arrived as many nationals were in front of the television, eager to see their leader after rumours of his arrival spread on social media. Nasser Al Marshodi, along with his wife and three children, sat in front of the television for two hours before the royal court declared the sultan’s return. Al Marshodi told Gulf News that it was an unforgettable moment for him and his family after he heard that the sultan was in his homeland.
“We had prayed for His Majesty’s return and speedy recovery since he left the country last July for medical treatment in Germany”, he said.
Juma Al Harasi, a Muscat resident, said that he was driving when he heard about the sultan’s return.
‘Great news’
“I was heading home when I heard. Such great news made my day”.
Many performed thanksgiving prayers in mosques and schools. Students also celebrated at government schools nationwide, singing national songs as well as organising events. Omanis also organised marches nationwide. Salim Al Maamari, a Shinas province resident, told Gulf News that folklore songs and dances would be organised on Tuesday in his province.
Many other provinces have already organised events that include marches, folklore singing and the slaughtering of cattle on the streets. Much of this meat will be donated to nationals and charitable organisations for the needy.
Roads, houses, shops, vehicles and malls were awash with the national colours as part of the celebrations.
Royal pardon issued
Social media was abuzz with the sultan’s return, circulating news from Muscat International Airport, which went viral. Nationals also launched a hashtag on Twitter “Be happy! Qaboos has arrived”.
Khalid Al Bu Saidi, the chairman of the Oman Football Association, tweeted that with Qaboos’ return, the spirit of the country returns. Siham Al Harthi, a writer, tweeted that it was a historic moment for Omanis.
As part of sharing the joy and solidarity between GCC nationals, almost all other GCC countries celebrated the safe return of His Majesty, by launching hashtags. Many also let off celebratory gunfire.
Many flocked to vehicle accessory shops as Royal Oman Police (ROP) made exceptions to allows nationals and residents to use stickers to decorating their vehicles.
His Majesty also received congratulatory cables from a number of leaders on completing his medical treatment successfully.
The sultan also issued a royal pardon for 246 prisoners, 78 foreign prisoners were among those pardoned.
