Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has staged a series of events in celebration of the 45th National Day including the unveiling of an Appreciation Book from employees for His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.
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The book, launched on PDO Day 2015 which marked the second anniversary of His Majesty’s official visit to the Company’s main headquarters building on 12 May 2013, is a compilation of messages and drawings from PDO staff and their children expressing their love, admiration and respect for His Majesty, and has been presented to His Majesty to mark the 45th National Day. It was designed by Ahmed Al Mandhari, who works in PDO’s Exploration Directorate. PDO Managing Director Raoul Restucci said: “The historic visit of His Majesty has had a profound impact in inspiring the Company’s workforce, encouraging them to work harder and with sincerity in serving the nation.
“The book captures expressions of loyalty and sincere sentiments of gratitude for His Majesty’s great endeavours in uplifting Oman to its current eminent and respected standing in the world.
“There is no doubt that these heartfelt thoughts emanate from the high regard PDO staff have for His Majesty. They recognise and appreciate His Majesty’s wonderful achievements in transforming the fortunes of the Sultanate at home and elevating it to become a champion of peace and dialogue on the global stage.”
Celebrations at PDO’s Bait Mina Al Fahal (BMF) headquarters in Muscat included the launch of a PDO-sponsored patriotic song and music video titled “Qaboos: Pulse of the Nation” composed and produced by local artists. This was accompanied by a live Bara’a traditional dance performance which features in the video. The building was also decorated in Omani flags and red, green and white bunting.
Additionally, the three winners of a staff photography competition for the best Omani-themed photos were revealed on the day and the winning photographs, as well as 42 other entries, were displayed on digital screens around the PDO campus. The 45 images – one to mark each year of His Majesty’s reign – will be posted on the Company’s Instagram page (@PDO.Oman), which was launched on the day. The overall winner was Engineering, Procurement and Contracts Representative Hamed Al Ghanboosi for his picture of an Omani man with his camels.
Similar celebrations were held across the Company’s Interior locations where staff and contractors took part in loyalty marches, speeches, poem recitals and prayers.
A week of activities are also being held at PDO’s Knowledge World, comprising the Oil and Gas Exhibition Centre, Planetarium, and EcoOman Centre, all of which were donated by PDO as Gifts to the Nation to mark every five years of His Majesty’s reign. Activities included competitions and shows for the public, including a new show to be launched at the Planetarium. Moreover, the Knowledge World will be open during evenings throughout the National Day holidays.