World Food Day - 16 October 1981
Issued on October 16, 1981, this 50 Baisa commemorative stamp from the Sultanate of Oman marks the global celebration of the inaugural World Food Day (يوم الأغذية العالمي). Framed by a rich magenta border, the light-blue inner vignette elegantly balances international and national iconography. The upper left corner features the official emblem of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) with its characteristic stylized wheat stalk, while the upper right holds a circular portrait medallion of Sultan Qaboos bin Said. The bottom corners display the face value split symmetrically, with "50 BAISA" in Western typography on the left and the Eastern Arabic numeral equivalent (٥٠ بيسة) on the right.
The large central green emblem reflects Oman's core agricultural and marine resources, featuring a stylized date palm tree, cascading ocean waves, swimming fish, and flanking ears of grain, all crowned by a miniature red national crest. Because 1981 marked the very first officially recognized World Food Day by the United Nations, this issue carries significant historical weight. By releasing this stamp, the Omani administrative authorities highlighted the country's mid-century commitment to national food security, the development of modern irrigation for interior oases, and the modernization of its vital coastal fishing industries during a decade of immense infrastructural transformation.
The large central green emblem reflects Oman's core agricultural and marine resources, featuring a stylized date palm tree, cascading ocean waves, swimming fish, and flanking ears of grain, all crowned by a miniature red national crest. Because 1981 marked the very first officially recognized World Food Day by the United Nations, this issue carries significant historical weight. By releasing this stamp, the Omani administrative authorities highlighted the country's mid-century commitment to national food security, the development of modern irrigation for interior oases, and the modernization of its vital coastal fishing industries during a decade of immense infrastructural transformation.