Public holidays in Oman carry deep cultural, religious, and national meaning. Whether you’re a resident, an expatriate working in Oman, or planning a business trip or vacation, understanding Oman public holidays helps you organize travel, work schedules, administration processes, and personal plans effortlessly.
Oman is known for its hospitality, tradition, and community values — and these qualities are reflected deeply in how its holidays are observed. Unlike many countries where a holiday is simply a day off, in Oman it represents heritage, spirituality, and shared cultural identity.
In addition, businesses operating in Oman must be aware of holiday calendars for timely payroll processing, employee shift planning, statutory compliance, leave management, and regional business partner coordination to avoid any operational delays or human-resource disruption during key holidays.
Below is the full overview of public holidays in Oman 2026, followed by explanations of their meaning and observance.
List of Public Holidays in Oman 2026
Date | Weekday | Holiday |
11 January 2026 | Sunday | Accession Day (expected) |
16 January 2026 | Friday | Al Israa Wal Miraj |
20–23 March 2026 | Friday – Monday | Eid Al Fitr |
27 May 2026 | Wednesday | Arafat Day |
28–31 May 2026 | Thursday – Sunday | Eid Al Adha |
16 June 2026 | Tuesday | Islamic New Year |
25 August 2026 | Tuesday | Milad Al Nabi (Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday) |
20 November 2026 | Friday | Oman National Day |
Detailed Major Public Holidays in Oman 2026
To help both residents and international visitors plan ahead, here are detailed descriptions of the key public holidays in Oman 2026, along with their cultural and religious context.
Accession Day — January 11, 2026
Accession Day marks the anniversary of His Majesty the Sultan’s rise to leadership. While more solemn than festive, it remains one of the important Oman official holidays, honoring stability, continuity, and responsible governance. Workplaces typically remain closed, acknowledging the significance of national leadership and unity.
Al Israa Wal Miraj — January 16, 2026
Al Israa Wal Miraj commemorates the miraculous night journey of Prophet Muhammad — from Mecca to Jerusalem and then to the heavens. This deeply spiritual day is one of the meaningful Oman public holidays, and many workplaces close to honor its religious relevance. Homes, mosques, and community areas often light up, creating a peaceful atmosphere of reflection.
Eid Al Fitr — March 20–23, 2026
Eid Al Fitr marks the conclusion of Ramadan and is among the most celebrated public holidays in Oman 2026. Families come together, exchange “Eid Mubarak,” share meals, and donate to the needy. The date changes every year based on moon sighting, and as such, it is part of the lunar-based Oman official holidays. Businesses and offices remain closed during this festive period.
Arafat Day — May 27, 2026
Arafat Day precedes Eid Al Adha and is a period of prayer, reflection, and spiritual contemplation. Recognized as a public holiday in Oman, the observance is quiet but deeply meaningful. This day sets the tone for the celebration of Eid and is anchored in Islamic tradition.
Eid Al Adha — May 28–31, 2026
Eid Al Adha, the “Feast of Sacrifice,” is one of Oman’s most meaningful holidays. Families traditionally divide the meal into three portions — for the family, for relatives and friends, and for the needy. Offices and businesses remain closed as citizens across Oman participate in prayer, charity, and community activities.
Islamic New Year — June 16, 2026
The Islamic New Year, or Hijri New Year, marks the start of the Islamic lunar calendar. This solemn Oman official holiday is observed with dignity across both public and private sectors. Many consider this holiday a symbolic fresh start — a moment to reflect on the past year and look forward to a peaceful future.
Milad Al Nabi — August 25, 2026
Milad Al Nabi marks the birth of Prophet Muhammad and is celebrated with religious gatherings, teachings, Quranic readings, and prayers for blessings. This observance is widely recognized as one of the cultural and spiritual public holidays in Oman, with slight variations in timing across countries that follow the lunar cycle.
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Oman National Day — November 20, 2026
Oman celebrates National Day as one of its most spirited and patriotic holidays — a true national holiday Oman. The occasion honors independence and nationhood, often accompanied by parades, musical processions, fireworks, and civic celebrations. Many organization may grant a two-day holiday to support large-scale participation.
When discussing a national holiday in Oman, two moments stand out — National Day and Renaissance Day. Beyond marking historical milestones, they celebrate character and identity.
During these occasions:
- Omani flags decorate streets and public buildings
- Communities share cultural traditions
- Patriotic music fills the air
- Visitors experience authentic national spirit
These holidays are more than formal celebrations — they reflect love for the homeland.
Upcoming Holidays in Oman: Why Planning Ahead Matters
Knowing the schedule of upcoming holidays in Oman benefits both individuals and organizations.
For individuals, holiday awareness supports:
- Travel plans
- School scheduling
- Social gatherings
- Event planning
Along with that organizations, these Oman public holidays help manage:
- Payroll cycles
- Leave management
- Attendance planning
- Workforce allocation
Further, including HR, payroll, and administrative teams, planning around public holidays in Oman ensures smooth HR operations and compliance with labor norms.
Conclusion
Understanding public holidays in Oman 2026 isn’t only about marking dates — it’s about acknowledging culture, identity, and religious tradition. As Oman continues to grow as a center for tourism, investment, and professional life, awareness of its holiday calendar supports seamless personal and business planning.
Oman’s holidays reflect its heart — peaceful, united, respectful, and rooted in cultural heritage. On the business side, having these dates visible also ensures smoother scheduling of employees, planning of leave, tracking attendance, and payroll accuracy. Several companies use smart HR platforms to manage holiday staffing and HR processes seamlessly, ensuring complete compliance with regulations and smooth operational continuity without hassles.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Major Oman public holidays include Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year, and National Day.
The national day holiday in Oman is celebrated on November 18 every year, often followed by an additional day off.
Yes — Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar, so several Oman official holidays vary annually.
Businesses plan payroll, attendance, and staffing in advance of upcoming holidays in Oman to support productivity and compliance.
