First day of Muharram will be public holiday in Oman on advent of Islamic New Year

Latest: Public holiday announced in Oman as first day of Muharram confirmed
Muscat: ​Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal bin Saud Al Busaidi, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court, Chairman of the Civil Service Council yesterday issued a decision on the holiday of the Holy Prophet's Hijra Anniversary (PBUH) and the advent of the New Hijri year 1438 AH.
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The decision said: "On the occasion of the Holy Prophet's Hijra Anniversary (PBUH) and the new Hijri year 1438 AH, it was decided that the first day of Muharram, 1438 AH will be an official holiday for the employees of the ministries, public authorities and other departments of the State's administrative apparatus, as Muharram moon sighting will be declared by the concerned authority ".
On this great occasion, the Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court extended his congratulations to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, praying to Allah the Almighty to protect His Majesty, grant him good health, happiness and a long life and for the return of this and similar occasions on His Majesty for many years to come and the Omani people and dear country with further progress and welfare under His Majesty's wise leadership and all Muslims with blessings and welfare.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Bakri, Minister of Manpower also issued a decision on the occasion of the new Hijri year 1438 AH, declaring that the first day of
Muharram, 1438 AH will be an official holiday for employees at the private sector's companies and establishments, as Muharram moon sighting will be declared by the concerned authority.
The decision allowed employers and employees to agree on compensating this holiday if necessity arises.
All employees in the private sector seize this blessed occasion to extend their heartfelt greetings and best wishes to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, praying to Allah the Almighty to protect His Majesty, grant him good health, happiness and a long life and for the return of this and similar occasions on His Majesty and the Omani people and Muslims all over the world with wellbeing and blessings.