MUSCAT : Oman’s Council of Ministers has approved a policy to announce the dates of national and religious holidays in advance on an annual basis, a move aimed at strengthening institutional planning and improving coordination across the public and private sectors.
Under the new policy, the dates of national and religious holidays will be determined and announced at the beginning of each Gregorian year, with the exception of Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, which will continue to be confirmed based on official moon sighting announcements by the relevant authorities.
The decision forms part of government efforts to enhance administrative efficiency and improve scheduling certainty for state institutions and businesses, the Ministry of Labour said in a statement.
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For 2026, the approved holiday calendar includes national occasions and selected religious observances. National holidays will include Accession Day on Thursday, January 15, and National Day on Wednesday and Thursday, November 25–26.
Religious holidays scheduled for 2026 include Isra and Mi’raj on Sunday, January. 18; Islamic New Year on Thursday, June 18; and the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday on Thursday, August. 27.
The Ministry of Labour said the advance announcement is intended to help government bodies and private sector entities better organise daily, weekly and annual work plans, while reducing overlaps between official holidays and major local or international events hosted in the country.
The policy is also expected to support operational continuity, particularly for private sector establishments whose activities require uninterrupted service delivery, the ministry added, noting that compensation arrangements will continue to be applied in line with existing labour regulations.
Authorities said the new approach reflects a broader push to improve predictability and coordination across Oman’s administrative system, supporting economic activity and long-term planning.
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