2020 Holidays - Oman

Oman Public Holiday Observance Rules

1. Entitlement to Public Holidays

- Official Public Holidays: Oman observes several public holidays, including religious events like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, as well as national celebrations such as National Day. The specific dates for these holidays can vary annually, especially for those based on the Islamic lunar calendar. Source

- Employee Entitlements: Employees are entitled to full pay during official public holidays. If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, they are typically compensated with an alternative day off or additional pay, as stipulated by Omani labor laws. Source

2. Holidays Falling on Weekends

- Weekend Definition: In Oman, the standard weekend comprises Friday and Saturday.

- Compensation for Overlapping Holidays: According to Royal Decree 88/2022, if one or both days of the weekend coincide with official public holidays, they are compensated by an additional day off. For instance, if Eid al-Fitr begins on a Friday, employees are entitled to an extra day off to compensate for the overlap. Source

3. Specific Provisions for Major Islamic Holidays

- Eid al-Fitr: The holiday starts from the 29th day of Ramadan and continues until the 3rd of Shawwal. If Friday falls within this period, it is compensated by an additional day off. Source

- Eid al-Adha: Observed from the 9th to the 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah. Similarly, if Friday coincides with these dates, it is compensated by an extra day off. Source

4. Additional Notes

- Government Discretion: The dates of public holidays may be modified if public interest so requires. Such changes are typically announced by the government through official channels. Source

- Private Sector Considerations: While the public sector strictly adheres to the official holiday schedule, private sector practices may vary. Employers in the private sector are encouraged to align with national observances but may have specific policies regarding holiday compensation and observance.