Ascension Day is observed in Oman every January 11 and commemorates the ascension to the throne of the current Sultan, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said. This public holiday was established in December 2022, following Haitham's ascension on January 11, 2020, after the death of his cousin, Sultan Qaboos. The day celebrates Haitham's promise to uphold Qaboos's progressive policies, including the amendment of the Basic Statute of the State to ensure freedom of religious practice and expression. Ascension Day replaced Renaissance Day, which honored Qaboos's rise to power in 1970 and his efforts to modernize Oman. As the Sultanate's absolute monarchy, the Sultan holds significant legislative, executive, and judicial powers, making this holiday a key event in the country's calendar.