Muscat – His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Supreme Commander, graced the Naval Fleet Parade 2025 on Friday as part of National Day celebrations.

As the motorcade of His Majesty the Sultan drove along the route in Muttrah, crowds of citizens, residents and school students lined both sides of the road to greet His Majesty. They carried His Majesty’s portraits and flags, chanting slogans of loyalty and gratitude to His Majesty, while troupes performed Omani folk arts.

The Royal Yacht Fulk al Salamah set sail from Sultan Qaboos Port with His Majesty, accompanied by a fleet of traditional sailing ships. This scene represented the Omani maritime heritage and the pride of the nation’s people in their ancient history, reflecting the sultanate’s maritime history and values of authenticity and antiquity, besides the development and modernity enjoyed by the Royal Navy of Oman.

Upon approaching the parade area adjacent to Qurum Beach, the Royal Yacht was honoured with a 21-gun salute, fired from the Royal Navy of Oman’s vessel Shabab Oman II, for His Majesty, the Supreme Commander. As the Royal Yacht proceeded, the participating ships performed a naval military salute, their crews uniting in a triple acclamation: “Long Live His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Supreme Commander.”

The parade featured an assembly of naval vessels from the Royal Navy of Oman, the Royal Yachts, and crafts from Royal Oman Police, alongside participating ships from the navies of GCC states.

On the occasion, His Majesty the Sultan accepted a commemorative gift, which was presented by Rear Admiral Saif bin Nasser al Rahbi, Commander of Royal Navy of Oman.

The fleet parade was attended, alongside His Majesty the Sultan, by Royal family members, ministers, commanders of the Sultan’s Armed Forces and military and security services.

Celebrating the glorious occasion, a series of accompanying events were held on Qurum Beach. The celebrations featured immersive technological displays, including interactive screens and laser shows projected from the participating vessels, complemented by vivid lighting and sound technologies. The programme also included musical pieces by the Royal Navy of Oman band, traditional Omani songs performed by folk and Scout troops, a presentation by Oman Kite Team and a fireworks display.

The Royal Navy of Oman also organised an exhibition with the participation of several entities and departments. It highlighted the navy’s national tasks, roles and its ongoing modernisation and development, while also featuring equipment, devices and the most advanced innovations and modern technologies currently in use.

The Naval Fleet Parade 2025 affirmed the significance of Omani maritime history, which for centuries has been a firm pillar of the sultanate’s strength, stability and openness to the world. This heritage is now renewed as the sea constitutes a strategic asset for the nation – a vital channel through which Oman continues to extend bridges of cooperation and civilisational exchange, open avenues for development, and advance its economic diversification programmes within the framework of Vision 2040.