Oman Public Holidays: Your Complete 2025-2026 Guide

Planning your year in Oman? Whether you’re a resident organizing family time, an expat navigating work schedules, or a visitor timing your trip, understanding the Sultanate’s public holidays makes all the difference. Let me walk you through everything you need to know about Oman’s official holidays, starting with what’s left of 2025 and looking ahead to 2026.

What’s Coming Up: Remaining Public Holidays in 2025

As we move through November 2025, there’s still one major celebration on the calendar that brings the entire nation together.

Oman National Day – November 18, 2025

The biggest remaining holiday of 2025 is National Day, celebrated on November 18th. This two-day celebration (November 18-19) marks the birth of Sultan Qaboos bin Said and honors Oman’s independence. Streets across Muscat, Salalah, and every corner of the Sultanate transform into a sea of red, white, and green. Expect spectacular fireworks, traditional dance performances, and a genuine sense of national pride that’s infectious even for visitors.

The celebrations typically extend beyond the official dates, with many businesses offering special promotions and cultural events throughout the week. Government offices close, and most private sector companies give their employees these days off to join the festivities. You can also check UAE public holidays.

Understanding Oman’s Holiday Calendar System

Oman follows a dual calendar system that honors both the Gregorian and Islamic lunar calendars. This means some holidays have fixed dates every year, while others shift by approximately 10-12 days annually.

Fixed Annual Holidays:

• New Year’s Day (January 1)
• National Day (November 18-19)

Islamic Calendar Holidays: These dates move each year based on the lunar calendar:

• Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi)
• Eid al-Fitr (marking the end of Ramadan)
• Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice)
• Islamic New Year

The beauty of this system reflects Oman’s respect for both its modern governance and deep Islamic traditions. However, it also means you need to stay updated, as Islamic holiday dates are confirmed closer to the actual day based on moon sightings. You can also check Qatar public holidays.

Oman Public Holidays 2026: Your Complete Calendar

Looking ahead to 2026, here’s what you can expect (note that Islamic dates are approximate and subject to official moon sighting confirmations):

January 2026

• January 1: New Year’s Day

February 2026

• Early February: Isra and Mi’raj (approximate, pending lunar confirmation)

March 2026

• Early March: Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi) – typically a one-day holiday

Late March/Early April 2026

• Eid al-Fitr: The three-day celebration marking the end of Ramadan. Expected around late March or early April, this is one of the most significant holidays. Many Omanis travel during this period, and the sense of joy and community is palpable everywhere.

June 2026

• Early to mid-June: Eid al-Adha – Another major three-day holiday commemorating Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son. This coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage period.
• Mid to late June: Islamic New Year (Muharram) – Usually a single day of quiet reflection

July 2026

• Late July: Ashura – A day of fasting and remembrance

November 2026

• November 18-19: National Day celebrations return

How Many Public Holidays Does Oman Actually Have?

This is one of the most common questions I encounter. Oman typically observes between 13-15 public holidays annually, depending on how Islamic holidays fall. Some years you’ll get lucky with extended weekends when holidays align with Fridays (the weekend in Oman runs Friday-Saturday).

For 2026, expect around 14 official public holidays across both calendar systems. What makes Oman particularly generous is that most Islamic holidays span multiple days, giving residents and workers substantial time to celebrate, travel, or simply rest. You can also check Saudi Arabia public holidays.

Public vs. Private Sector: What You Need to Know

Here’s something many newcomers don’t realize: public holidays in Oman don’t always mean the same thing across all sectors.

Government Sector: All official holidays are observed. Offices close completely, and employees receive paid time off for every listed holiday.

Private Sector: Companies typically follow the official calendar, but they have some flexibility. Some businesses, particularly in retail, hospitality, and healthcare, may require staff to work during holidays, usually offering compensation or alternate days off.

Banking and Financial Services: These institutions strictly follow the official holiday calendar. Plan your banking needs accordingly, especially during extended holiday periods like Eid celebrations.

International Schools: Most follow the official Oman calendar but may also observe different academic breaks that don’t align with public holidays.

Regional Variations: Does Location Matter?

While Oman’s public holidays are national, how they’re celebrated varies beautifully across regions. In Muscat, National Day brings massive organized events, fireworks over the corniche, and formal ceremonies. Travel to Nizwa, and you’ll experience more traditional celebrations with camel races and authentic Omani hospitality.

Salalah has its own rhythm, particularly during Khareef season (monsoon), which doesn’t correspond with any public holiday but draws massive tourism. Muscat public holidays might feel more cosmopolitan, while interior regions maintain deeply traditional observances.

Planning Travel Around Oman’s Holidays

If you’re visiting Oman, timing matters enormously. Here’s my honest advice:

Best Times to Visit (Holiday-Adjacent): The week after major holidays often offers brilliant opportunities. Hotels drop rates, attractions are less crowded, and the festive atmosphere lingers without the chaos.

Times to Avoid (Unless You Want the Experience): Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha see massive domestic travel. Hotels in popular destinations like Salalah, Muscat’s beaches, and Jebel Akhdar fill up months in advance. If you’re visiting during these periods, book everything well ahead and expect higher prices.

Hidden Gems During Holidays: National Day in Oman is actually wonderful for tourists. The celebrations welcome everyone, and the pride Omanis take in sharing their culture makes it special. Just expect some restaurants and smaller shops to close early.

Working in Oman: Holiday Entitlements

If you’re employed in Oman, understanding your rights matters:

Standard Entitlements:

• All official public holidays are paid days off
• If required to work on a holiday, you’re entitled to either overtime pay (typically time-and-a-half or double) or a compensatory day off
• Annual leave is separate from public holidays

Expat Considerations: Many companies offer additional leave for travel home, particularly around Eid periods when flights are expensive. Negotiate this during hiring if international travel matters to you.

School Holidays vs. Public Holidays

Parents need to distinguish between these. Omani schools close for public holidays, but they also have extensive mid-term breaks, summer holidays (typically June through August), and winter breaks that don’t align with public holidays.

International schools follow various calendars. British curriculum schools often observe UK-style term times plus Omani public holidays, creating unique scheduling challenges for working parents.

Business Planning Around Holidays

For entrepreneurs and business owners in Oman, holiday periods require strategic planning:

Retail and Hospitality: Eid periods are golden opportunities. Omanis shop extensively for celebrations, making this prime retail time. However, staffing becomes challenging as employees want time with family.

Construction and Industry: Extended holiday shutdowns can delay projects. Build buffer time into contracts, especially around Eid periods when sites may close for a week or more.

B2B Services: Don’t plan critical meetings or expect urgent responses during the three-day Eid holidays or around National Day. The country essentially pauses for celebration.

Cultural Etiquette During Religious Holidays

Respect during Islamic holidays isn’t just courteous—it’s essential:

During Ramadan (Not a Holiday, But Important):

• Don’t eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight hours
• Dress modestly
• Keep noise levels down, particularly near mosques
• Many restaurants close or operate limited hours until sunset

During Eid Celebrations:

• Greetings matter. “Eid Mubarak” is always appreciated
• If invited to celebrations, bring small gifts (dates or sweets work perfectly)
• Dress well—Omanis take pride in their appearance during holidays
• Photography is generally welcome, but always ask permission first

National Day Protocol:

• Wearing Omani colors (red, white, green) is appreciated and shows respect
• Join public celebrations—they’re genuinely welcoming to all residents and visitors
• Avoid negative comments about the government or royal family, especially during national celebrations

How Holiday Dates Are Officially Announced

Here’s the practical reality: while fixed holidays like New Year’s Day and National Day are known years in advance, Islamic holiday dates are confirmed by the government’s official moon sighting committee, usually just a day or two before the holiday begins.

Staying Updated:

• Follow the Oman News Agency for official announcements
• Major newspapers (Times of Oman, Muscat Daily) publish confirmed dates
• Many employers circulate holiday notices once dates are official
• Government websites post official holiday calendars

This system occasionally creates last-minute planning challenges, particularly for businesses operating across multiple countries with different Islamic calendar systems.

Long Weekends: Making the Most of Extended Breaks

Smart planning can extend your time off significantly. When public holidays fall on Thursday or Sunday (adjacent to Oman’s Friday-Saturday weekend), you create natural four-day breaks with just one annual leave day.

In 2026, watch for these opportunities around Islamic holidays. Many residents plan major trips during these extended periods, so book accommodations and flights early if you’re joining them.

Public Holiday Pay and Overtime Rules

The Omani Labor Law is clear:

• Employees cannot be required to work on official public holidays without their consent
• If you do work, you receive either 150% of your daily wage plus a compensatory day off, or 200% of your daily wage without the compensatory day
• Part-time workers receive proportional holiday pay
• Contract terms cannot reduce these statutory minimums

If you’re facing holiday pay disputes, the Ministry of Labor handles complaints and enforces these protections vigorously.

Tourism Industry During Peak Holidays

Oman’s tourism sector operates year-round, but holidays create distinct patterns:

High Season (November-March): National Day through New Year brings perfect weather and heavy tourism. Book Muscat hotels and desert camps well ahead.

Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): Fewer tourists, better deals, but weather becomes challenging with intense heat.

Summer (June-August): Extreme heat in most regions, except Salalah during Khareef season, which becomes incredibly popular domestically.

Understanding public holidays within these seasons helps time your visit perfectly.

Financial Planning: Banking During Holidays

Banks and financial institutions close completely during public holidays. ATMs function, but for anything requiring branch visits:

• Complete transactions the day before holidays begin
• Avoid scheduling automatic payments on holiday dates (they may process late)
• Currency exchange services at airports may operate with limited hours
• Mobile banking works throughout holidays

During extended Eid holidays, expect three to four days without banking services, so plan accordingly, especially if you’re a business managing payroll.

Healthcare Access During Public Holidays

Emergency services operate 24/7 regardless of holidays, but routine care may be limited:

• Hospital emergency rooms remain fully staffed
• Some clinics close during major holidays
• Pharmacies often operate on rotation schedules
• Private hospitals may offer limited services

Keep emergency numbers handy, and if you require regular medication, ensure you have sufficient supplies before extended holiday periods.

Looking Further Ahead: 2027 and Beyond

While we can predict fixed holidays years in advance, Islamic holidays shift earlier each year. By 2027, Ramadan and its associated Eid al-Fitr will fall in February-March, while Eid al-Adha moves to May. This constant shift means long-term planning requires flexibility.

The beauty of this system is that every few years, holidays fall during different seasons, creating varied experiences. National Day remains your anchor—always November 18-19, always spectacular, always a perfect window into Omani culture.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Oman’s Holiday Spirit

Living in or visiting Oman during public holidays offers something rare: genuine cultural immersion. Unlike purely commercial holiday environments elsewhere, Omani celebrations retain authentic traditional significance while welcoming everyone to participate.

Whether you’re planning business operations, scheduling a vacation, or simply organizing your year, understanding these holidays helps you move with Oman’s rhythm rather than against it. The country essentially breathes differently during major celebrations—slower, more reflective, focused on family and tradition.

Mark November 18-19, 2025, on your calendar right now. Experience National Day once, and you’ll understand why these holidays matter so much to everyone who calls Oman home.