Wednesday 08 / May / 2024
MUSCAT: The countdown for a long weekend began on Sunday with the government’s announcement of a holiday on the occasion of the Holy Prophet Hijra Anniversary and the advent of the new Hijri year 1445 AH on July 20.
The official holiday for employees of the public and private sectors will be on Thursday. With the Sultanate having a Friday-Saturday weekend, it would give an opportunity for people to enjoy a three-day weekend.
On Sunday, a ministerial decision issued by the Ministry of Labour read: “On the occasion of the Holy Prophet’s Hijra Anniversary and the new Hijri year 1445 AH, Thursday, 20 July 2023 has been set as an official holiday for employees of the State’s Administrative Apparatus and other legal entities, as well as establishments of the private sector. The moon sighting of the month of Muharram will be announced by the departments concerned.
Employers may agree on terms to engage employees on the said holiday - if deemed necessary due to the nature of their work - provided they compensate the workers for the holiday.”
The Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year, marks the beginning of a new lunar year. The first day of the Islamic year is observed by most Muslims on the first day of the month of Muharram.
People recently returned to work at the start of the month after a five-day Eid Al Adha break.
Staycation concept had gained traction during the Eid Al Adha break with hotels and restaurants in the Sultanate recording brisk business.
Oman is blessed with breathtaking natural beauty, interwoven with a kaleidoscope of landscapes that has tourism attractions to suit the tastes of everyone.
With the blistering heat certainly a damper to holiday plans there are enough getaways in the mountains that provide pleasant weather. Salalah’s Khareef season is another option for local residents who wish to travel during the long weekend.
The striking Hajar mountain ranges and hotels in Jabal Akhdar and Jabal Shams are expected to be in huge demand during the long weekend.
