April 1, 2022
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When Her Highness Dr. Sayyida Mona bint Fahad bin Mahmoud Al Said points to Oman on the globe, she presents to the world a country with a rich maritime history stretching back thousands of years. Her great-great-great-great-grandfather ascended the throne in 1744, and since then, the Al Busaidi dynasty has ruled the oldest Arab monarchy. But Oman's story at sea began much earlier.
A Maritime Power Since Antiquity
The Omani Empire was an important trade crossroads as early as the time of the Sumerians. More than 7,000 years ago, Sumerian chroniclers recorded that they purchased copper and gemstones from the region known as Majan, today's Oman. This wealth was the driving force behind its maritime dominance.
Voyages Without a Compass
As early as four millennia ago, Omani dhow—traditional wooden boats—set sail on journeys reaching as far as China's Canton and theAfrican island of Madagascar. Without modern navigational instruments, relying only on the stars and instinct, they mastered maritime routes with extraordinary precision.
A Naval Superpower of the 18th Century
Oman's war fleet was not only capable of defending the Arabian Peninsula but also protecting East Africa from European colonizers. British historian Copeland even stated that in the early 18th century, the Omani navy was the most powerful military force in the world.
Oman in New York
Oman's maritime prestige reached its peak on April 30, 1840, when the ship Sultana arrived in New York. It was the first Omani ship in the United States, and its arrival led to the establishment of Oman's first foreign embassy. This moment confirmed Oman as an important international player at a time when global trade was accelerating.
Modern Omani Sailing
Today, Oman continues its maritime tradition not only as a trade hub but also in the field of competitive sailing. Oman hosts prestigious international regattas and supports young sailors who uphold the legacy of their ancestors.
From antiquity to the present, Oman has maintained its status as a maritime power. Whether through historical trade routes, the legendary Sultana, or modern regattas, Omani sailing is a symbol of courage, innovation, and heritage that endures.
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