Muscat – Despite sustained efforts by authorities to safeguard public safety and maintain the cleanliness of public spaces, this year’s National Day celebrations were overshadowed by a string of isolated disturbances involving groups of young people who disrupted traffic, disturbed the peace and left several areas littered. The South Sharqiyah Governorate Police Command, in coordination […]

Muscat – Despite sustained efforts by authorities to safeguard public safety and maintain the cleanliness of public spaces, this year’s National Day celebrations were overshadowed by a string of isolated disturbances involving groups of young people who disrupted traffic, disturbed the peace and left several areas littered.

The South Sharqiyah Governorate Police Command, in coordination with the Al Kamil wa al Wafi Special Tasks Police Unit, announced on Sunday that it had detained 43 motorists over the past two days for causing traffic disruption and disturbing public peace in Sur. Authorities confirmed that legal procedures are under way against all of them.

On November 21, North Batinah Police Command detained a group of masked individuals involved in a brawl in Suhar that left one person injured. The group was accused of staging riot-like acts, obstructing traffic and disturbing public tranquillity. Police said legal action is being taken.

On the same day, Muscat Police Command, in cooperation with the Special Tasks Unit in Seeb, stopped seven masked individuals for causing chaos, obstructing traffic and disturbing public order. Authorities confirmed that procedures against them are being completed.

Four days earlier, on November 19, Muscat Police Command and the Bausher Special Tasks Unit apprehended 32 drivers for disturbing public peace by creating loud exhaust noise and blocking traffic in Qurum and Sarooj. All drivers are facing legal measures.

The incidents prompted strong reactions from the public, with many citizens calling for tighter monitoring and more disciplined celebrations.

Abdullah al Saadi stressed that security must remain a top priority, urging authorities to intensify patrols and expand the use of surveillance cameras. “Security, safety and stability cannot be taken lightly,” he said.

Another citizen, Adnan al Rais, said National Day should be a moment of pride, but the behaviour witnessed this year had dampened the celebrations. “We saw scenes we have never witnessed before — chaos and actions that do not represent the Omani character,” he noted.

Sultan al Hinai said celebrations must not come at the expense of others’ safety or comfort. He called for unregulated marches to be halted unless they are formally organised and permitted.

Najm Suhail suggested imposing community service penalties, such as requiring offenders to clean streets or assist in maintaining public facilities.

Dr Mohammed al Ghamlasi thanked the Royal Oman Police for their swift efforts and proposed temporarily closing areas where unauthorised marches typically form. He also urged parents to guide their children and ensure responsible behaviour.

Following the celebrations, Muscat Municipality reminded residents that maintaining cleanliness is a shared responsibility and called on the public to help preserve the city’s appearance in the days after the festivities.