What to do in Oman

Oman is preparing for a generous Eid Al Adha holiday this year, with a full five-day break expected across both the public and private sectors. According to Dr. Subaih bin Rahman Al Saadi, a local expert in celestial sciences, the first day of Eid Al Adha is likely to fall on Friday, June 6, 2025, based on current astronomical projections. Following Royal Decree No. 88/2022, the country will officially observe the holiday from Dhul Hijjah 9 to 12, the traditional dates marking the Islamic celebration. But since the first day of Eid is expected to fall on a Friday —...

Construction has officially started on the UAE-Oman railway project, marking a significant milestone in regional connectivity and GCC cooperation. The long-anticipated Hafeet Rail line will initially run between Abu Dhabi and Sohar, Oman’s key port city. The rail line promises to deliver fast, efficient, and sustainable travel across national borders. With passenger trains reaching speeds of 200 kilometres per hour, the journey between the two cities will take just 100 minutes. Each train will be able to carry up to 400 passengers, and the freight trains will transport cargo equivalent to 300 trucks, reducing truck-related carbon emissions by 80%.  ...

In a major policy shift, Oman has enacted its first Personal Income Tax Law, set to take effect on January 1, 2028. The move is part of the Sultanate’s Vision 2040 strategy, which aims to strengthen economic sustainability and reduce dependence on oil revenues. The new law, issued under Royal Decree No. 56/2025 by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, introduces a 5% tax on individuals earning more than OMR 42,000 annually. According to the Tax Authority, this high exemption threshold means that 99% of Oman’s population will not be affected. Exemptions will apply to essential expenses and obligations, including: Education Housing...

China is making travel easier for citizens of several Gulf nations. Starting June 9, 2025, nationals from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait will be able to enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. The visa-free policy, announced by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, will remain in effect for one year, through June 8, 2026. This initiative is part of China’s broader effort to strengthen ties with the Gulf region. It’s designed to encourage travel, business, family visits, cultural exchange, and tourism between China and the participating countries. Whether you're planning a leisure trip,...

Kuwait’s cultural scene is about to shine a bit brighter with the opening of the 48th Kuwait International Book Fair this Wednesday, November 19. Hosted at the Kuwait International Fairground, this event offers a chance to immerse yourself in the cultural richness of the region and beyond. This year, the fair is particularly special as it coincides with Kuwait’s recognition as the Arab Capital of Culture and Media for 2025. It’s a celebration of the country's cultural influence and its contribution to the global arts scene. View this post on Instagram A post shared by المجلس الوطني للثقافة والفنون والآداب...

Food delivery riders squeezing between cars in traffic has become a common sight, and Oman is now bringing in new restrictions to make roads safer. Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has banned food delivery motorcycles from using main roads after authorities raised concerns about speeding and traffic violations, saying such a behavior creates safety risks. Under the new rules, food delivery motorcycles on Oman must now use secondary roads and routes approved by the relevant authorities. The ministry also urged delivery companies and restaurants to raise awareness among riders about the updated rules and safer driving practices....

You know how it usually goes: you open social media for a quick check, blink once, and suddenly it’s been 40 minutes. No memory of what you even watched. Just lost time. Now imagine a giant orange cat jumping in and shutting it all down. Meet Cat Gatekeeper, a browser extension that doesn’t ask politely. It blocks your screen the second you’ve scrolled long enough. Created by a Japanese developer, Cat Gatekeeper tracks how much time you spend on specific websites like social media. You decide the limit, and the extension does the rest. Once time is up, a massive...

Oman has officially declared Sunday, June 29, 2025, as a public holiday for both public and private sector employees in observance of the Holy Prophet’s Hijra Anniversary and the beginning of the Hijri year 1447 AH. This decision means a three-day weekend for residents across the Sultanate, aligning their time off with neighbouring countries like the UAE, where the Islamic New Year will be marked slightly earlier  on Friday, June 27. The timing of the holiday is especially notable because Oman’s official work week runs from Sunday to Thursday. With the Islamic New Year falling on a Sunday, employees will...

Oman has officially announced the working hours for Ramadan 2025 in both the public and private sectors. The Ministry of Labour has set guidelines to ensure a balance between work and the spiritual atmosphere of the holy month. Public Sector Working Hours in Oman Government employees will work for five hours straight, from 9 AM to 2 PM. However, some workplaces may allow flexible hours. Heads of departments can adjust start and end times as long as employees complete their required hours. For those workplaces offering flexibility, working hours can range from 7 AM to 3 PM, calculated based on...

If your child has been asking to use WhatsApp, a new feature coming in the next few months may ease the concerns about the safety of the app. WhatsApp introduces parent-managed accounts for kids under 13. The feature lets younger users stay in touch with family and friends while parents keep control over the account’s privacy and communication settings. How Parent-managed WhatsApp Accounts Work With this feature, a parent or guardian can create and supervise the account for a kids under 13. Only adults aged 18 or older can manage the setup. Here's what parents can manage: decide who is...