Muscat – His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Supreme Commander, conferred  Service Excellence and Royal Commendation medals on several senior officers and non-commissioned officers – both military and civilian – from the Ministry of Defence and the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF) on Wednesday.

The Royal gesture is in recognition of their dedication and sincerity in serving their nation and performing their sacred national duty.

Dr Mohammed Nasser al Zaabi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Defence, pinned the medals.

Zaabi congratulated those who were honoured, praising their efforts and dedication in serving their country, while urging them to continue their contribution and performance under the wise leadership of His Majesty the Sultan.

The ceremony was attended by Air Marshal Abdullah Khamis al Raisi, Chief of Staff of Sultan’s Armed Forces, Maj Gen Mattar Salem al Balushi, Commander of Royal Army of Oman, Air Vice-Marshal Khamis Hammad al Ghafri, Commander of Royal Air Force of Oman, Rear Admiral Saif Nasser al Rahbi, Commander of Royal Navy of Oman, and Maj Gen Hamid bin Ahmed Sakroon, Head of the Academy for Strategic and Defence Studies.