Public Holidays in Oman for 2026 Announced: Key Dates Investors and Business Owners Should Plan For
The Council of Ministers has approved a new measure to enhance the efficiency of institutional and administrative planning by announcing the dates of national and religious holidays at the beginning of each Gregorian year. This initiative aims to provide an annual schedule of holidays in advance.
Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha holidays will continue to be announced based on the declarations issued by the Main Committee for Determining the Start of Hijri Months.
This advance announcement is expected to have several positive effects, primarily allowing government agencies and the private sector to better organize and manage their daily, quarterly, and annual work schedules. It also helps prevent conflicts between official holidays and local or international events hosted by government or private organizations.
The national and religious holiday dates for 2026 are as follows:
- His Majesty’s Accession Day: Thursday, 15 January 2026
- Al Isra’a Wal Miraj: Sunday, 18 January 2026
- Hijri New Year: Thursday, 18 June 2026
- Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday: Thursday, 27 August 2026
- National Day: Wednesday and Thursday, 25 and 26 November 2026
This proactive approach aims to support smoother planning and coordination across various sectors throughout the year.
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The advance announcement of national and religious holiday dates enhances operational predictability for both government and private sectors, enabling more strategic planning and resource allocation throughout the year. This creates opportunities for businesses to optimize workforce management and event scheduling, while reducing risks related to last-minute disruptions. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should leverage this clarity to improve project timelines and market engagement strategies, especially in sectors reliant on precise timing, such as retail, tourism, and event management.
