19-02-2025
Horse parade on Friday to celebrate HM's Accession Day
Muscat – Twenty riders from across Oman will take part in a horse parade on Friday to celebrate the fifth anniversary of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik's accession to the throne.
The event, organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in cooperation with the Oman From Horseback team, aims to showcase Oman's equestrian heritage while bringing together the community in a national celebration.
The parade will begin at 8am in front of Majlis Oman in the Bustan area of Muscat. The riders will travel through some of the capital's most iconic locations, including Qasr Al Alam Palace Street and Muttrah Corniche, before concluding at Shatti al Qurm beach near the Mandarin Oriental Hotel at around 4pm.
Participants will wear jackets bearing the parade's slogan, 'Our Sultan Haitham, the Renewer of the Omani Renaissance', while carrying Omani flags and singing national songs.
Saif Ali al Rawahi, the event supervisor, said the closing ceremony at Shatti al Qurm will feature a series of festive activities, including a paragliding display where multiple paragliders will soar through the sky carrying images of His Majesty and Omani flags. 'It will be a striking visual tribute to His Majesty and a proud moment for all attendees,' he said.
To make the event inclusive for families, a special children's corner will be set up, featuring face painting and interactive sessions with mini horses that young visitors can ride.
'We want this to be a celebration for all ages, where everyone can take part in the joy of the occasion,' Rawahi said.
He encouraged both citizens and residents to join in, stating, 'The more people who come out to celebrate, the more it strengthens our sense of unity as a nation. This is a national event, and we want as many people as possible to feel part of it.'
Looking ahead, Rawahi revealed that similar events are being planned throughout the year.
A horse parade in Jabal Akhdar during the summer will highlight the beauty of Oman's highlands, while equestrian marches in Salalah during the Khareef season will promote the southern region's tourism appeal.
'Our goal is to not only honour our equestrian culture but also to showcase Oman's breathtaking landscapes and encourage more young people to take up horseback riding,' he said.
