Oman has 16 confirmed nationwide public-holiday dates in 2026, including national celebrations, Islamic religious occasions and the extended Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha breaks. These holidays apply to employees in the public and private sectors under the country's official holiday framework.
On this pageTable of Content
Royal Decree No. 88/2022 establishes Oman's main public holidays, while the Ministry of Labour announces specific dates and holiday arrangements. The 2026 calendar includes confirmed religious holidays, National Day celebrations and long weekends. This guide explains the holiday system, employee entitlements and how Islamic holiday dates are determined.
Next Public Holiday in Oman
No public holidays found.
Public Holidays in Oman 2026
No public holidays found.
Oman's public-holiday schedule combines fixed national occasions with Islamic holidays based on the Hijri calendar. The government announced several 2026 holiday dates in advance, while the Eid holiday periods were confirmed separately.
The legal framework is explained in the Ministry of Information's official holidays guide. The Oman Government Portal also publishes official holiday information from the Ministry of Labour.
How Public Holidays Work in Oman
Oman's official holiday system is governed principally by Royal Decree No. 88/2022. It establishes the recognized holidays for units of the state's administrative apparatus, other public legal entities and private sector establishments.
Unlike countries that follow only a Gregorian holiday calendar, Oman recognizes both national occasions and Islamic dates. Some observances have predetermined Gregorian dates, while others depend on the Hijri calendar and official announcements.
National Public Holidays
Oman's national holidays recognize significant occasions associated with the Sultanate and its leadership.
The principal national holidays include His Majesty the Sultan's Accession Day and the annual National Day holiday. The dates observed in a particular year may be adjusted under the official holiday framework.
Islamic Religious Holidays
Oman recognizes Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha, Isra and Mi'raj, the Islamic New Year and Prophet Muhammad's Birthday as official religious holidays.
The Ministry of Labour provides the applicable holiday arrangements, while the religious authorities determine relevant Hijri dates through the approved calendar and moon-sighting process.
The distinction matters because an estimated Gregorian date does not carry the same authority as a confirmed government holiday announcement.
National Holidays in Oman in 2026
Sultan's Accession Day
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik's Accession Day commemorates his assumption of power in January 2020.
For 2026, the government designated Thursday, January 15, as the official Accession Day holiday for public and private sector employees.
The occasion recognizes the Sultanate's leadership and continuity of government. Employees required to work during the holiday are subject to the applicable compensation arrangements.
Oman National Day
Oman's National Day celebrates the Sultanate's national identity, heritage and history. The occasion is marked by official ceremonies, public celebrations and cultural activities.
Royal Decree No. 88/2022 identifies November 20 and 21 within the regular National Day framework. However, the Ministry of Labour's confirmed holiday schedule for 2026 designates November 25 and 26 as the observed public holidays.
The distinction between the standing legal dates and the observed holiday dates is important for accurate travel, business and workplace planning.
The Oman Government Portal confirms the two-day National Day holiday for both sectors.
Eid Al-Fitr Holidays in Oman in 2026
Eid Al-Fitr marks the conclusion of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. It is one of Oman's principal religious holidays and is accompanied by a multi-day official break.
Royal Decree No. 88/2022 establishes the Eid Al-Fitr holiday period from the 29th of Ramadan through the 3rd of Shawwal, with applicable provisions for compensatory leave.
For 2026, the Ministry of Labour announced an official holiday from Thursday, March 19, through Monday, March 23. Work resumed on Tuesday, March 24.
The Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs subsequently confirmed Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Eid Al-Fitr following the approved moon-sighting process.
The holiday applied to employees of state administrative bodies, other public legal entities and private sector establishments.
The published Ministry of Labour holiday announcement provides the confirmed break and resumption arrangements.
Eid Al-Adha Holidays in Oman in 2026
Eid Al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, is an important Islamic observance associated with the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The official holiday includes Arafat Day and the subsequent Eid celebrations.
Under Royal Decree No. 88/2022, the regular Eid Al-Adha holiday runs from the 9th through the 12th of Dhu Al-Hijjah, subject to the applicable compensation provisions.
In 2026, the officially announced public and private sector holiday ran from Tuesday, May 26, through Saturday, May 30. Normal work resumed on Sunday, May 31.
The break included Arafat Day, Eid Al-Adha and the additional holiday dates covered by the Ministry's announcement.
The confirmed period is documented in the Oman Observer report of the official Eid Al-Adha announcement.
Other Islamic Public Holidays in Oman
Isra and Mi'raj
Isra and Mi'raj commemorates the Prophet Muhammad's night journey and ascension according to Islamic tradition.
Oman recognizes the observance as an official religious holiday under Royal Decree No. 88/2022. In 2026, the Ministry of Labour designated Sunday, January 18, as a one-day holiday for public and private sector employees.
Islamic New Year
The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of Muharram and a new year in the Hijri calendar. The occasion is associated with the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Madinah.
Oman's official Islamic New Year holiday in 2026 fell on Thursday, June 18. The Ministry of Labour confirmed the date for employees in both the public and private sectors.
Prophet Muhammad's Birthday
Prophet Muhammad's Birthday, also known as Mawlid Al-Nabi, commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad and is observed on the 12th of Rabi Al-Awwal.
For 2026, Oman designated Thursday, August 27, as the official one-day holiday. The date was included in the government's advance holiday schedule.
How Are Islamic Holiday Dates Confirmed in Oman?
Islamic holidays follow the Hijri calendar, which is based on lunar months. Consequently, their Gregorian dates shift from year to year.
In Oman, the religious authorities oversee the process for determining the beginnings of Hijri months. The Main Committee responsible for moon-sighting decisions confirms relevant dates in accordance with the approved procedures.
The government adopted an advance scheduling approach for several national and religious holidays in 2026. Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha remained subject to separate announcements connected to the determination of the Hijri months.
This means early calendar estimates should not automatically be treated as final official holiday dates. Once the competent authorities issue a formal announcement, that confirmed schedule takes precedence.
Long Weekends in Oman in 2026
Oman's normal public-sector weekend is Friday and Saturday. Several official holidays in 2026 therefore created extended breaks for employees following that schedule.
Accession Day Long Weekend
Thursday, January 15, was the official Accession Day holiday. Combined with the regular Friday and Saturday weekend, it provided a three-day break from January 15 to January 17 for eligible employees.
Eid Al-Fitr Extended Break
The confirmed Eid Al-Fitr holiday ran from March 19 to March 23, providing five consecutive calendar days of leave before work resumed on March 24.
Eid Al-Adha Extended Break
The official Eid Al-Adha break covered May 26 through May 30, providing five consecutive calendar days before work resumed on May 31.
Islamic New Year Long Weekend
The Islamic New Year holiday on Thursday, June 18, combined with the regular Friday and Saturday weekend to create a three-day break for eligible employees.
Prophet Muhammad's Birthday Long Weekend
The holiday on Thursday, August 27, was followed by the regular Friday and Saturday weekend, creating another three-day break for employees observing that schedule.
National Day Long Weekend
The National Day holidays on Wednesday and Thursday, November 25 and 26, were followed by the Friday and Saturday weekend.
For employees with the normal Friday-Saturday weekend, this created a four-day break from November 25 through November 28.
Actual time off may differ for employees working shifts, weekends or alternative schedules. Additional personal leave is not automatically included in the official holiday entitlement.
Are Public Holidays Paid in Oman?
Oman's official public holidays apply to eligible employees in the public and private sectors. The holiday framework operates alongside the applicable employment and labour regulations.
Employers may require employees to work during an official holiday when operational needs make it necessary. However, employees must receive compensation in accordance with the relevant legal rules.
The Ministry of Labour's official holiday notices repeatedly explain that essential work may continue provided employees receive the required compensation.
Employees should consult their employment arrangements and the applicable provisions of Omani labour law to determine how compensation or alternative rest arrangements apply to their circumstances.
Does Oman Provide Substitute Holidays?
Yes. Oman's official holiday framework contains specific provisions for substitute rest days when qualifying holidays coincide with weekly holidays.
Royal Decree No. 88/2022 provides a substitute day where a weekly holiday coincides with certain designated national or religious holidays.
The decree also establishes a separate compensation provision when the first day of either Eid coincides with a Friday.
These rules should not be interpreted as granting an additional day off for every possible overlap. The actual entitlement depends on the holiday category and the official arrangements announced by the competent authorities.
The official Royal Decree summary explains the statutory framework.
Are Banks and Government Offices Closed on Public Holidays in Oman?
Government Offices
Government offices generally observe officially designated public holidays. Administrative services may be unavailable or operate under special arrangements during major Eid breaks and national celebrations.
Some essential public services continue operating to meet public needs. Citizens and residents should check directly with the relevant authority before planning time-sensitive government procedures.
Banks and Financial Institutions
Bank branches may close during officially designated public holidays. However, banking services and financial-sector arrangements can also be governed by separate regulatory notices and operational requirements.
Online banking, ATMs and certain electronic services may remain available, although processing and settlement times can differ during official closures.
For financial transactions requiring branch access or a particular settlement date, customers should check the relevant bank's published operating schedule.
Private Businesses and Essential Services
Hotels, restaurants, shops, transport providers and other essential businesses may continue operating during official holidays.
Operating hours are determined by the nature of the business and applicable regulatory requirements. Employees working during official holidays remain subject to the relevant compensation provisions.
Are Schools Closed During Public Holidays in Oman?
Schools and educational institutions generally follow official holiday announcements alongside academic calendars issued by the relevant education authorities.
School breaks may be longer than individual public holidays, particularly around major religious occasions. However, academic vacations and nationwide statutory holidays are different categories.
Families should consult the official school calendar and any institution-specific announcements when arranging travel or educational activities.
Planning Travel Around Oman Public Holidays
Official holidays can affect travel planning, particularly during the Eid periods and National Day celebrations.
Domestic tourism destinations, hotels and family attractions may experience greater demand during extended breaks. Government offices, embassies and other administrative service providers may have limited availability.
Travelers should verify hotel reservations, transport services, attraction opening hours and appointment availability before making arrangements.
For religious holidays, the confirmed announcements issued by the Omani authorities should take precedence over preliminary calendar estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Public Holidays in Oman
How many public holiday dates are there in Oman in 2026?
Oman has 16 confirmed nationwide public-holiday dates in 2026 under the annual holiday schedule and the separately announced Eid breaks. The total counts individual calendar dates, including dates falling on regular weekends.
What is the next public holiday in Oman?
The next official public holiday is displayed in the live holiday section near the beginning of this page. The information is generated from the current holiday database.
Are Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha official holidays in Oman?
Yes. Both Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha are official public holidays under Royal Decree No. 88/2022. Their precise Gregorian arrangements are confirmed through the relevant government announcements.
How long was the Eid Al-Fitr holiday in Oman in 2026?
The confirmed Eid Al-Fitr holiday ran from March 19 through March 23, 2026, covering five consecutive calendar days. Official work resumed on March 24.
How long was the Eid Al-Adha holiday in Oman in 2026?
Oman's Eid Al-Adha holiday ran from May 26 through May 30, 2026, covering five consecutive calendar days. Official work resumed on May 31.
When were the Oman National Day holidays in 2026?
The official observed National Day holidays were Wednesday, November 25, and Thursday, November 26, 2026, as designated by the Ministry of Labour.
Are public holidays the same for government and private sector employees?
Oman's national public-holiday framework covers government employees and private sector establishments. The actual operation of essential services and individual employee arrangements may differ according to applicable regulations.
Are Islamic public-holiday dates fixed every year?
No. Islamic observances follow the Hijri lunar calendar, so their Gregorian dates change annually. The government may announce certain holidays in advance, while Eid dates remain subject to the competent authorities' determinations.
Do employees receive compensation for working on public holidays?
Yes. Where employees are required to work during an official holiday, compensation must be provided according to the applicable labour regulations and the terms of the relevant government announcement.
Does Oman observe New Year's Day on January 1 as a public holiday?
January 1 is not included among the nationwide statutory public holidays established by Royal Decree No. 88/2022. Some diplomatic missions, international organizations or individual employers may follow different calendars.
Official Sources for Public Holidays in Oman
The following government resources and published Ministry announcements provide the legal framework and official holiday information for Oman.
- Oman Government Portal: Important Dates and Holidays – Government holiday information, including Ministry of Labour notices.
- Ministry of Information: Official Holidays and Royal Decree No. 88/2022 – The statutory framework for national, religious and substitute holidays.
- Ministry of Labour announcement: Eid Al-Fitr Holidays 2026 – Published reporting of the confirmed March 19–23 public and private sector holiday.
- Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs announcement: Eid Al-Fitr Moon-Sighting Confirmation – Published reporting confirming March 20 as the first day of Eid Al-Fitr.
- Eid Al-Adha holiday announcement: Oman Observer – Eid Al-Adha Holidays – Reports the official May 26–30 holiday period and May 31 resumption date.
Join the conversation
Have thoughts on this topic? Share them with others.
Ask questions, share experience, and learn from the Visaboards Community.