Quick answer: Oman’s official National Day is 20 November. For decades it was celebrated on 18 November, and many people still mark that date. The Oman National Day holiday 2026 is Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 November. With the Friday, Saturday weekend, that gives a four-day break from 25 to 28 November. Malls, souqs, restaurants and hotels stay open. Government offices, schools and most banks close.
Arrive in Oman in late November and you’ll see flags on buildings, lights along the highways and cars covered in national colours. National Day isn’t one quiet day off. It’s a celebration that lasts a week or more, and visitors are welcome to join in.
Here’s what the holiday means, how Omanis celebrate it, and what you need to know if you’re visiting.
Why Does Oman Celebrate National Day?
The original date: 18 November
From 1970 to 2022, Oman celebrated National Day on 18 November. It was the birthday of Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who came to power in 1970 and led the country for nearly 50 years. In that time Oman went from having only a few kilometres of paved road and three schools to a modern state, with hospitals, universities and highways across the country. Many Omanis call this period the Nahda, or Renaissance. For them, 18 November celebrated both the man and the nation he built.
The new date: 20 November
In 2022, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, who succeeded Sultan Qaboos in 2020, moved National Day to 20 November. The new date marks the founding of the Al Busaidi dynasty in 1744. That year, Imam Ahmed bin Said united the country and drove out foreign forces. The change ties the celebration to almost 300 years of Omani history rather than to a single ruler.
Why the holiday moves each year
The government announces the paid public holiday every year, and it doesn’t always fall on 20 November. It’s often moved so it joins up with a weekend and gives people a longer break. For 2026, the Ministry of Labour has set the holiday for 25–26 November.
Oman Public Holiday November 2026: Key Dates
| Date | What it means |
|---|---|
| Early to mid-November | Flags, lights and decorations go up across the country |
| 18 November (Wed) | The traditional National Day. Many families still celebrate |
| 20 November (Fri) | The official National Day (Al Busaidi founding, 1744) |
| 25–26 November (Wed,Thu) | The official public holiday |
| 27–28 November (Fri, Sat) | The weekend, making a four-day break |
Source: Oman Ministry of Labour announcement, October 2026. Always check the latest official notices before you travel.
Read More – Top 5 Reasons Italians Choose Oman Tours
How Omanis Celebrate National Day
Flags, lights and colours
Oman’s flag is red, white and green. Red runs down the side and across the middle, and the national emblem sits in the top corner: a khanjar (the curved Omani dagger) over two crossed swords. In November you’ll see these colours everywhere: on buildings, on scarves and on children’s faces. Ministries, roundabouts and bridges are lit up at night, and some neighbourhoods compete to have the best display.
Car parades
One of the most popular traditions is decorating cars. Families cover their cars with flags, portraits of the Sultan and coloured lights, then drive slowly along the corniches and main roads in the evening, sounding their horns. It’s loud, cheerful and good-natured.
Traditional music and dance
National Day events often include traditional Omani performances:
- Al Razha: a men’s sword dance with chanting and drums, where performers throw swords into the air and catch them.
- Al Azi: a recited poem praising the homeland, performed with a sword.
- Al Bar’ah: a Bedouin dance from Dhofar in the south, on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage.
These are performed at public squares, heritage villages and some hotels, and visitors are welcome to watch.
Royal pardons and community events
Each year, the Sultan traditionally pardons a number of prisoners to mark National Day. Communities organise poetry readings, camel races and family gatherings, with plenty of kahwa (cardamom coffee) and dates.
Festive food
Food is a big part of the celebrations. Omani halwa, a sticky sweet made with sugar, rosewater, saffron and nuts, is served in homes and offices and is often given as a gift. In the evenings, stalls along the corniche sell mishkak (grilled skewers of marinated meat). Maqbous, a spiced rice dish with chicken or lamb, is a family favourite. Visitors are almost always offered kahwa and dates, which is the traditional way Omanis welcome guests. Accept with your right hand. Shake the cup gently from side to side when you’ve had enough.
The National Day greeting
To wish someone well, say Eid Watani Saeed (Happy National Day). Omanis are known for their hospitality, and a visitor who says it will usually get a warm smile.
Are Shops Open on Oman National Day?
Yes, mostly. Here’s what to expect during the 25–26 November holiday:
- Shopping malls: open, often until late, with National Day sales.
- Traditional souqs: open, though some small shops keep shorter hours. Evenings are busiest.
- Restaurants and cafés: open. Many add special menus.
- Hotels and attractions: open, and very busy.
- Supermarkets and pharmacies: open.
- Government offices, schools and most banks: closed. ATMs still work.
- Museums and forts: usually open, but hours may change, so check before you go.
Tip: Hotels fill up quickly over the long weekend, because many residents travel within Oman and visitors arrive from neighbouring Gulf countries. Book accommodation early.
Where to Experience Oman National Day
Muscat
The capital has the biggest celebrations. The Muscat National Day fireworks are usually launched from several sites across the city on the same night. Exact locations and times are announced only a few days before, so check local news.
Popular places to watch:
- Mutrah Corniche: a waterfront view, with the old forts lit up behind you.
- Qurum Beach: lots of space for families.
- Muscat viewpoints: the hills around Mutrah and the area around Riyam Park look over the illuminated city.
Even without fireworks, Muscat is lovely in the evenings this week. If it’s your first visit, our guide to Muscat in a day covers the main landmarks. Our Muscat After Dark guide suggests where to see the city lights.
Nizwa
Nizwa is the historic heart of inland Oman. During National Day it has a more traditional feel, with heritage performances near the fort and decorated old streets. The Friday morning livestock market is worth an early start.
Sur
This coastal town is famous for building wooden dhow ships, and it celebrates with lights and gatherings along its lagoon.
Salalah
In the far south, Salalah celebrates with Dhofari music and the Al Bar’ah dance. The weather in November is warm and dry, after the green monsoon season. If you’re arriving by cruise ship, see our Salalah shore excursions.
The desert
Some families leave the cities and spend the long weekend camping in the Wahiba Sands. If you’d like a quieter break, an Oman desert safari with a night under the stars is a good alternative. Late November is one of the most comfortable times of year to be in the dunes.
A Simple 4-Day Plan for the National Day Weekend
If you’re in Oman for the 25–28 November break, here is an easy way to split your time:
- Day 1 (Wed 25) – Muscat: Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in the morning. It’s usually open to non-Muslim visitors from Saturday to Thursday, roughly 8:00–11:00, and closed to tourists on Fridays. In the afternoon, walk around Old Muscat and Al Alam Palace. Spend the evening at Mutrah Souq and on the corniche.
- Day 2 (Thu 26) – Nizwa and the mountains: Drive about 1.5–2 hours inland to Nizwa Fort. You can continue up to Jebel Akhdar, where it’s noticeably cooler, around 20°C in the day.
- Day 3 (Fri 27) – Nizwa market and the desert: Start early at the Nizwa Friday livestock market, then head to the Wahiba Sands for sunset and a night at a desert camp.
- Day 4 (Sat 28) – Back to the coast: Return to Muscat via the coast, or stop at Wadi Bani Khalid for a swim on the way.
Roads are busy over the long weekend, so leave early and allow extra travel time.
Practical Information for Visitors
November weather
| Place | Daytime | Night | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muscat | 29–31°C | 21–23°C | Sea around 27°C, great for swimming |
| Nizwa | 28–30°C | 17–19°C | Dry and sunny |
| Jebel Akhdar | 19–22°C | 10–12°C | Bring a light jacket |
| Wahiba Sands | 28–30°C | 14–17°C | Cool nights in the desert |
| Salalah | 29–31°C | 20–22°C | Warm and dry after the monsoon |
Temperatures are typical averages and can vary from year to year.
Money
The currency is the Omani rial (OMR). It’s one of the strongest currencies in the world. One rial is worth about US$2.60, and roughly €2.2–2.4 depending on the exchange rate. Cards are widely accepted in malls, hotels and restaurants, but carry some cash for souqs, small cafés and taxis. Tipping isn’t required, but leaving 5–10% for good service is appreciated.
Getting around
There is no metro in Oman. In Muscat, the main options are the white-and-orange taxis (agree on the fare before you get in), ride-hailing apps such as Otaxi, and rental cars. Driving is on the right, the roads are good and petrol is cheap. During National Day week, some roads near the fireworks sites and parade areas may close for a few hours, so check the news before heading out in the evening.
Good to know
- Time zone: Oman is GMT+4 and doesn’t use daylight saving time.
- Alcohol: only served in licensed hotels and some restaurants. Drinking in public is not allowed.
- Electricity: 240V, with the UK-style three-pin plug.
- Mobile data: tourist SIM cards are available at Muscat airport. You’ll need your passport.
Visiting from the USA or Italy
From the USA: There are no non-stop flights to Muscat. Most travellers connect through Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Istanbul, and the journey takes about 17–22 hours in total. US citizens can usually visit visa-free for up to 14 days. Muscat is 9 hours ahead of New York in November.
From Italy: Connections from Rome or Milan via the Gulf or Istanbul usually take 8–10 hours. Italian citizens can also usually visit visa-free for up to 14 days. Italian visitors often say November is ideal, with summer-like warmth but without the summer heat.
Visa rules can change, so check the official Royal Oman Police eVisa website before booking.
Etiquette Tips for Visitors
- Dress modestly in public: cover your shoulders and knees, especially in souqs and old towns.
- Ask before photographing people, particularly women and families.
- Respect the occasion: National Day is a source of real pride for Omanis, so avoid jokes about the Sultan or the country.
- Plan for traffic: roads near the fireworks sites and corniches get very busy in the evenings.
Final Thoughts
Oman National Day 2026 is a chance to see the country at its proudest. The streets are full of colour, there’s music in the squares and families are out celebrating. You can watch the fireworks in Muscat, see a sword dance in Nizwa or spend a quiet night in the desert. Plan around the 25–26 November holiday, book your hotel early, and remember to wish people Eid Watani Saeed.
If you need help planning your trip, the team at Omansafaritours is happy to share local advice. You can also browse our Oman Ttour Packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Oman National Day 2026?
The official National Day is 20 November. The public holiday is Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 November 2026, which joins the weekend for a four-day break.
Why was Oman National Day on 18 November?
18 November was the birthday of Sultan Qaboos bin Said. It was National Day from 1970 until 2022, when the date moved to 20 November.
What does 20 November commemorate?
It marks the founding of the Al Busaidi dynasty in 1744 by Imam Ahmed bin Said.
Are shops open on Oman National Day?
Yes. Malls, souqs, restaurants, supermarkets and hotels stay open. Government offices, schools and most banks close.
Where can I see the Muscat National Day fireworks?
Fireworks are usually launched from several places across Muscat. Mutrah Corniche and Qurum Beach are popular places to watch. Exact sites are announced a few days before.
Can tourists join the National Day celebrations?
Yes. Fireworks, corniche gatherings and traditional performances are free and open to everyone. Visitors are warmly welcomed, as long as they dress modestly and behave respectfully.
Is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque open during the holiday?
It usually keeps its normal visiting hours for non-Muslims (Saturday to Thursday mornings), but hours can change on special occasions. Check before you go.
Is November a good time to visit Oman?
Yes. Daytime temperatures are around 25–30°C, the sea is warm, and there’s a festive atmosphere across the country.
