Oman Holidays 2024
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s Accession Day is January 11; there will be formal rituals, open celebrations, and cultural events.
February 8th (estimated): Isra’a Wal Miraj – Honors the prophet Muhammad’s ascending to heaven and his miraculous trip from Mecca to Jerusalem. Religious observances, special prayers, lectures.
April 8–12 (estimated): Eid al-Fitr – Celebrates the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan. Festive mood, family gatherings, traditional dinners, philanthropic gifts. Oman’s celebrations of Eid al-Fitr
June 16th-19th (estimated): Eid al-Adha – Celebrates the sacrifice of Prophet Abraham. religious rites, group dinners, and exchange of gifts.
Image of Eid alAdha celebrations in Oman .Oman’s commemoration of Eid al-Adha
July 7th (estimated): Islamic New Year – Beginning of the Hijri calendar year. Religious observances, special prayers, family reunions.
Oman’s Islamic New Year celebrations
Renaissance Day, observed on the 23rd, honors the coup that overthrew Sultan Qaboos bin Said in 1970. public meetings, cultural events, and official ceremonies.
September 15th is Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, which honors the prophet’s birth. Religious observances, special prayers, public processions.
National Day is observed on November 18–19, the anniversary of Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s coronation in 1970. Official ceremonies, military parades, cultural gatherings, street festivities, fireworks displays.Celebrations of Oman National Day
All year long
Local celebrations: Throughout the year, every region of Oman holds distinctive festivals that highlight the customs, cuisine, and culture of the area. For information on exact dates and events, contact the tourism agency in your area.
Religious holidays: Special observances and religious rites are held to mark Islamic festivals such as Ashura and Mawlid an-Nabi.
Remember, these are simply estimated dates for some holidays based on the Islamic calendar. Depending on the moon sighting, the precise dates might change slightly.
Islamic Holidays
Religious holidays are quite important in a country like Oman where the majority population is Muslim. The festive holidays of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha commemorate the completion of Ramadan and the Hajj pilgrimage. These festivities create a sense of unity and goodwill among families, communities, and people.
The birthday of Sultan
October 11: Haitham bin Tariq, the present Sultan, was born on this day. People from all around Oman come together to celebrate their leader, showing their love and admiration for him.
November 19th: The late Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who governed Oman for almost 50 years, was born on this day.
Oman National Day
November 18th is Oman’s National Day, a happy and significant event that is observed annually. It honors Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s accession to the throne in 1970, which signaled the start of a time when the country saw significant change and prosperity.
The celebrations are a brilliant tapestry of activities, displaying Oman’s rich culture and heritage. Here is a sneak peek at what to expect
Formal Events
Ceremony for hoisting the national flag: The Royal Oman Police Band plays beautiful music as the nation proudly raises the flag.
Speech to the Nation: Sultan Qaboos gives a royal address in which he frequently considers the achievements to date and lays out his goals for the future.
Fireworks: When night falls, bright fireworks shoot into the sky, bathing the surrounding area in vivid hues.
Celebrations in Public
Traditional Dances and Music: The rhythmic vitality of Omani folk dances, such as Al Bar’ah and Razha, brings them to life for audiences. The air is filled with the sound of traditional music played on instruments like the oud and ney.
Cultural Events: Poetry readings, art exhibits, and theater plays provide a window into Oman’s wide range of cultural expressions.
Street Parties and Fairs: The streets are alive with festive décor and teeming with food vendors selling Halwa and Kabsa, two popular Omani dishes. People add to the lively mood by dressing in their best traditional garb.
Special Events: To foster a sense of patriotism, a lot of institutions and groups organize special events like athletic contests, fundraising campaigns, and neighborhood get-togethers.
Beyond the festivities, National Day is an opportunity for introspection and appreciation of Oman’s accomplishments. It’s a time to celebrate the country’s achievements, pay tribute to its history, and reaffirm our shared identity.
If you’re intending to visit Oman around National Day, be prepared for a completely immersive experience. Take part in the celebrations, experience the Omani culture, and make lifelong memories.
Are there any particular facets of Oman’s National Day that you would need further information on? If there’s something that interests you, I’d be pleased to discuss it further.
