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

Public Holiday

11 January

Sunday

Accession Day

16 January

Friday

Al Israa Wal Miraj

20–23 March

Friday – Monday

Eid Al Fitr

27 May

Wednesday

Arafat Day

28–31 May

Thursday – Sunday

Eid Al Adha

16 June

Tuesday

Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year)

25 August

Tuesday

Milad Al Nabi

20 November

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 the occasion is observed with dignity rather than grand celebrations, it remains one of the most important official public holidays in Oman, symbolizing national unity, stability, and responsible governance. Government offices, businesses, and many workplaces typically remain closed to honor the occasion. For employers, HR software simplifies holiday scheduling, leave management, and workforce planning, helping organizations maintain compliance and operational efficiency during national holidays.

  • 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 sacred occasion dedicated to prayer, reflection, and spiritual devotion. Recognized as an official public holiday in Oman, the day is observed quietly but holds deep religious significance, preparing Muslims for the celebrations of Eid. For businesses, payroll software helps accurately manage holiday pay, employee attendance, and payroll processing during this holiday period while ensuring compliance with labor regulations.

  • 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 occasions stand out, National Day and Renaissance Day. Beyond commemorating important historical milestones, these celebrations reflect the country's heritage, unity, and national identity. For organizations, a learning management system can help educate employees about Omani culture, the significance of national holidays, and workplace policies, promoting greater awareness and engagement across the workforce.

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 public holidays reflect the country's peaceful spirit, unity, and deep cultural heritage while offering valuable time for celebration and reflection. From a business perspective, keeping track of these holidays helps organizations plan employee schedules, manage leave, monitor attendance, and ensure payroll accuracy. Many businesses rely on HR Software in Oman to streamline holiday management, automate HR processes, maintain compliance with labor regulations, and ensure uninterrupted business operations throughout the year.           

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