What to do in Muscat

Private sector employees in Oman now have clear rules on how annual performance-based bonuses will be handled, thanks to a new decision from the Ministry of Labour. Effective from January 1 every year, Omani workers with at least six months of service at their current establishment are entitled to a periodic bonus, based on the outcome of their annual performance evaluation. The decision is part of efforts to ensure transparency and fairness in pay structures and is rooted in the country’s updated Labour Law (Royal Decree No. 53/2023). The periodic salary bonus is paid as a percentage of an employee’s...

Authorities in the Sultanate of Oman have announced a two-day holiday in honour of the country’s 55th National Day. The official break will take place on Wednesday, November 26, and Thursday, November 27, giving employees in both the public and private sectors time off to mark the national occasion. Oman celebrates its National Day each year on November 20 and 21. Across the country, there will be celebrations that reflect pride in the nation’s heritage and progress. Things To Do During Oman National Day Holiday Enjoy Navy Show, Fireworks & Festivities Muscat is gearing up for a spectacular evening as...

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...

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 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...

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...

Lebanon Independence Day, celebrated every year on November 22, holds great historical and cultural significance for Lebanese people both at home and abroad. It’s a day to reflect on the country’s journey to freedom, to appreciate the resilience of its people, and to celebrate the rich cultural identity. The History and Significance of Lebanon Independence Day The path to Lebanon’s independence was long and marked by struggle. Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after World War I, Lebanon came under French mandate. On November 22, 1943, Lebanon's leaders took a decisive step to reclaim sovereignty by abolishing the foreign...

If you’ve ever turned up the volume the second you heard the opening of The Business, this one’s for you. After years of hoping and waiting, Tiesto is coming to Lebanon this summer! The DJ has officially added Beirut to his schedule for one concert at Forum de Beyrouth on August 7. Often referred to as the Godfather of EDM, he’s managed to stay relevant while the industry constantly changes. From The Business and Red Lights to Drifting and The Motto, his tracks define top parties in the world. Tiesto's latest release, Beautiful Places, is already streaming everywhere. Tiesto has...