Planning your year ahead in Oman requires knowing the official public holidays when government offices, businesses, and schools remain closed. The Sultanate of Oman observes 13 nationwide public holidays in 2026, combining Islamic religious observances with national commemorations. Understanding these dates helps residents and visitors schedule work commitments, travel arrangements, and family gatherings effectively throughout the year.
This guide covers only confirmed nationwide public holidays recognized across all regions of Oman. These dates are subject to official moon sighting confirmations for Islamic holidays, which may shift by one or two days based on lunar calendar observations.
Official Public Holidays in Oman 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| January 16 | Friday | Isra and Mi’raj (Tentative) |
| March 20 | Friday | Eid al-Fitr (Tentative) |
| March 21 | Saturday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday (Tentative) |
| March 22 | Sunday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday (Tentative) |
| March 23 | Monday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday (Tentative) |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha (Tentative) |
| May 28 | Thursday | Eid al-Adha Holiday (Tentative) |
| May 29 | Friday | Eid al-Adha Holiday (Tentative) |
| May 30 | Saturday | Eid al-Adha Holiday (Tentative) |
| June 17 | Wednesday | Islamic New Year (Tentative) |
| November 20 | Friday | National Day |
| November 21 | Saturday | National Day Holiday |
Understanding Oman’s Holiday Calendar
The Sultanate of Oman’s public holiday calendar reflects the nation’s Islamic heritage and cultural identity. Most holidays follow the Islamic lunar calendar, which means dates shift approximately 10-12 days earlier each year compared to the Gregorian calendar. Consequently, the exact dates for religious holidays depend on official moon sighting announcements by religious authorities.
Oman’s weekend falls on Friday and Saturday, which differs from many Western countries. Therefore, when a public holiday coincides with the weekend, the government typically does not provide a substitute day off. However, extended holiday periods like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha create natural long breaks that benefit both residents and businesses.
Key Holidays and Their Significance
New Year’s Day (January 1)
While not traditionally an Islamic holiday, New Year’s Day is recognized as a public holiday in Oman. Government offices and many businesses close to mark the beginning of the calendar year. However, this holiday receives less cultural emphasis compared to Islamic celebrations.
Isra and Mi’raj (January 16, Tentative)
This significant Islamic observance commemorates Prophet Muhammad’s miraculous night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascension to the heavens. Muslims across Oman mark this spiritual occasion with prayers and reflection. Mosques often host special gatherings, while communities light up their neighborhoods in honor of this blessed night.
Eid al-Fitr (March 20-23, Tentative)
Eid al-Fitr celebrates the conclusion of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. This joyous festival typically spans four days in Oman, making it one of the longest holiday periods of the year. Families gather for festive meals, exchange gifts, and offer prayers of gratitude. The holiday emphasizes charity, with many Omanis donating to those in need. Businesses and government offices remain closed throughout this period, allowing everyone to participate in celebrations.
Eid al-Adha (May 27-30, Tentative)
Known as the Festival of Sacrifice, Eid al-Adha honors Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. This four-day holiday coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. Families traditionally perform ritual sacrifices and distribute meat among relatives, friends, and the less fortunate. The holiday promotes values of faith, charity, and community solidarity.
Islamic New Year (June 17, Tentative)
The Islamic New Year, also called Hijri New Year or Muharram, marks the beginning of a new year in the Islamic lunar calendar. While more solemn than celebratory, this day holds deep religious significance. Many Omanis spend the day in quiet reflection, attending religious lectures, and considering the year ahead. Government offices and most businesses observe this as a day of rest.
National Day (November 20-21)
National Day stands as Oman’s most patriotic celebration, commemorating the founding of the Al Bu Said dynasty in 1744. The two-day holiday features spectacular festivities including military parades, traditional dance performances, fireworks displays, and cultural exhibitions. Buildings across the country display the Omani flag, while citizens dress in traditional attire. The holiday celebrates national unity, heritage, and the country’s journey toward modernization while preserving its rich cultural identity.
Planning Tips for 2026
Strategic planning around Oman’s public holidays can significantly enhance your productivity and leisure time. The Eid al-Fitr period in March offers a four-day break, ideal for domestic travel or family visits. Similarly, Eid al-Adha in May provides another extended holiday perfect for exploring Oman’s diverse landscapes, from mountain wadis to pristine beaches.
Business professionals should note that banking services, government offices, and many commercial establishments close during these holidays. Therefore, completing urgent transactions before holiday periods prevents delays. International visitors should check current local times when coordinating with Omani partners to avoid scheduling conflicts during holidays.
For those managing time-sensitive projects, using reliable timer tools helps track deadlines effectively, especially when holidays create compressed work schedules. Additionally, maintaining a digital calendar with these holidays marked ensures you never miss important deadlines or celebration dates.
Cultural Considerations
Respecting Omani customs during public holidays demonstrates cultural awareness and courtesy. During Ramadan, which precedes Eid al-Fitr, non-Muslims should refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking in public spaces during daylight hours out of respect for those fasting. Many restaurants remain closed during the day but open after sunset.
On National Day, participating in or observing celebrations shows appreciation for Omani culture. Many communities welcome respectful visitors to public events and festivals. Meanwhile, during religious holidays like Eid celebrations, accepting invitations to join Omani families for meals or festivities offers meaningful cultural exchange opportunities.
Business and Travel Planning
Companies operating in Oman should incorporate these holidays into their annual planning cycles. Employee leave management, project timelines, and customer service schedules all require adjustment around major holidays. HR departments typically experience increased leave requests during holiday periods, making advance planning essential.
Travelers should book accommodations and transportation well in advance of major holidays, as prices typically increase and availability decreases. Hotels in popular tourist destinations like Muscat, Salalah, and Nizwa fill quickly during National Day and Eid holidays when domestic tourism peaks. For comprehensive travel planning guidance, explore our destination guides for timing recommendations and cultural insights.
Important Notes About Islamic Holidays
All Islamic holidays marked as “tentative” in the table above depend on official moon sighting confirmations. Religious authorities typically announce the exact dates one to two days before the holiday begins. Consequently, residents and businesses should monitor official government announcements through the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs or local media outlets.
This lunar dependency means flexibility becomes essential when planning around these dates. Smart planners build buffer time into schedules surrounding tentative holidays, ensuring they can adapt quickly to official announcements without disrupting important commitments or travel arrangements.
Conclusion
Oman’s 13 public holidays in 2026 offer numerous opportunities for rest, celebration, and cultural appreciation. By understanding these dates and their significance, residents and visitors can plan their year more effectively while respecting the nation’s rich traditions. Whether you’re scheduling business meetings, planning family vacations, or simply organizing your personal calendar, keeping this holiday list accessible ensures smooth coordination throughout the year.
Remember that dates marked as tentative require official confirmation closer to the actual dates. Stay informed by checking back regularly for updates, and always verify critical dates through official government channels before making final plans.
For more information about managing your time effectively across different countries and time zones, visit our main public holidays page, where you’ll find comprehensive calendars for destinations worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in Oman?
All 13 holidays listed in the table above are recognized nationwide across Oman. These include New Year’s Day, Islamic religious observances (Isra and Mi’raj, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Islamic New Year), and National Day. Government offices, schools, and most businesses close on these dates, making them official non-working days throughout the Sultanate.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
Several holidays in 2026 create extended breaks. Eid al-Fitr (March 20-23) provides a four-day holiday period. Similarly, Eid al-Adha (May 27-30) offers another four-day break. National Day (November 20-21) creates a two-day weekend extension. Since Oman’s weekend is Friday-Saturday, holidays falling on Thursday or Sunday may naturally extend weekend breaks for those with flexible work arrangements.
Are any holidays subject to change?
Yes, all Islamic holidays marked as “tentative” in the calendar are subject to change based on official moon sighting confirmations. These include Isra and Mi’raj, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Islamic New Year. Religious authorities typically announce exact dates one to two days before the holiday begins. Fixed holidays like New Year’s Day and National Day remain on their confirmed dates throughout the year.
Do businesses close for all public holidays?
Most government offices, banks, schools, and many private sector businesses close on all official public holidays. However, essential services such as hospitals, airports, hotels, and some retail establishments may operate with reduced staff. During Eid holidays and National Day, closures are more widespread. International businesses with operations in Oman should plan accordingly and communicate holiday schedules clearly to clients and partners.
How far in advance are Islamic holiday dates confirmed?
Islamic holiday dates based on lunar calendar observations are typically confirmed one to three days before the holiday begins. However, the tentative dates provided in this guide offer reliable estimates based on astronomical calculations. For definitive confirmation, monitor announcements from Oman’s Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs or official government media channels as each Islamic holiday approaches.