What to do in Oman

Oman has officially announced the Eid Al Fitr 2025 holiday schedule, with a break that could last either five or nine days — depending on the moon sighting. When is the Eid Al Fitr holiday in Oman? The Eid Al Fitr holiday will start on Saturday, March 29, 2025, for both public and private sector employees. But the return-to-work date depends on when Eid is officially observed: If Eid falls on March 30, work resumes on Wednesday, April 2. If Eid is confirmed for March 31, the holiday extends until Sunday, April 6. The holiday applies to both government and...

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...

Have you been using Instagram's end-to-end encrypted messaging feature? Well, it’s time to say goodbye. Meta recently announced that it will no longer support this feature starting May 8, 2026. End-to-end encryption ensures that only the sender and receiver can read the content of their messages. So, when this was enabled on Instagram, Meta couldn’t access your conversations. According to Meta spokesperson Dina El-Kassaby Luce, the feature didn’t get enough use, that's why it's being removed. Starting May 8, Instagram will return to its standard encryption model, where the platform can access data if needed. Before this date, Meta will...

Looking to take a trip from Abu Dhabi to Muscat without the hassle of driving? Here's some great news for you! A new bus route 202 is now making it easier than ever to travel between these two cities. The price is not only budget-friendly (OMR 11.5 or around AED 110 for single trip) but also comes with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Plus, you can bring along 7kg of hand luggage. The bus leaves Abu Dhabi Bus Station at 11:45 AM and takes the scenic route with multiple stops along the way: Al Ain Central Bus Station Buraimi Bus Station...

Oman has declared a public holiday for both public and private sector employees in celebration of Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) birthday. The holiday will fall on Sunday, September 7, 2025, as the Prophet’s birthday itself, on September 5, coincides with Friday, which is already a weekend in Oman. Since the official workweek in Oman runs from Sunday to Thursday, this timing gives workers a well-deserved 3-day weekend to enjoy the occasion. With the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) birthday falling on the 12th day of Rabi’ Al Awwal, this holiday will be a time for reflection and celebration across the region, marking an...

During Ramadan 2026, Oman will implement reduced working hours across both the public and private sectors. This decision aims to make it easier for workers to balance their professional and personal lives during the holy month. Here are the changes: Employees in public sector will work 5 consecutive hours a day, from 9 AM to 2 PM. Some flexibility allows work to start as early as 7 AM and finish by 3 PM, depending on workplace policies. Muslim employees in private sector will have a maximum of 6 working hours a day, capped at 30 hours per week. It's possible...

Oman is taking a big step toward modernizing its payment systems with the introduction of a national payment card. Set to be issued by local banks under the oversight of the Central Bank, this new initiative is designed to offer a more secure, smooth, and convenient way for people to make payments both online and in stores. This move is a major part of Oman’s push to develop its digital payment landscape and reduce reliance on foreign payment providers. The new card will allow users to make transactions within a unified national system, making payments easier and safer for everyone,...

Looking forward to a peaceful break with your loved ones? Oman has confirmed the official dates for the Eid Al Fitr 2026 holiday, offering a 5-day weekend for both public and private sector employees. The break will last from March 19 to 23, allowing everyone to enjoy the full spirit of the holiday. Work will resume on March 24. Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. Families come together for morning prayers and festive meals, celebrating the completion of the fasting period. It's a meaningful opportunity to connect with others and share the joy of the occasion. Several other...

If you’re living in Oman and planning to go on the Hajj next year, here’s what you need to know. The Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs opens online registration for the 2026 season on September 23. The ministry has stressed that registration alone doesn’t guarantee a place. Pilgrims will be selected automatically based on Oman’s quota from Saudi authorities, and successful applicants will be notified by text message. Residents can sign up through the official portal www.hajj.om. Here are the key details for applicants: Deadline: October 8, 2025 Eligibility: Citizens and residents of Oman 18+ Required info: Civil number,...

If you're thinking about buying a drone in Oman, here's something you definitely need to know! The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has introduced new rules that are going to change the way drones are sold and registered. If you're planning to buy a drone in Oman, here are the steps you need to follow: Buy from licensed shops: only authorized sellers can sell drones Every drone must be registered on AirPortal Complete the transfer process through the Serb app before taking the drone home It’s important that both the seller and the buyer are following the rules. If you try...