Friday 21 / February / 2025
MUSCAT: Deserted roads and largely empty offices greeted those residents who went to work yesterday, as many opted for a long weekend and some companies gave employees Sunday off instead of Monday. “Around 70 per cent of Omanis who work in the private sector stay far away from Muscat. They come to Muscat on Sunday mornings and leave on Thursday evenings.
“Since the holiday fell on Monday, they decided to skip work on Sunday,” Ahmed Al Hooti, an Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) member, said.
Al Hooti added that it was difficult to expect people to return for one day’s work under such circumstances, after travelling hundreds of kilometres out of the city to be with extended family.
He also suggested that holidays should be aligned with the weekend so that workflow is not affected.
“If you give it today or tomorrow, what is the problem? We know our people. With these types of holidays, especially for those who live in the interior, it is very difficult for them to come,” Al Hooti said.
Tasleem Khan, chief executive officer and managing partner of Intelligent Parking and Elevator Company in Oman, agrees. “This is simply because the productivity of the people goes down and people are not willing to work for one day,” the CEO said.
Fearing this, some offices gave Sunday off instead of Monday.
“My company gave me the day off on Sunday but I will have to go back to work on Monday,” Sushil S, who works at a private company in Muscat, said. Rajeev KR, a senior official at an oil supply company, said that in the government sector, he witnessed low attendance. “I had some work at government offices today. Many seats were vacant. I couldn’t manage to get my work done today. It seems that they have bridged the leave,” Rajeev added.
A sales representative working with a travel agency said it was a disappointing day as the majority of his clients were absent.
“I couldn’t meet anyone today for payments,” the sales representative added.
Another person said that he just skipped work yesterday.
Meanwhile, the unofficial holiday has seen a significant decrease in traffic on the roads.
“Traffic on the road is less today because people have not gone to work,” said one taxi driver.
Philip K Philip, group CEO of Muscat Insurance said.
Bridge the holidays
“Workers used to bridge the holidays with weekend, but this time it has not happened and those who have extra work will come to office and it will be compensated.”
Some Indian schools also closed down on Thursday so there was less traffic on the road.
“The Indian School Muscat junior section closed down on Thursday so there was no rush in Darsait area today,” Ravi, an Indian expat who lives in Darsait, said.
A H Raja, vice chairman of Pakistan Social Club said: “This is not a new thing for Oman. Here people including the expatriates go for a long weekend. About 70 to 80 per cent my friends skipped office today and went for a four day long weekend,”
Sarfaraz, a Pakistani national, who works as a salesman in Ruwi High Street, said that the business was good compared to other days. “There are more people on Sunday compared to other days. I believe they all have skipped work and have come to Ruwi for shopping,” he said.
