Public Holidays in Oman

Public holidays in Oman are a unique blend of solemn religious observances and vibrant national celebrations. As an Islamic Sultanate, the majority of Oman’s holidays follow the Hijri (Islamic) lunar calendar, meaning their dates shift by approximately 10 to 12 days every year on the Gregorian calendar.

In Oman, the weekend officially falls on Friday and Saturday, with Sunday being the start of the work week.

Types of Holidays in Oman

There are two primary categories of holidays in the Sultanate:

1. Religious Holidays: Based on Islamic traditions and the lunar cycle.
2. National Holidays: Fixed dates (or specific windows) that celebrate the country’s history, sovereignty, and the leadership of the Sultan.

Major Public Holidays

1. Eid al-Fitr (The Festival of Breaking the Fast)

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. It is one of the most significant holidays in Oman, typically lasting for three to four days.

• Traditions: Omanis begin the day with special communal prayers (Salat al-Eid). Families dress in new traditional attire—men in white dishdashas and embroidered mussar turbans, and women in brightly colored dresses and henna.
• Food: A centerpiece of the celebration is the “Omani Halwa,” a sweet gelatinous confectionery served with Omani coffee (kahwa). Many families also prepare Arsiya, a mashed rice and meat dish.

2. Eid al-Adha (The Feast of Sacrifice)

Occurring during the month of the Hajj pilgrimage, this holiday commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.

• Traditions: Families often sacrifice a goat or sheep, distributing a portion of the meat to the poor.
• Shuwa: This is the most famous Omani tradition during Eid al-Adha. Meat is marinated in spices, wrapped in palm leaves, and slow-cooked for 24 to 48 hours in an underground fire pit. The communal digging up of the Shuwa is a major social event.

3. Oman National Day (November 18 & 19)

National Day is the most important secular holiday in the country. It celebrates Oman’s independence from Portuguese control in 1650 and commemorates the birthday of the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the architect of modern Oman.

• Celebrations: The streets are draped in the national colors (green, red, and white). Spectacular fireworks displays, military parades, and traditional camel races take place across the country. Many Omanis decorate their cars with stickers of the Sultan and the national emblem.

4. Sultan’s Accession Day (January 11)

This holiday marks the day Sultan Haitham bin Tariq ascended to the throne in 2020. It is a day of national pride, reflecting on the country’s continued stability and “Renewed Renaissance.”

5. Isra wal Mi’raj (The Prophet’s Ascension)

This religious holiday commemorates the night journey of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascension to heaven.

• Observance: It is a day of reflection and prayer. While it is a public holiday with government offices closed, it is generally observed more quietly than the Eids, with religious lectures held in mosques.

6. Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year)

The first day of the month of Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic year. Like the Prophet’s Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi), this is a day for religious contemplation and family gatherings.

Traveling During Holidays

If you are visiting Oman during these times, keep the following in mind:

• Ramadan: During the month leading up to Eid al-Fitr, it is prohibited to eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight hours. Most restaurants remain closed until sunset (Iftar).
• Closures: Government offices, banks, and many private businesses close during public holidays. However, major malls and tourist sites usually remain open, often with extended evening hours.
• Hospitality: Holidays are a peak time for Omani hospitality. Do not be surprised if you are invited to share coffee and dates with locals; it is considered polite to accept at least one cup.