Hijri New Year: Oman announces holiday for public and private sectors

The Sultanate of Oman has declared a public holiday on Sunday, July 7, 2024, to mark the Hijri New Year. This announcement was made through a statement by the Oman News Agency, confirming that both the public and private sectors will observe the holiday.

The statement reads, “Sunday, July 7, is an official holiday for the public and private sectors on the occasion of the anniversary of the noble Prophet’s (PBUH) migration. May the prayers and peace be upon its owner and the advent of the new Hijri year 1446 AH.”

For public sector employees, this holiday will result in a three-day break, as Friday is already part of the weekend in Oman. Private sector employees who typically have a five-day workweek will also enjoy a long weekend, with Saturday off in addition to the holiday on Sunday.

The Ministry of Labour has indicated that employers may require employees to work on the holiday if necessary due to the nature of their work. In such cases, employees are to be compensated for working on the designated holiday.