What to do in Muscat

Oman is preparing to host a major international cricket event this October, with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia and East Asia-Pacific Qualifier scheduled to take place over ten days. According to the ICC, nine teams will take part, competing for three qualification spots at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, set to be held in India and Sri Lanka. Teams that secured their places through sub-regional qualifiers in 2024 — Kuwait, Malaysia, UAE, Qatar, Japan, and Samoa — will join Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and hosts Oman. Four of them — Oman, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and...

Oman is moving into the next phase of its national campaign to reduce plastic pollution. From July 1, 2025, the country will implement Phase 3 of its ban on single-use plastic shopping bags, targeting a wider range of retail and food-related businesses. This phase, announced by the Environment Authority, will concern: Fruit and vegetable shops Grocery stores and packaging units Candy factories and sweet shops Bakeries and outlets selling bread, pastries, and confectionery Gift shops Businesses in these categories will need to replace single-use plastic bags with eco-friendly alternatives such as reusable cloth or paper bags. Here's a short recap...

Oman has confirmed five national holiday dates for 2026, giving residents and businesses early clarity on days off across the year. The announcement follows a government policy to publish national and religious holidays in advance, allowing better planning for work schedules, travel, and major events. Here are the public holidays Oman has confirmed so far for 2026: January 15 (Thursday): Accession Day January 18 (Sunday): Al Isra’a Wal Miraj June 18 (Thursday): Islamic New Year August 27 (Thursday): Mawlid Al Nabawi November 25–26 (Wed-Thu): National Day Dates for Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha will be announced separately based...

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...

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...

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...

Oman’s Tax Authority has announced that the launch of Digital Tax Stamp (DTS) system for specific beverages has been delayed. Earlier this month, it was made public that soft drinks, energy beverages, and other selected products will only be allowed for sale or distribution if they carry this official mark. Initially set to begin in November 2025, the new system will come into effect starting January 1, 2026. The measure marks a positive step toward enhancing product safety, ensuring quality standards, and protecting consumers from unverified or non-compliant goods. The new requirement is part of Oman’s broader efforts to strengthen...

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...

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...