Medals of the Sultanate of Oman

International Electronic Phaleristic Encyclopedia

by Edward S. Haynes
(© 1999)

       

About 1744, the Al bu Said dynasty established their power as the Imams and Sayyids of Oman and, later, as the Sultans of Muscat and Oman. Zanzibar was separated from Muscat and Oman in 1861. By the middle of the nineteenth century, Muscan and Oman began to fall under British influence as part of the constellation of power which maintained British dominance in India. As was the case with many of the Gulf littoral states, tensions between the power elites on the coastlines (who emerged as the paramount rulers) and inland tribes presented significant challenges in nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century state building.

As oil exploration came to the region in the 1950s, the older suppressed tensions between coastal and inland political forces reemerged. The new Imam Ghanim bin Ali who came to power in 1954 spearheaded a drive for autonomy (or independence?) from the Al bu Said Sultan Said bin Taimur on the coast. With the assistance of friendly neighboring states, a rebellion broke out which had to be suppressed by the nascent Omani army (with British assiatance).

In 1964, another rebellion broke out in the southern province of Dhofar, again with apparent outside encouragement. By the end of the 1960s, this movement began to acquire wider, revolutionary goals and was suppressed by the Oman armed forces with the assistance of foreign contingents from Jordan, Britain, and Iran and other support from Saudi Arabia, India, Pakistan, and the Trucial Coast (later to become the United Arab Emirates).

Since the accession to power of Sultan Qaboos bin Sa'id in July 1970, Oman has become one of the most ambitions Arab states in the creation and award of orders, decorations, and medals. Reference to Muscat has been dropped with the coming to power of the present ruler.

What is presnted here is almost inexpressively preliminary, but - as Omani awards are almost totally unknown - "something is better than nothing".  Details and corrections are welcomed.

This page represents a considerable amount of effort and original research work and users are requested (under terms of both copyright and normal academic usage) to make reference to this page (link it as a whole) rather that extract and "borrow" information. Thank you.

  1. Wisam Al-Sa'id / The Order of Al-Said -- In what may best be described as a "royal family" order, the Order of Al Said is the oldest among Oman's awards, dating from the earliest years of the twentieth century (C.E.). Established: The first variety of the order was established in (or before?) 1913 by Sultan Failsal ibn Turki (or Sultan Taimur ibn Faisal?). Perhaps never awarded, the order was reconstituted by Sultan Qabus ibn Sa'id in 1982. In its modern version, the insignia are manufactured by Spink & Son (London, England). Obverse: An 18-karat gold badge of eight golden points with green-enameled petals between each point. In the center, a white-enameled (pearled?) circlet, with a red-enameled center with a gold inscription. For the original badge, the inscription reads "Ad dawlah as Sa'eedeeya al 'Umanneeya" or "???", while the breast star bears the inscription "Sa'eed bin Faisal bin Taimur bin Turkee alwaathiq billah al Mujed" or "???". This badge is suspened by a ring from a sash (or wide neck ribbon). The second version of the order maintains the same inscription as on the earlier badge (though with simplified calligraphy) for both the badge and the breast star and is suspended by a crown. Collar: Twenty-six links of 18-karat yellow and white gold. Suspension link and rear link of the wreathed and crowned Oman state emblem, and, otherwise, alternating crowns and the Oman state emblem. Ribbon: Red, with a green central stripe.

  2. Wisam Al-Sharif Al-Oman / The Most Honourable Order of Oman -- Established: By Sultan Qaboos bin Said in 1982. Manufactured by Asprey (London, England). Obverse: A ?? -mm (3-inch) twelve-pointed star of white and yellow gold. In the center a twelve-pointed red-enameled star. A central red-enameled circle with the yellow gold Arabic inscription "???" or "The Most Honorable Order of Oman." This is surrounded by a green-enameled circlet with the yellow gold Quranic inscription "???" or "If you are determined enough and God is with you, then nothing can stop you." Surrounding this, a white-enameled circlet with the yellow gold Arabic inscription "???" or "His Majesty Qaboos bin Said Sultan of Oman, 1403" [AH = 1982 C.E.]. Ribbon: Red with narrow green edge stripes.

  3. Wisam Oman / The Order of Oman -- The first order instituted after Omani indpendence and Sultan Qaboos' accession to power, the Order of Oman occupies both historical and ceremonial center-stage as Oman's major order. The order has two divisions, military and civil. In common useage, these are often referred to as the "Milutary Order of Oman" and the "Order of Oman." Recipietns of both classes may wear both badges, although this status is rare. Likewise, it seems that all classes received can be worn simultaneously. The post-nominal abbreviation "WO" is allowed for all recipients. Informally, the class names of "Grand Cordon," "Grand Officer," "Commander," "Officer," and "Chevalier" have been used, but are not in common usage. Established:By Sultan Qaboos bin Said in October 1970. The badges are manufactured by Asprey (London, England). Obverse: As the badges differ by division and class, they are described in detail below. The overall impression of the badges is of a multi-pointed white-gold star with ball-tipped bulbous arms. In general, milutary badges are red (except for the highets classes) and bear the Oman arms in the center, while civil badges are are white (regardless of class) and have a crescent device in the center. Ribbon: As the ribbons differ both for division and by class, they are detailed below. Awards: This is the most commonly awarded Omani order.

  4. Wisam Nahisat Oman Al-'Ali / Grand Order of the Renaissance of Oman -- It is important, if difficult, to distinguish this award from the Order of the Renaissance of Oman (with no "Grand"). Established: By Sultan Qaboos bin Said in 1982. The insiginae are manufactured by Spink & Son (London, England). Obverse: An eight-pointed yellow-gold star with bulbous points; the edges of each point are jeweled. In the circular, green-enameled center, a gold Arabic inscription "???" or "???". This is surroundeed by a white-enameled circlet with an Arabic inscription in gold "???" or "???". Suspended by a crown. Ribbon: Two ribbons are used. First ribbon: Moiré of merging red, white, and green. Second ribbon: Designed by the sultan, dark green, with edge stripes (reading inward) of narrow yellow-gold and broader red.

  5. Wisam Nahisat Oman / The Order of the Renaissance of Oman -- This order presents an involved and complex history. Late in 1972, Spink was asked to produce, by 1 January 1973, a "Unity Medal." After some discussion regarding the design, the medal was produced. Then, the request came from Muscat that the "Unity Medal" was to be but the fourth class of a four-class order, and that designs for the first three classes were required. At about the same time, correspondence between Muscan and London began regarding a "Development Medal," to recognize noteworthy contributions to Oman's development, and slated for wearing low in the order of prtecedence, following the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. Neverthless, it appears that the "Unity Medal," the "Development Medal," and the Order of Renaiasance (announced only in January 1976), all represent facets and phases of the same concept and the same development process. While early notifications suggested that the Other of Renaissance was to be the highest Omani order, the relative positions have been clarified. Recipients are entitled to use the post-nominal abbreviations "WNO". Two designs of badges are reported, differing in the rendering of the name od the order. Early badges bear, in Arabic, the name "Wisam Nahdhat Oman" or "Order of Renaissance Oman", while later versions merely have "Wisam Nahdhat" or "Order of Renaissance". It is important to distinguish this award from the Grand Order of the Renaissance of Oman. Established: Apparently by Sultan Qaboos bin Said in 1973 (but note the involved evolutionary history of the order, above). Manufactured by Spink & Son (London, England).

  6. Wisam al-Sultan Qaboos / The Order of Sultan Qaboos -- Awarded during the 15th Anniversary year, 1985. Recipients of the order are allowed the postnominal abbreviation of WSQ. Established: By Sultan Qaboos bin Said in 1985. The badges are designed and manufactured by Spink & Son (London, England). Obverse: A twelve-pointed star, of interlocking design. In the center, a white-enameled enameled center area with gold Arabic inscription "???" or "???", surrounded by a red-enemeled band with a gold Arabic inscription "???" or "???". Ribbon: Blue with wide orange-gold edges.

  7. Wisam Al-N'Oman / The Order of N'Oman -- Recognizing the achievements of Omani foreign service personnel, the order is named in honor of the first Omani envoy to the United States of America in the nineteenth century. Established: By Sultan Qaboos bin Said in 1982. The badges were designed by and are manufactured by Spink & Son (London, England). Obverse: An ornate circular badge with a blue-enameled center circle with a gilt crown. Surrounding this is a red-enameled circlet with Arabic inscription "???" or "???". Ribbon: Yellow with broad blue edges. Awards: Only two awards of the first class are known (Hassan bin Mohammad Faddah and Mohammad Ab al Nasr). No awards of the second or third classes appear to have been made.

  8. Wisam Al-Amajat / The Order of Achievement -- Awarded to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of independent Oman in 1995. Established: By Sultan Qaboos bin Said in 1995. The badge was designed and manufactured by Spink & Son (London, England). Obverse: An oval silver badge with twenty-five green-enemeled branches exterding outward from the oval cenral medallion. The central medallion is enameled red and bears a silver crown, surrounding this, on a blue-enameled oval is a silver inscription in Arabic "???" or "???". The two highest classes have a jeweled oval surrounding this blue band. Ribbon: Medium blue with white edges and a broad cenral red stripe.

  9. Midalat Al-Takrim / The Honorarium Medal -- There is evidence (the name is given on the badge in both Arabic and English) suggesting that this award is, at least in part, intended for award to foreigners. It is important to distinguish this award from the Order of Appreciation, which, at the time of its creation in 1990, was to have been named the "Honorarium Medal." Established: By Sultan Qaboos bin Said in ca. 1990. Designed and manufactured by Asprey (London, England). Obverse: A ?? mm (3-inch) six-pointed castelated red-enameled 18 carat yellow gold star. Between these points is a white gold background, set with a pearl in each of the gaps between the red points. In the central green-enameled circle, the Omani arms in gold. This is surrounded by a white-enameled circlet with the name of the decoration in Arabic and English: "ÁÍj¸N»A ÒλAfο / HONORARIUM MEDAL" in gold. Ribbon: Burgundy, ?? mm (4 inches) wide, with a broad green cenreal stripe and a narrow white stripe on each side of this, separated from the green stripe by a narrow burgandy stripe.

  10. Wisam Al-Sultan Qaboos Lilthaqafat wa Al-'Aloom wa Al-Fanoon / The Sultan Qaboos Order for Culture, Science, and Art -- Established: By Sultan Qaboos bin Said in ca. 1990. The badge was designed and manufactured by Asprey (London, England). Obverse: An oval 18-carat yellow gold badge with the crowned Omani arms in the center. Surrounding this, on an oval field, the bilingual inscription "??? / SULTAN QABOOS ORDER FOR SCIENCE CULTURE AND ART". The badge is suspended from an ornate floral suspender. Reverse: A symbolic design representing culture, science, and art. Ribbon: Equal stripes of dark rose-pink, dark blue, dark rose-pink.

  11. Wisam Al-Taqdir / The Order of Appreciation -- It is important to distinguish this award from the Honorarium Medal, as, at the time of the creation of this order, was to have been named the "Honorarium Medal." The name was later altered to the present nomenclature. Established: By Sultan Qaboos bin Said in 1990. The badge was designed and manufactured by Spink & Son (London, England). Obverse: A circular, wavy designed gold star of seven points, between these are smaller silver wavy points. In the red-enameld circular center, the gold Omani arms. This is surrounded by a green circlet with an Arabic inscription "???" or "???". The badge is suspended by a gold crown (which covers the uppermost wavy star point). Reverse: The name of the decoration in Arabic. Ribbon: Green moiré, with red and white (reading inwards) edge stripes.

  12. Wisam Sahat Al-Jilalat Al-Sultan Qaboos / The Order of Merit of Sultan Qaboos -- It is important to distinguish between this order and the "Order of Al-Assthqaq", the Arabic name of which is also best rendered into English also as "The Order of Merit." Established: By Sultan Qaboos bin Said in ca. 1977/1978. Manufactured by Asprey (London, England). Obverse: An oval 18-carat white gold badge, ?? x ?? mm (2 x 1½ inches). On a central oval light-bluen-enemeled ground, the enameled image of the Sultan in natural colors. Surronding this image is a narrow oval band of diamonds and, surrounding this, a dark-blue-enemeled oval circlet with the white-gold Arabic inscription "???" or "???". The badge is suspended from a small white gold crowned Omani emblem. Ribbon: ?? mm (1-1/2 inches), white, with a red central stripe and blue-green edge stripes. Awards: Only five awards to men have been traced. No awards to women seem to have taken place.

  13. Wisam Al-Imtiaz / The Order of Excellence -- Established: By Sultan Qaboos bin Said in ca. 1978. Manufactured by Asprey (London, England). Obverse: A neck badge. An eight-ended curved bulbous badge of 18-carat white gold, ?? mm (2-1/2 inches) in diameter. The edges of the badge are set with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. The central portion of the badge is enameled in dark green with a jewled white-gold depiction of the Omani crest. Arabic inscriptions appear above ("???" or "???") and below ("???" or "???") the crest. Suspended by a jeweled, white gold, crown. Ribbon: ?? mm (1 inch), half green (uppermost), half red. Awards: No awards have been found.

  14. Wisam Al-Assthqaq / The Order of Al Assthqaq -- Awarded for achievements in science, sport, agriculture, industry, and the arts. While no formal authorization has been located, the post-nominal abbreviation of "WA" is commonly employed by recipients of the order. In addition to the neck badge described below, a non-wearing and unsuspended version of the badge was also manufactured for award. The precise utilization of this unmounted medal is unknown. The name of the order is best translated into English as "The Order of Merit," but to avoid confusion with the (other) Order of Merit, an Arabic version of the name is arbitrarily used here. (This follows the nomenclature and practice which Tinson has adopted in his monumental volume.) Established: By Sultan Qaboos bin Said in 1982. Designed and manufactured by Spink & Son (London, England). Obverse: A neck badge, circular in yellow gold. The open-work badge is designed in the shape of a red-enameled garter, bearing the Arabic inscription "???" or "???". In the center, surrounded by a wreath, is the Omani crest. Suspened by an ornate suepender. Ribbon: Green, with a broad white center stripe and thing red stripes toward ecah edge. Awards: The badge is known to have been awarded only four times.

  15. Wisam Al-Saghir A'ait Al-Sultaniat Al-Khasat / The Order of the Special Royal Emblem -- Awarded to those officers who were serving in the Omani armed forces on the occasion of Oman's fifteenth anniversary of independence, 18 November 1985. Two versions were struck, one for award to Omani officers and one for expatriate (mainly British) officers. While postnominal letters have, apparently, been employed, they are unofficial and are, in fact, specificailly prohibited in the establishing statute for the medal. There are separate awards for Omani and expatriate (mainly British) officers. The award for expatriate officers, in particular, is treated as an award of some considerable substance, and it was presented with an elaborate award document in a formal case, fully woirthy of the treatment usually accorded to a senior order. It is not clear that the award for Omani officers was so treated. Note that this award for officers, regardless of division, would always be in addition to that of the Glorious Fifteenth National Day Medal. Obverse: Omanis: An 18-karat gold hexagonal medal with a turgah (cipher) "???" or "???". Suspended from an ornate straight-bar suspender. Expatriates: A sixed-armed silver cross (presenting the overall impression of a silver hexagonal medal with triangles taken out of each face?). In the center, the Omani crest. Suspended by an ornate straight bar. Reverse: Omanis: The crowned Omani emblem with the dates "1970 / 1985" on either side. Expatriates: The representation of a fort (??) with a flag flying above and surrounded by palm trees. Below, the dates "1970-1985". Ribbon: Omanis: Maroon, with narrow edge stripes (reading inward) of dark blue, light blue, dark blue, lavendar, and claret. A gold hexagonal representation of the crowned Omani crest is worn on the ribbon, Expatriates: Green, with broad edge stripes (reading inward) of red, white, red. A silver crown is worn on the ribbon.

  16. Midalit Al-Bisalat Al-Sultaniat / The Sultan's Gallantry Medal -- The first and, in many ways, most prestegions of the Omani awards. The medal is awarded to recognize the highest standards of gallantry, above and beyond the call of duty and at the risk of life. Until 1967, two witnesses were required for the award, but that provision was dropped at that time. At the same time, the requirement for bravery "in the face of the enemy" was added to the statutes. The award of the medal allows the recipient to use the postnominal abbreviation "WSh". At the time of its inception, the award of the medal carried with it an annuity of Rs. 300; this has now been altered to a life annuity of OR 25. The regulations for the medal allow for the award of bars to the ribbon for second or subsequent awards of the medal, but none have, to date, occurred. Established: By Sultan Said bin Taimur, about 1958 or 1959. The first (circular) veriety of the medal has been manufactured by Spink & Son (London, England), but the second (star-shaped) variety is made by Asprey (London, England). Obverse: Sultan Said: Circular silver medal. In the center, the Omani crest with the inscription above "Sultan Said bin Taimur bin Faisal" and below "???" or "Sultan of Muscat and Oman". Suspended from a straight-bar suspender. Sultan Qaboos first circular variety: As before, but the inscriptions are altered to read "Sultan Qaboos bin Said" and "???" or "Sultan of Oman". Sultan Qaboos second circular variety: As before, but with the inscription altered to read "???" or "Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Mua'tham". Sultan Qaboos star-shaped variety: A 2-inch eight-pointed star of white gold, enemaled red, in the center, the Omani crest, surrounded by agreen-enamedle circlet with the inscription "??? / ???" or "??? / ???". The medal is suspended from an ornamental bar with crossed palm fronds. Reverse: Sultan Said first variety: Within a wreath, the legend "FOR / GALLANTRY" and, at the top "???" or "???". Sultan Said second variety and Sultan Qaboos circular variety: The legend in the center is altered to read "???" or "???" and the legend at the top is removed. Sultan Qaboos star-shaped variety: Unknown. Ribbon: Circular variety: ?? mm (1-1/4 in.), equal red/green/red. Star-shaped variety: ?? mm (1-1/2 in), dark green with edge stripes of white, red, white. A white gold depiction of the Omani crest is worn on the ribbbon. Awards: Since its inception, the medal has only been awarded seventeen times.

  17. Midalit Al-Shuja'at Al-Sultaniat / The Sultan's Bravery Medal -- Awarded to recognize bravery of a lesser degree than that rewarded with the Gallantry Medal. Recipients of the medal are authorized to use the postnominal abbreviation "WB". In theory, second and subsequent awards of themedal were to be commemorated with a bar. This has, however, not been rigorously followed. The first recipient of a repeat award of the Sultan's Bravery Medal, WO2 Obaid bin Mubarik bin Walid al Harthi, Muscat Regiment (who had first received the WB in 1968, as a Corporal), received in 1972 a second medal instead of a bar. In 1974, Major Khuda Bux bin Badal bin Wali Dad al Baluchi, Frontier Force, who received his first Gallantry Medal the previous year, was in fact awarded a bar (so far as can be traced, this is the only bar awarded for a repeat award to any Omani decoration). Established: By Sultan Saad bin Taimur in 1967. Obverse: The Omani national emblem, with legends that differ by reign and design, see below. Reverse: Within a wreath, the Arabic legend "???" or "???". Ribbon: Equal stripes of black / red / green / yellow / white. Since 11 January 1970, the gilt Oman crest is to be worn on the ribbon. Awards: Up to 1997, some ninety-nine awards of the Bravery Medal have been traced (45 to Omanis and 54 to Europeans). The first awards traced came in 1968 (14) and the last awards occur in 1979 (2). Evidence suggests approcximately 33 awards of the Sultan Said version (1968-70) and 66 awards by Sultan Qabus (1971-79).

  18. Midalit Al-Khidmat Al-Mumtazat Al-Sultaniat / The Sultan's Distinguished Service Medal -- The medal is awarded for distinguished or prolonged service and may also be awarded for conspicuous gallantry, at the risk of one's life, not in the face of the enemy. This possible award for gallantry has, apparently, created some confusion in the relationship of this medal to the gallantry and bravery medals. Established: By Sultan Said bin Taimur in 1967. Obverse: 36 mm, gold. Oman coat or arms in the center, above the name of the ruler in Arabic, below "???" or "Sultanate of Oman". Ring suspension. The medal is produced by Spink & Son (London, England). Reverse: Within a wreath, the Arabic legend "???" or "???". Awards: Up to 1997, some 492 awards of the medal have been traced (289 to Omanis and 203 to Europeans), while the awards for gallantry number 138 (75 to Omanis and 63 to Europeans). The first awards of the medal took place in 1968 and awards have been traced annually through 1995 (available figures suggest 25 awards under Sultan Said and the remaining 467 under Sultan Qabus). The first award for gallantry took place in 1971 (so it would appear that there are no Sultan Said WKhM[G] awards?) and the last award traced came in 1985; between these dates, however, there was a consistent flow of awards, with only 1978 and 1983 showing no awards of the WKhM(G).

  19. Wisam Qaboos Al-Sharitat / The Qaboos Police Medal -- Awarded for distinguished service in the Royal Oman Police, Prison Service, and Fire Service. Originally established in 1975 as the police Distinguished Service Medal, the title and legend of the medal was restyled in 1980 as the Qaboos Police Medal. Early designs included separate obverse designs for the police, prison service, and fire service; specimens of these early prototypes may exist. The separe service medals were unified in a single police medal, which is apparently utilized for all three. Established: 1975, renamed and redesigned in 1980. The obverse legend was altered in 1975. Manufactured by Spink and Son (London, England). Obverse: A circular silver medal. The Omani national emblem within a wreath, with a crown above and the legend "???" or "???" below. The legend was altered in 1975 to read "???" or "???". Suspended by a straight bar. Reverse: Within a wreath, the Arabic legend "Midalit Al-Khidmat Al-Mumtazat" or "Distinguished Service Medal". Later altered to "Wisam Qaboos Al-Sharatat" or "Qaboos Police Medal". Ribbon: Blue with a broad white center stripe. Edge stripes of (reading inward) red (which is sometimes seen faded to almost orange), white, green. Awards: Only one regular award of the medal has been traced, in 1980 (and, therefore, presumably an award of the Qaboos Police Medal) to P1-0932 Deputy Commissioner of Police B. O. Cooper, Force Headquarters. Sultan Qaboos, however, habitually wears this medal (perhaps the Distinguished Service Medal, the only award of this medal?) as a part of his bar of medals, so his award might well be added to the one to Deputy Commissioner Cooper.

  20. Midalit Al-Shana'a Al-Sultanani / The Sultan's Commendation Medal -- When the idea of Omani medals and decorations was conceived in 1957/58, the British model of recognizing and awarding outstanding service lay squarely at the center of the conceptualization of the new system of awards. To recognize bravery of a lesser level that would warrant the Gallantry Medal, it was decided to institute a decoration for commendation for bravery. Following along British lines, this decoration was conceived as similar to the "mention in dispatches" award, commemorated in British service by a device to be worn on the appropriate campaign medal's ribbon.  The plan Was to produce a silver kanjar, or distinctive Omani dagger, for wear on the appropriate campaign medal's ribbon. In fact, while silver kanjars were intended, the manufacturers (Spink in London) made them in bronze, so no silver kanjars may exist. In any case, these were to be worn on The Campaign Medal for the Jabal Akhdar War and, later, on Sultan Said bin Taimur's General Service Medal for Dhofar. For services for which no campaign medal was awarded, the emblem was to be worn on a plain khaki ribbon. There is no clear indication that any such awards were made. The award of this decoration for bravery required two witnesses to the relevant act(s) of bravery and carried with it a payment of Rs. 100. In 1967, the conditions for award were extended to include general distinguished service and exceptional leadership. When the Bravery Medal and Distinguished Service Medal were created, the requirement for two witnesses and the cash payment were dropped. Records exist of only sixteen awards of this emblem (though the list may have been longer); most of these would have been for the Jabal Akhdar campaign. In 1968 the emblem was redesigned as a bronze palm leaf emblem (similar to the palms worn on the French Croix de Guerre). The stalk was to be worn to the wearer's left, either on the appropriate campaign medal or (somewhat unaesthetically) on a separate length of khaki ribbon. Records suggest that only 103 awards of this citation for bravery were ever made, all to Sultan Said bin Taimur's Campaign Medal for Dhofar. After the accession of Sultan Qaboos, and in light of the notable number of odd-looking non-operational awards of the commendation which appeared without accompanying medal when worn, a new commendation medal was created. In all cases, the dark blue ribbon was to carry a new, more refined, palm brance (now in gilt). Following earlier practice, some branches appeared with their stalk to the lower left of the wearer, but later clarifications to regulations made clear that the stalk was to be at the wearer's lower right. In a number of cases, there have been repear awards of the medal (including three third awards), but no additional palm fronds are worn indicating such repeat awards. Established: The original kanjar device was established by Sultan Said bin Taumur about 1957/58; in 1968 the design was altered to a palm leaf. In 1971, Sultan Qabus bin Said created the commendation medal. Manufactured by Spink & Son (London, England). Obverse: In the center, the Omani emblem, above, "???" or "???" and, below, "???" or "???". Reverse: An ornate, calligraphic, Arabic legend "???" or "???". Ribbon: Dark blue. The gilt palm frond is worn diagonally on the ribbon, with stalk to the wearer's lower right. Awards: It is estimated that there were sixteen awards of the kanjar emblem and 103 awards of the bronze palm leaf. Since the creation of the medal, there have been 1,337 awards (through 1994). This includes a moderate number of second awards and three third awards, though there is no addition to the ribbon devices or any other aspect of the medal to represent this fact.

  21. Midalit Al-Shuja'at / Bravery Medal (Royal Oman Police) -- Awarded for bravery and for extremely "gallant and distinguished service, and action against the enemy" the Royal Oman Police, Prison Service, and Fire Service. The reverse is depicted below. The obverse is, essentially, identical to that shown for the Qaboos Police Medal.  Early designs included separate obverse designs for the police, prison service, and fire service; specimens of these early prototypes may exist. The separe service medals were unified in a single police medal, which is apparently utilized for all three. Established: 1975, the obverse legend was altered in 1975. Manufactured by Spink and Son (London, England). Obverse: A circular silver medal. The Omani national emblem within a wreath, with a crown above and the legend "???" or "???" below. The legend was altered in 19?? To read "???" or "???". Suspended by a straight bar suspender. Reverse: Within a wreath, the Arabic legend "Lilshuja'at" or "For Bravery". Ribbon: White with a broad blue center stripe with a red stripe in the center. Edge stripes of (reading inward) red (which is sometimes seen faded to almost orange), white, green. Awards: Only four awards of the medal have been traced: P1-0984 Mulazim (Lieutenant) Hilal bin Ahmed al-Busaidi, Nizawa Division (1977), P2-0111 Areef (Corporal) Salim bin Saleh, Nizawa Division (1977), P2-0694 Raqeeb (Sergeant) Ahmed bin Khalfan bin Salim, Mounted Division (1981), P1-1010 Naqeeb (Captain) Farooq bin Saleh, Mounted Division (1981)

  22. Midalit Al-Khidmat Al-Khasat (Al-Haras Al-Sultani Al-Omani) / The Special Service Medal (Royal Guard of Oman) -- This medal is awarded to recognize five years of service in the Omani Royal Guard. Despite its character as a "long-service" award, the Special Service Medal (Royal Guard of Oman) ranks as a junior decoration within the order of hierarchy. It was originally awarded to commemorate the fifteenth anniversary of Oman's independence, but the award has been continued regularly ever since. Established: By Sultan Qabus bin Said in 1985. The medal is produced by Spink and Son (London, England). Obverse: Suspended by a straight-bar suspender.  Ribbon: The ribbon carries a silver depiction of the badge of the Royal Omani Guard.

  23. Midalat Al-Khidmat Al-Khasat (Qawat Al-Sultan Al-Khasat) / The Special Service Medal (Sultan's Special Force) -- Created to recognize and reward specially meritorious services by members of the special forces of Oman. It is awarded for five years of service with the force, during which the recipient must have served in a responsible position and served to enhance the reputation of the force. The medal may also be awarded for conspicuous gallantry and leadership in an operational capacity; when this award is made, a crown is worn on the ribbon and additional crowns may be worn for additional awards under this category of qualification. Established: By Sultan Qabus bin Said, 1990. Ribbon: The ribbon of all awards carries a bar with ornate palm design and a central representation of the special forces' badge. Awards for operations bravery or leadership also carry a crown on the ribbon.

  24. Midalit Al-Hamalat / The Campaign Medal -- Awarded to all officers and trained enlisted men (untrained personnel were excluded) who participated the the Jebel Akhdar War against the followers of Imam Ghalib bin Ali between 1 November 1958 and 1 February 1959. Established: By Sultan Said bin Taimur in 1959. Manufactured by Spink and Son (London, England). Obverse: A circular oxidized bronze medal. In the center, the Omani national emblem. Above, the legend "???" or "???" and, below, "???" "???" or "???". The medal is suspended from a swiveling straight-bar suspender (this is the only Omani medal to have aswiveling suspender). Bronze-gilt examples have been reported, but they seem to be merely trial or presentation specimens. Reverse: A wreath surrounding the lower two-thirds of the Medal. Above, the legend "???" or "???" and, in the center "1378-79 H. [= 1958-59 C.E.]" and "JABAL AKHDAR / 1958-59". Ribbon: Diagonal stripes of green and red. This color scheme is said to represent the Jebel Akhdar (literally "Green Mountain") defanced with blood. The ribbon may be seen carrying a bronze (or silver?) khanjar device representing bravery in battle.

  25. Midalit Al-Khidmat Al-'Alamat / The General Service Medal -- Originally intended to serve as a multi-purpose Omani general service medal (along British lines), for service of at least six weeks with a unit of at least company size, the medal has to date only been awarded with one bar, for the Dhofar Rebellion. Despite apparent discussion to that effect, other bars have not been instituted, based on the principle that active service is part of the normal duty of Omani armed forces personnel. There is, for example, some suggestion that a bar was contemplated for the Second Gulf War. Awarded for suppression of the Dhofar rebellion led by the Dhofar Liberation Organization (created 1964) and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Oman and the Arab Gulf (PFLOAG, created 1964), later (in 1974) merged and renamed as the Popular Front for the Liberation of Oman (PFLO); these groups received assistance from the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen (PDRY or South Yemen).  The Dohfar bar was awarded for fourteen days of consecutive service, thirty days of visits, or service abnormally terminated by wounds between 23 May 1965 and 20 June 1976 in those areas of the Dhofar Province and adjacent waters lying between longitude 52°00' and 56°30' E and latitude 16°30' and 18°00' N. Suppression assistance came to the Omani government from Iran, Jordan, and the United Kingdon and financial support came from India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the Trucial States (later, the United Arab Emirates). About 1971, the obverse of the medal was redesigned with the name and title of Sultan Qaboos. The die for the medal, with legends altered and the bar omitted, was used (at short notice) for the Accession Medal of Sultan Qaboos in 1970 (see below). Established: Struck by Spink & Son (London, England). Obverse: Circular, gilt, Omani coat of arms in the center. Inscription in Arabic above and, below; as these inscriptions differ for the various issues of the medal, they are detailed below. The medal is suspended from a straight-bar suyspender. The bar bears the name of the campaign in Arabic, "Dhofar"; so far, only this single bar seems to have been issued to this medal. Reverse: Mountains above laurel branches, Arabic inscription above "???" or "???". Ribbon: Equal of red, off-white, and green. The original ribbon design was intended to represent the three regiments of the Omani army: the Muscat Regiment (red), the Northern Frontier Regiment (green), and the Desert Regiment (sand), but there is also the interpretation that the colors represented blood, sand, and the green of the Jebel Akhdar region. When the ribbons were finally made, the sand-colored stripe came out very light, appearing - ironically and embarassingly - as if the ribbon represented the red-white-green colors of the opposing Dhofar Liberation Front. After Sultan Qaboos' accession to power, these colors were those used in the new Omani flag, so the embarsassment that ahd existed before was diminished. The ribbon of the Sultan Said medal may be seen carrying a bronze (or silver?) khanjar device or a bronze palm leaf representing bravery in battle. Awards: The medal was also awarded to Iranian and Jordanian troops who served in this campaign; this came in addition to their own national awards. British troops were not allowed to receive both this medal and their own Campaign Service Medal 1962 with "Dhofar" bar; many British officers on long-term loan to Oman did, however, opt for the Omani medal.

  26. Midalit Al-Sumood / The Endurance Medal -- It was originally proposed that a medal be issued to represent victory and the end of organized resistance in the long war in Dhofar Province, for which the General Service Medal had been awarded. It is said that the sultan himself ruled out any "victory" medal, as that misrepresented the sort of national suffering which the war had reprewsneted and that what ought to be commemorated, instead, was Al-Sumood, or "Endurance". The medal itself is, however, usually descibed even in English as the "Al-Samood Medal"; I have adopted the literal English translation to convey the sense of national endurance which the sultan's original directive sought to capture, and since the phrase "Al-Samood" is totally meaningless to most non-Arabic-speakers. The medal was awarded for thirty days of service in the period from 23 May 1965 to 2 December 1975. Note that this period of eligibility does not duplicate that of the General Service Medal. Established: 1976. The medal was designed by Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Kirk and was manufactured by Spink and Son (London, England).  Obverse: Circular gilt medal, with the Omani national symbol in the center and an Arabic legend above "???" or "???" and below "???" or "???". The medal is suspended froma ring suspender. Reverse: The caligraphically rendered Arabic legend "???" or "???". Note that the medal is named here as a "Wisam" or "Order" and not as the officially reworded and refined title of a "Midalit" or "Medal".

  27. Midalit Al-Salam Al-Omani / The Omani Peace Medal

  28. ??? -- For Gulf War II. Omani troops participated as a part of Joint Forces Command East in actions that led up to the liberation of Kuwait City. Awards:: As far as can be determined, the following Omani participation can be traced: ground and air contingent, a reinforced brigade, in the G.C.C. "Peninsula Shield" force. In total, an estimated 957 (?) Omani troops served in the war, of whom one was wounded.

  29. Midalit Al-Kafa'at / Meritorious Service Medal (Royal Oman Police) -- Awarded for meritorious service in the Royal Oman Police, Prison Service, and Fire Service. The reverse is depicted below. The obverse is, essentially, identical to that shown for the Qaboos Police Medal.  Early designs included separate obverse designs for the police, prison service, and fire service; specimens of these early prototypes may exist. The separe service medals were unified in a single police medal, which is apparently utilized for all three. Established: 1975, the obverse legend was altered in 1975. Manufactured by Spink and Son (London, England). Obverse: A circular silver medal. The Omani national emblem within a wreath, with a crown above and the legend "???" or "???" below. The legend was altered in 19?? To read "???" or "???". Suspended by a ring. Reverse: Within a wreath, the Arabic legend "Lil-Kifaa'at" or "For Competence". Ribbon: White with a broad blue center stripe. Edge stripes of (reading inward) red (which is sometimes seen faded to almost orange), white, green. Awards: Only nine awards of the medal have been traced: P1-0902 Raa'id (Major) Lashkaran Sharbeek, Criminal Investigation Department (1975), P1-0908 Assistant Commissioner of Police Saeed bin Rashid al-Kalbani, Force Headquarters (1980), P1-1312 Raa'id (Major) R. Thompson, STF (1981), P1-0979 Naqeeb (Captain) Yousuf bin Obaid, Fire Service (1981), P1-0961 Aqeed (Colonel) Abdullah bin Ali, ROPAN (1983), P1-1126 Liwa (Major-General) Bakhit bin Said bin Sanfari, Force Headquarters (1983), P1-1056 Aqeed (Colonel) Eric Hollins, Dhofar (1983), P1-1198 Aqeed (Colonel) Malik bin Suleiman bin Saud, Force Headquarters (1983), P1-0960 Aqeed (Colonel) Naif bin Obaid bin Moosa, Force Headquarters (1983).

  30. Midalit Al-'Atala'a Al-'Arash / The Accession Medal -- Issued to commemorate the accession to power of Sultan Qaboos bin Sa'id al-Said on 23 July 1970. The unplanned circumstances of the new ruler's accession did not allow for a luxury of time to design new medals, so the existing design for the General Service Medal was used for the new award. In effect, only the legends were changed on the dies for the General Service Medal (and, of course, the bar of the General Service Medal was omitted). This was awarded to all members of the Omani armed forces (around 4290 individuals, with regimental numbers 9128 or lower), Oman police, Oman intelligence services, Airwork Services Limited, the Defence Department, and to personal retainiers of the sultan. Established: 1970. Manufactured by Spink and Son (London, England). Obverse: Circular medal, 37 mm, cupro-nickel. In the center, the Omani coat of arms, above the name of the ruler "Al-Sultan Qaboos bin Said" and, below, "Sultan Oman". Suspended by a straight-bar suspender. Reverse: A scene of mountains (having little to do with the medal, but directly taken from the General Service Medal), with, above, "Wisam Al-A'atlad 'Ali Al-'Arash" or "???" and, below, "19 min Jamadi al-Aooli 1390" or "19 ??? 1390 [A.H. = ???? C.E.]". Ribbon: Moiré, sand-colored, with a central light blue stripe, flanked by two thin dark stripes.

  31. Midalit Al-'Aid Al-Watani Al-'Aashir Al-Majid / The Tenth Anniversary Medal -- Issued to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Sultan Qaboos' accession to power. Awarded to all members of the Armed Forces and police, including civilians employed by the Ministry of Defence, except those officially classified as "domestics"; this exclusion of "domestics" has been somewhat controversial. The medal was awarded to those actually serving on 27 July 1980 who had six months of service, though this service could extend either before or after that date. Established: 1980. Manufactured by Spink and Son (London, England). Obverse: Circular medal, lightly gilt cupro-nickel. A five-pointed frosted star bearing the Omani national emblem, below that the legend "Midal Mabsoos Al-'Asata" or "???" Suspended from a laurel-leaves straight-bar suspender. Reverse: The frosted flag of Oman (as adopted in 1970) with "Sultan Qaboos bin Sa'id Al-'Azata" or "???" above and "1980-1970" "1970-1980 [C.E.]". Ribbon: Dark green, with a red center stripe and white edge stripes.

  32. Midalit Al-'Aid Al-Watani Al-Khamas 'Ashir Al-Majid / The Glorious Fifteenth National Day Medal -- Awarded to commemorate the fifteenth anniversary of the accession of Sultan Qaboos to power, this medal was awarded to all ranks of the Omani armed forces and to employees of the Ministry of Defence (including civilians) serving on active duty on 18 November 1985. Established: 1985. Designed by Wing Commander Andrew Kirk and manufactured by Spink and Son (London, England). Obverse: A 37-mm circular frosted gilt medal with scalloped edges, in the center the Omani emblem, surrounded by the Arabic legand "Al-Sultan Qaboos bin Sa'id Al-Ma'atum" or "Sultan Qaboos bin Sa'id Al-Ma'athum". Suspended by a curved, ornate straight bar. Interestingly, the plane in which the disk of the medal lies is slightly offset as compared to the suspension bar, apparently to simplify the mounting and wearing of the medal as a part of a group of medals. Reverse: The number "15" within an Arabic legend "???" or "Glorious Fifteenth National Day Medal" and, below, "1985" (C.E.). Ribbon: 30 mm, red with equally spaced 1-mm stripes of green, white, green, white, green, white, green (four green, three white): 2.5 mm red, 1 mm green, 3 mm red, 1 mm white, 3 mm red, 1 mm green, 3 mm red, 1 mm white, 3 mm red, 1 mm green, 3 mm red, 1 mm white, 3mm red, 1 mm green, 2.5 mm red.

  33. Midalit Al-'Aid Al-Watani Al-'Ishirin Al-Majid / The Glorious Twentieth National Day Medal -- Awarded to all anks of the Omani Armed Forces to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the accession of Sultan Qaboos to power. To obtain this medal, one had to be serving on 18 November 1990. A gilt crown is always worn on the ribbon, but has no special significance. Established: 1990. Manufactured by Huguenin (Le Loche, Switzerland). Obverse: Essentially circular gilt medal, with twenty protruding castellations along the rim. In the center, the bust of Sultan Qaboos in uniform with the legend "???" or "???" above and "??? 1990" or "???? 1990 [C.E.]" below. Suspended by a straight-bar suspender with a pattern on the obverse of the bar. Reverse: The large number "20" in the center. Above, "???" or "???" and, below, "1970-1990 [C.E.]". Ribbon: White, with broad edge stripes (reading inward) of red and green. A gilt crown is always worn on the ribbon.

  34. Midalit Al-'Aid Al-Watani Al-Khams wa Al-'Ishrin / The Twenty Fifth National Day Medal -- Awarded to commemorate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the accession of Sultan Qaboos to power in Oman. A special bar is awarded to the medal for those who had served for the entire twenty-five year period. Established: 1995. Manufactured by Spink and Son (London, England). Obverse: A five-pointed silver star edged with five lines (said to be symbolizing 5 x 5 = 25). In the center, the sultanic crown above the Omani national emblem. The medal is suspended from a laurel-leaved straight-bar suspender. The bar (awarded for those who had served Omnan for the entire twenty-five years) bears the crown in the center, surrounded by the dates "1970 / 1995". Reverse: A frosted map of Oman in the center with the numbers "25" in the north and "1995" in the south. The suspension bar is also laurel-patterned on the reverse. Ribbon: A very complex stair-step or zig-zag ribbon design of red, light blue, red, white repeating pattern. This is said to be patterned on the civil head-dress cloth worn by the sultan.

  35. Midalit Al-Khidmat Al-Tawilat wa Al-Salook Al-Hasan / Long Service and Good Conduct Medal -- Awarded for twelve years of unbroken service in the Omani military services without conviction on a serious charge. There is no provision for bars to represent subsequent periods of service. The medal was created by Sultan Said bin Taimur and was originally issued in oxidized bronze, but this metal was soon replaced by the present bronze gilt version. With the accession of Sultan Qaboos bin Said in 1970, a new variety was introduced. At that point in time, the parallel name of the decoration in English was removed from the reverse. In 1972 the obverse legend, showing the sultan's title was altered as detailed below. Established: 1960, redesigned in 19??, 1971, and 1972. Manufactured by Spink and Son (London, England) Reverse: First Variety: ??? Second Variety: Within a wreath, the Arabic legend "???" or "???". Ribbon: Red.

  36. Midalit Al-Khidmat Al-Tawilat wa Al-Salook Al-Hasan / Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (Royal Oman Police) -- Awarded for long service and good conduct in the Royal Oman Police, Prison Service, and Fire Service. The obverse is, essentially, identical to that shown for the Qaboos Police Medal.  Early designs included separate obverse designs for the police, prison service, and fire service; specimens of these early prototypes may exist. The separe service medals were unified in a single police medal, which is apparently utilized for all three. Established: 1975, the obverse legend was altered in 1975. Manufactured by Spink and Son (London, England). Obverse: A circular silver medal. The Omani national emblem within a wreath, with a crown above and the legend "???" or "???" below. The legend was altered in 1975 to read "???" or "???". This seems to be the only Omani police medal in which both obverse legends might be encountered. Suspended by a ring. Reverse: Within a wreath, the Arabic legend "Lil-Khidmat / Al-Tawilat wa Hasan / Al-Salook" or "For Long Service and Good Conduct". Ribbon: Blue with two groups of three thin white stripes (overall, six stripes). Edge stripes of (reading inward) red (which is sometimes seen faded to almost orange), white, green.

  37. Midalit Al-Ramait wa Sha'ir Al-Banaduqiat 'Ali Al-Sharit / The Sultan's Medal for Shooting -- Awarded annually to the best shot at the small arms meeting. Some recent disciussion has been given to a redesign of the medal. Established: 1983. The medal was designed by Wing Commander Andrew Kirk and is manufactured by Spink and Son (London, England). Obverse: An open-work badge in gilt, with two crossed rifles (antique Martini-Henry rifles), with a crown above (with red-enameled interior cap), a scroll behind the rifles with the legend "Wisam / Al-Ramain" or "???" and, below, another scroll with the legend "???" or "???". Suspended by a ring. Ribbon: Green. A horizontal gilt rifle (also a Martini-Henry) is worn on the ribbon, muzzle to the left. Awards: Awarded annually, to the best shot. The first recipient (1983) was Mulazim Thani (Second Lieutenant) Said bin Suhail bin Mohsin, Firqat Forces.

  38. GULF CO-OPERATION COUNCIL: Wisam al-Takrim / Order of Honour -- The Order of Honour of the Gulf Co-Operation Council States (the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait) is awarded jointly and collectively by these six States. The recorded recipients for Oman are as follows:

http://haynese.winthrop.edu/medals/oman.html
last revised 27 September 1999
Ed Haynes