Oman Sets January 2026 Public Holidays Under New Advance Announcement Policy

Oman Sets January 2026 Public Holidays Under New Advance Announcement Policy-

Oman has confirmed two public holidays in January 2026 to mark Accession Day and the Islamic occasion of Al Isra’a Wal Miraj, as part of a newly approved policy to announce national and religious holidays in advance each year.

The move reflects a shift toward greater predictability in the Sultanate’s annual calendar, supporting improved planning and coordination across both the public and private sectors.

January 2026 Public Holidays Confirmed-

Under the calendar endorsed by the Council of Ministers, Thursday, January 15, 2026, will be observed as a public holiday to commemorate Accession Day, marking the anniversary of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s accession to the throne.

A second public holiday will follow on Sunday, January 18, 2026, to mark Al Isra’a Wal Miraj, the Islamic observance commemorating the Prophet Muhammad’s night journey and ascension.

Shift to Advance Holiday Announcements-

The announcement forms part of a new government policy to publish public holiday dates at the start of each Gregorian year. The aim is to improve institutional planning, reduce scheduling conflicts, and enhance coordination between government entities and private-sector organisations.

Under this approach, most national and religious holidays will be confirmed well in advance, allowing businesses and institutions to plan daily, seasonal, and annual operations more effectively.

Exceptions for Eid Holidays-

The policy excludes Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, which will continue to be announced separately based on official moon sighting, in line with established religious practices.

Employee Compensation Maintained-

In a statement, the Ministry of Labour confirmed that employees required to work during official public holidays will continue to be compensated in accordance with existing labour regulations. The ministry emphasised that the new scheduling approach does not affect workers’ rights or entitlements.

Additional 2026 Public Holidays Confirmed-

Beyond January, the government also confirmed several public holidays later in the year, reinforcing its commitment to calendar predictability. These include:

• Islamic New Year – June 18

• Mawlid Al Nabawi – August 27

• National Day – November 25 and 26

Improving Planning and Coordination-

By introducing advance holiday announcements, Oman aims to minimise disruptions caused by overlapping events and support smoother planning for both public services and private enterprises. The policy underscores the government’s broader efforts to enhance efficiency, transparency, and operational readiness across the national economy.