A Look Inside the Oman National Day Military Parade at Al Fateh Square in Muscat

The Sultanate of Oman marked its Glorious National Day with a magnificent display of national pride and military precision: the Grand Military Parade. This essential part of the annual celebrations was held at the historic Al Fateh Square in Muscat, drawing the attention of the entire nation and distinguished guests. The grandeur of the event underscored the strength and dedication of the Sultanate’s military forces, reinforcing the spirit of the National Day.

His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Graces the Parade

The military parade was officially graced by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Supreme Commander. His presence at the event was the centerpiece of the celebration, emphasizing the deep connection between the leadership and the armed forces. His Majesty’s attendance at the ceremony at Al Fateh Square in Muscat signifies the importance of the military to the nation's security and sovereignty as it celebrates its National Day.

The Setting and Distinguished Attendees

The parade was held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the significant Al Fateh Square in the capital city of Muscat. The event saw a large attendance of high-ranking officials and respected guests. Among the distinguished attendees were senior military officials and other prominent dignitaries who gathered to witness the impressive display of the Sultanate's armed forces. 

Participating Military and Security Units

The ground forces included symbolic units from all major branches of the armed services and supporting agencies. Key participating units included the Royal Army of Oman (RAO), the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO), the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO), the Royal Guard of Oman (RGO), the Sultan's Special Force (SSF), and the Royal Oman Police (ROP). Additionally, units from the Royal Court Affairs (RCA) and the traditional Firaq Force also participated, adding ceremonial and cultural depth to the procession.

The Role of Military Music Bands

Adding a vibrant ceremonial element to the event were the joint and mounted military music bands. These bands represented the Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF), the Royal Guard of Oman (RGO), the Royal Oman Police (ROP), and the Royal Court Affairs (RCA). They marched in impressive formations, playing various tunes, including the Royal Anthem, and accompanying the columns of the parade as they performed the military salute to His Majesty the Sultan. The Sultan of Oman's Artillery from the RAO marked the beginning of the ceremony by firing a 21-gun salute to the Supreme Commander.

The Spectacle of Aerial Formations

A highlight of the parade was the spectacular fly-past, providing a powerful display of the Sultanate's air power. Following the ground maneuvers, aerial formations of several fighters and rotary-wing aircraft thundered across the sky above Al Fateh Square. This air show, performed by the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO), was intended to embody the high level of combat efficiency and readiness achieved by the Sultan’s Armed Forces. The dramatic aerial formations served as a visual demonstration of the significant progress and modernization witnessed across Oman's defense sector under the nation's leadership

Continuity of National Day Celebrations

The Grand Military Parade at Al Fateh Square was just one component of the nation's extended celebrations. Following the land-based spectacle, His Majesty the Sultan was also scheduled to preside over the Naval Fleet Parade 2025 on the subsequent day. This continuity of events, featuring both the military and naval forces in Muscat, highlights the comprehensive nature of Oman’s National Day commemorations, paying tribute to all branches of its defense establishment.

The Oman National Day Military Parade serves as a powerful testament to the nation's heritage, strength, and unwavering commitment to its armed forces. With His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik at the forefront, the ceremony at Al Fateh Square in Muscat was a key moment of the 2025 celebrations. The precision and scale of the parade ensured a memorable and deeply patriotic event, setting the tone for the continued festivities, including the subsequent Naval Fleet Parade.