Flag of Oman - Colours, Meaning, History ??

The flag of Oman is not only a symbol of the state of Oman but also a representation of the unity predominant among the Arab nations. Nonetheless, the flag of Oman is the nation’s symbol of sovereignty and proof of its independence. The flag of Oman was introduced on December 17, 1990, under the rule of Qābūs ibn Saʿīd, who was considered the pioneer of modernization in the nation. During Oman’s National Day, which is celebrated every 18th of November (Sultan Qābūs ibn Saʿīd’s birthday), the Oman flag is hoisted in celebration of its independence from the Portuguese.

History of the Flag of Oman

During AD 750, a plain red and white banner was used as the national flag of Oman. However, in 1970, the ruling Sultan was overthrown and succeeded by a new Sultan, Qābūs ibn Saʿīd. The new sultan concerned about modernizing the nation, changed the name of the nation to Sultanate of Oman, and introduced the current national flag of Oman, which was officially adopted on April 25th, 1995.

On the other hand, the national emblem was designed during the mid-18th century, when it was approved as the royal crest of the Al Said dynasty, and later its usage expanded to become the national emblem of the Sultanate. The emblem was then incorporated on the canton of the national flag in 1970 during the dethronement of the ruling sultan. The national emblem of Oman, a badge depicting a Khanjar dagger in its sheath, superimposed on two crossed swords is displayed on the upper left of the flag.

What is the meaning behind the colours of the Flag of Oman?

The national flag of Oman consists of three stripes and a vertical bar to the left which includes the national emblem in three different colors – white, green and red. Each color represents a specific aspect that depicts the history of the Omani people:

Colors

White is the topmost horizontal stripe and represents peace and prosperity.
Red forms the vertical band on the left and the middle band of the flag, it represents the battle for independence between the Omani people and the foreign invaders.
Green represents the fertility of the land.

Although the meanings of the colors of the flag mentioned above have been accepted officially, there exists another unofficial interpretation. According to these views, white represents the Imamate (leadership), red is associated with the Sultanate, and green represents the green mountains of Jebel Akhdar.

The Emblem
The emblem was adopted during the mid-18th century. The traditional curved dagger (khanjar) and crossed swords represent pride and history.

Shape
The flag is rectangular and is composed of a vertical unit by the mast and three horizontal bands of equal dimensions. A third of the flag and parallel to the pole is a red field, which consists of the national emblem on its upper quarter.

The size of the Oman flag changes depending on where or why it is hoisted. For instance, flags for government buildings should have an overall size of 200 by 300 cm, while flags for holidays should be 25 by 35 cm. Each tricolor stripe should be the same size depending on the size of the flag.

The flag is usually raised at government and official buildings, military and security institutions, Omani embassies, airports, castles, fortresses, establishments which receive contributions from the state, consulates and trade representation offices, seaports and foreign ships and vessels as they enter Omani ports and Omani naval vessels.

Interesting Facts about the Flag of Oman

Initially, the ratio proportion of the Oman flag was 2:3 before it was changed to 1:2. These changes did not affect the general appearance of the flag but made the horizontal stripes equal in width.
The emblem on the Oman flag is known as the Sayyidi Khanjar, which was designed for the 19th Century Al Said ruler (Sayyid translates to prince) and the two crossed swords are known as Omani saifs.

Do you know any other interesting facts about the flag of Oman? Share your thoughts below.

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