Sunday 18 / January / 2026
MUSCAT: The long weekend has come to an end, with citizens and residents across the Sultanate returning to work on Monday after a four-day break.
The extended holiday was observed as Accession Day that fell on Thursday, January 15, 2026, followed by the Isra wal Mi‘raj holiday on Sunday, creating a long weekend when combined with Friday and Saturday.
Many people made the most of the break by attending Muscat Nights 2026, which witnessed a remarkable influx of visitors across its venues.
Crowds thronged popular locations including Qurum Park, Amerat Park and the Oman Automobile Association, enjoying a wide range of entertainment and cultural activities.
The festival, which blends modern technology with Omani heritage, is one of the capital’s flagship annual events aimed at promoting tourism and celebrating national identity.
Highlights this year include the innovative Siraj light festival, dazzling drone shows and synchronised water fountain displays. “Almost all the venues are teeming with people of all ages,” an official from Muscat Nights said.
Beyond entertainment, the 2026 edition has placed strong emphasis on boosting the local economy by expanding opportunities for Omani job seekers and small and medium-sized enterprises. The festivities — featuring daily fireworks and cultural evenings that will continue until January 31.
As temperatures dropped across the Sultanate, the Al Hajar mountain range, particularly Jabal Akhdar and Jabal Shams, emerged as the preferred winter getaway for residents seeking cooler weather.
Jabal Shams, Oman’s highest peak, recorded the lowest temperature in the country on Sunday, with mercury dipping to minus 0.8 degrees Celsius.
“It was a nice break to enjoy with my family at Jabal Shams as it was freezing cold,” said Raj, a private-sector employee.
Confirming a sharp rise in visitor numbers, Jagdeep Thakral, General Manager of dusitD2 Naseem Resort, Jabal Akhdar, told Times of Oman: “We had an exceptional weekend.”
For Mohammed Al Abri, a private-sector professional, the break offered valuable family time. “We spent the holidays in our village near Hamra. The climate in the mountains is very pleasant,” he said. Shopping malls and hypermarkets also witnessed a spike in footfall as residents stocked up on essentials ahead of the return to work.
“Such short breaks rejuvenate us physically and mentally. It feels good to be back at work after an extended weekend,” said Altaf Al Balushi, a banking professional.
With four days off, staycations remained the preferred option for most expatriates. Hotel industry executives said occupancy surged across properties in Jabal Akhdar, Jabal Shams and Hamra due to the cooler climate.
Public parks and beaches recorded heavy weekend crowds, while cafés and restaurants did brisk business, particularly during evening hours.
