Muscat – The Council of Ministers has approved a policy to announce the dates of national and religious public holidays in advance at the beginning of each Gregorian calendar year, in a move aimed at enhancing institutional efficiency and improving administrative planning across government and private sector entities.
Under the approved policy, the dates of Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha will continue to be announced in accordance with official declarations issued by the Main Committee for the Sighting of the Hijri Month Crescents, given their reliance on moon sighting.
The Ministry of Labour said in a statement that advance announcement of public holidays is expected to have several positive outcomes, most notably enabling units of the state administrative apparatus and private sector institutions to better organise their work schedules, programmes and operational timelines. The policy also supports improved coordination by reducing the likelihood of clashes between public holidays and major local or international events organised in the sultanate.
For 2026, the approved national occasions include the Sultan’s Accession Day on January 15 and National Day on November 25 and 26. Religious occasions scheduled for the year include Isra’a Wal Miraj on January 18, the Islamic New Year on June 18 and the Prophet’s Birthday (PBUH) on August 27.
The decision is expected to enhance predictability for businesses, institutions and the wider community, while supporting overall economic and social planning.
Economic analyst Nasser al Hosni told Muscat Daily that the decision reflects the government’s wider commitment to administrative clarity, transparency and long-term planning, aligning public sector practices with the requirements of a modern, diversified economy. “Early knowledge of public holidays allows organisations to optimise workforce management, manage leave more efficiently and ensure continuity of essential services, particularly in sectors that depend on advance operational planning such as logistics, manufacturing, education and healthcare,” he said.
From an economic perspective, the policy is expected to bolster business confidence by enabling companies to plan production cycles, project timelines and financial operations with greater certainty. It also offers a significant boost to tourism, hospitality and aviation, allowing these sectors to design promotional campaigns, manage capacity and schedule events well in advance, thereby maximising seasonal demand.
The policy also carries clear benefits for individuals and families, providing greater certainty for travel, social commitments and personal planning. Educational institutions, in particular, are expected to benefit from improved academic calendar management and reduced disruption to teaching schedules.
Overall, the move underscores a coordinated approach to governance that balances religious considerations with practical administrative needs. By institutionalising the early announcement of public holidays, the cabinet reinforces planning discipline across sectors, supports economic activity and enhances the quality of public service delivery, contributing to greater stability and efficiency in national planning.
