In 1978, ROARS joined the IARU, thus cementing the ties between Oman’s national society and those worldwide. From 1979 onwards, special events have been held annually, as well as field days, contests and anniversary celebrations.
One of the Society’s notable achievements was the setting up of a field station in Salalah in late 1979. A year later, the Society participated in a journey from Muscat to Canton in China, recreating the voyages made by the legendary Omani seaman Sindbad the sailor around 1,000 years ago. The 8,000-mile journey was completed in nine months, with ROARS members checking in daily to the amateur station on board.

The Society celebrated its tenth anniversary in 1982 – the year designated by HM Sultan Qaboos as the Year of Youth. Young people from around the world were invited to join their Omani brothers and sisters to commemorate the country’s 13th National Day. During these celebrations, ROARS set up portable stations at Youth Camps, and amateur radioactivities were introduced to both local and foreign youth. The young people were given the opportunity to exchange greetings with their countrymen, and for ROARS, the event was another milestone both locally and internationally.

Local club contests were held throughout 1984 and 1985, with members from all corners of Oman participating using portable low power stations with simple wire antennas. Lucky winners of the contests were presented with Awards.

In 1986, the Society participated in a ten-day 17th Arabian scout jamboree camp, which was held in Salalah. Members introduced aspects of the hobby and explained the basics of communication technology to the new generation. At the camp, boys were given opportunities to talk on the VHF radio as part of their training programme.

The Society celebrated its fifteenth anniversary in 1987. A camp made of traditional barasti palm leaves operated for four days, during which time more than 150 countries were contacted. Among the foreign visitors to this occasion was President of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Mr. Dick Baldwin, WIRU. Mr. Baldwin was impressed with what he saw as a very organised and developed society.

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