What to do in Oman

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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 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...