Planning your year in the Sultanate? Under the new directive from the Council of Ministers, Oman has moved to an “Advance Announcement Policy” for 2026 to help residents and businesses plan effectively.
Whether you are looking for the next long weekend or checking Oman Labor Law (Royal Decree 53/2023) for holiday compensation, this updated guide covers the latest unified dates for both public and private sectors.
Table of Contents
Oman Public Holidays 2026 Official Dates
In 2026, Oman will observe several major holidays. Note that while national days are fixed, Islamic holidays depend on the moon sighting by the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs.
| Holiday Name | 2026 Date | Day | Status |
| Sultan’s Accession Day | January 15 | Thursday | Observed |
| Al Isra’ wal Miraj | January 18 | Sunday | Observed |
| Eid Al Fitr* | March 19 – 23 | Thu – Mon | Upcoming (5-Day Break) |
| Eid Al Adha* | May 27 – 31 | Wed – Sun | Upcoming (5-Day Break) |
| Islamic New Year* | June 18 | Thursday | Upcoming |
| Prophet’s Birthday* | August 27 | Thursday | Upcoming |
| Oman National Day | Nov 25 – 26 | Wed – Thu | Upcoming |
Pro-Tip for 2026: Unlike previous years, the 2026 National Day holidays have been shifted to Nov 25-26 (Wednesday/Thursday), creating a perfect 4-day weekend.
Is Saturday a Working Day in Oman?
This is a frequent query in our search data. Here is the official rule:
- Public Sector: The official weekend is Friday and Saturday.
- Private Sector: Under Royal Decree 53/2023, Friday is the only mandatory weekly rest day. However, most corporate offices and banks follow the Friday-Saturday weekend. If you are required to work on a weekend, you are entitled to overtime or a compensatory day off.
Oman School Calendar 2026-2027 (Official MOE)
Parents aur teachers ke liye ye dates sabse zyada important hain. Oman mein unified calendar follow hota hai:
| School Event | 2025-2026 Dates (Current) | 2026-2027 Dates (Upcoming) |
| Spring Break | March 22 – March 26, 2026 | March 14 – March 18, 2027 |
| End of Academic Year | June 23, 2026 | June 24, 2027 |
| New Year Start | August 30, 2026 | August 29, 2027 |
| Winter Break | Dec 20, 2026 – Jan 7, 2027 | Dec 19, 2027 – Jan 6, 2028 |
Latest Update: Official Holiday for Omani Teacher’s Day 2026
Breaking News: The Ministry of Education has officially declared Thursday, February 26, 2026, as an official holiday for all public and private schools across the Sultanate.
Under Ministerial Decision No. 16/2026, all educational and administrative staff—including students—will enjoy a day off in celebration of Omani Teacher’s Day. Since the annual occasion falls on February 24, the government has designated the following Thursday as a holiday to provide a unified break for the education sector.
Oman Labor Law: Holiday Pay & Working Rights
Understanding your rights under the Royal Decree 53/2023 (The New Oman Labor Law) is essential for every employee. One of the most significant updates in 2026 is the unification of holidays, meaning the private sector now receives the same number of days off as the public sector for all major occasions.
Compensation for Working on Holidays
If your role (such as in healthcare, hospitality, or essential services) requires you to work during a public holiday, the law provides two options:
- Double Pay: You are entitled to your basic salary plus an additional 100% (Total 200%) for the hours worked.
- Compensatory Leave: An employer can provide a different day off in lieu of the holiday worked, provided the employee agrees.
The “Weekend Rule” for Holidays
A common query in Oman is what happens when a holiday falls on a Friday or Saturday. Generally, the government issues a specific decree to shift the holiday to a Thursday or Sunday to ensure residents get their full entitlement of rest days.
Travel Planning: Oman-Saudi Land Border (Rub Al Khali)
Since the opening of the Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali) border crossing, road travel between Oman and Saudi Arabia has surged. If you are planning to use your long weekends for a road trip or Umrah, keep these tips in mind:
- Border Traffic: During Eid Al Fitr and National Day, wait times at the Ibri-Ramlah border can increase. Plan to cross during early morning hours.
- Insurance Requirements: Ensure your vehicle insurance covers both Oman and Saudi Arabia.
- Umrah via Road: For those driving to the Holy Cities during the 2026 Spring Break, our Makkah Bus Guide provides essential details on parking and shuttle services near the Haram to help you avoid the holiday rush.
Planning a regional trip? Cross-check your dates with our Saudi Public Holidays 2026 and UAE Public Holidays guides.
Oman Events & Traditions: What to Expect
Unlike other GCC countries, Oman’s celebrations are deeply rooted in heritage.
- National Day (Nov 18-19): Look for the spectacular camel races in the interior regions like Nizwa and military fly-pasts in Muscat.
- Khareef Season: While not a public holiday, the monsoon season in Salalah (July-August) is the busiest travel period. Hotels often book out 3 months in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saturday a public holiday in Oman for the private sector?
According to Royal Decree 53/2023, the official weekend for the public sector is Friday and Saturday. In the private sector, while Friday is the mandatory rest day, most companies and banks also observe Saturday as a holiday. Always check your specific employment contract for clarification.
What is the official holiday for Omani Teacher’s Day 2026?
The Ministry of Education has announced that Thursday, February 26, 2026, is an official holiday for all schools in Oman to celebrate Teacher’s Day.
How many days of leave are granted for Eid Al Fitr 2026 in Oman?
For 2026, Eid Al Fitr is expected to provide a 5-day unified break for both public and private sectors, tentatively from Thursday, March 19, to Monday, March 23.
Can an employer refuse a public holiday in Oman?
Under the Oman Labor Law, employees are entitled to fully paid public holidays. If work is required due to business needs, the employer must provide either 200% basic salary or a compensatory day off.
Hi, I’m Haseeb Ahmed, the founder of KhaleejBlog.com — a premier travel platform dedicated to providing practical and up-to-date travel tips across Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar. My mission is to help travelers explore the Gulf region with ease, discover hidden gems, and make the most of every journey.
