Adopted in the 18th century as the badge of the Omani royal family, it subsequently became the national emblem of the Sultanate of Oman.

[2] Moreover, in order to distinguish "directly royal entities"[4] and create a distinct symbol for these organizations, a crown was added to the top of the national emblem.

[4] According to the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Khanjar – along with the two crossed swords – symbolize the historic weapons utilized by the people of Oman.

][2] The Khanjar itself is a national symbol of the sultanate, and is still worn by Omani men as a "ceremonial dagger"[6] for formal occasions.

[7] Under a Royal Decree issued in 2004, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is required to give authorization before any merchandise – both domestic and foreign imports – is allowed to depict the national emblem.