Oman Announces Two-Day National Day Holidays for Public and Private Sectors
The Sultanate of Oman has officially announced two days of public holidays to mark the nation’s upcoming National Day celebrations. According to the Oman News Agency (ONA), both public and private sector employees will enjoy a two-day break on Wednesday and Thursday, November 26 and 27, 2025, with regular work resuming on Sunday, November 30.
The announcement comes as the nation prepares to celebrate its National Day with renewed pride and enthusiasm, commemorating Oman’s remarkable journey of development, unity, and cultural heritage under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
Two-Day National Day Celebration for the First Time
This year’s National Day holidays carry special significance, as 2025 marks the first time in Oman’s history that the occasion will be observed over two consecutive days.
The new practice follows Royal Decree No. 15/2025, which amends the earlier Royal Decree No. 88/2022 governing official holidays in the Sultanate. The amendment officially designates November 20 and 21 of every year as the fixed dates for National Day celebrations.
The decree was published in the Official Gazette earlier this year and took immediate effect, extending the celebration from a single day (previously observed on November 18) to a two-day national event.
A Royal Vision to Strengthen National Pride
The decision to expand the National Day holiday period reflects His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s vision to strengthen national unity and provide citizens and residents with more opportunities to participate in nationwide festivities.
By dedicating two days to the National Day, the Sultanate aims to honor its rich history, celebrate its modern progress, and foster deeper patriotism among the people. The extended break also allows families and communities across Oman to engage in various cultural, social, and recreational events organized in cities, towns, and heritage sites across the country.
The two-day celebration will showcase Oman’s achievements in areas such as education, infrastructure, energy diversification, tourism development, and digital transformation, while highlighting the enduring values of peace, stability, and progress that define the nation.
What the Holidays Mean for Residents and Businesses
The Ministry of Labour clarified that the holidays will apply to both government employees and private sector workers. Businesses across various sectors — including banking, logistics, and retail — will observe the two-day break, while essential services such as emergency departments, airports, and utilities will continue operating as usual.
Many residents are expected to take advantage of the extended weekend to travel domestically or regionally, enjoy family gatherings, and participate in National Day parades and fireworks displays that are typically held across Oman’s major cities, including Muscat, Salalah, Nizwa, and Sohar.
Hotels, resorts, and travel agencies are also preparing for an increase in bookings as citizens and expatriates look to celebrate the long weekend. Tourism experts predict a rise in both domestic tourism and short-haul trips to neighboring Gulf countries during the period.
A Celebration of Heritage and Progress
Oman’s National Day is not just a public holiday — it’s a symbol of the country’s independence, resilience, and forward-looking vision. The celebration honors the foundation of modern Oman under the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who transformed the nation into a stable and prosperous state during his 50-year reign.
Under the continued leadership of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Oman is further building on that legacy, embracing economic diversification, empowering youth, and positioning itself as a vital hub for trade, tourism, and green energy in the Gulf region.
This year’s two-day National Day celebration is expected to feature parades, light shows, concerts, and heritage exhibitions, alongside patriotic displays at landmarks such as the Royal Opera House Muscat, Muttrah Corniche, and Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.
Work Resumes on November 30
As per the announcement, work will resume across all sectors on Sunday, November 30, 2025. The four-day weekend (including Friday and Saturday) offers citizens and residents a rare opportunity for rest, travel, and celebration — marking one of the longest holiday breaks of the year.
For Oman, 2025’s National Day will not just be a time of reflection, but also of renewal — a reminder of the nation’s resilience, unity, and progress as it continues to shape its future with confidence and pride.
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