In a move to honor the Sultanate’s 55th National Day, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has declared Wednesday, November 26, and Thursday, November 27, 2025, as official holidays for employees across Oman’s public and private sectors. The announcement reflects a continued effort to modernize national observances while celebrating the country’s heritage and ongoing development.
Official holiday declaration for public and private sectors
The Royal orders issued by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik specify that all employees in Oman’s State Administrative Apparatus, associated legal entities, and private sector establishments are entitled to a two-day holiday on November 26 and 27, 2025. This decision applies uniformly across both sectors, ensuring a nationwide observance of the Sultanate’s 55th National Day.Employers retain the discretion to require employees to work during these days if operationally necessary. In such cases, workers must be appropriately compensated for their services, aligning with labor regulations and the spirit of the holiday.Oman’s official news agency confirmed the announcement on Sunday, emphasizing that the holiday is part of the broader celebration of the Sultanate’s National Day.
Modernization of National Day observance
Historically, Oman’s National Day was observed on November 18. However, under Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s directive, the holiday period has been modernized and consolidated. On January 21, 2025, the Sultan issued Royal Decree No. 15/2025, amending the earlier Royal Decree No. 88/2022.Key aspects of the decree include:
- Article I: Redefines the official National Day holiday as November 20 and 21, replacing the earlier observance date.
- Article II: Mandates publication in the Official Gazette (Issue 1581) on January 26, 2025, which marked the immediate implementation of the decree.
This adjustment allows for a continuous two-day celebration, combining modern scheduling convenience with the historical significance of Oman’s independence.For 2025, to facilitate an extended holiday break for both public and private sector workers, the government has also declared November 26 and 27 as official holidays. These additional days off allow employees a longer, uninterrupted break, with the weekend (November 28–29) falling between the holiday and work resumption on November 30
Significance and national celebrations
Although the official National Day dates are now November 20 and 21, the extended holiday for 2025 on November 26-27 enables employees to participate fully in the celebrations. Traditionally, National Day events include:
- Cultural programs and performances.
- Public ceremonies highlighting Omani heritage and achievements.
- Lighting of prominent landmarks with the national flag.
These celebrations occur alongside the broader context of Oman’s ongoing economic and social development under Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. The Sultanate is pursuing Oman Vision 2040, a strategic framework emphasizing modernization, economic diversification, and sustainable growth.
