Oman announces Islamic New Year holiday for private sector

Oman has announced it will have a private sector holiday to mark the first day of the Islamic New Year.

The Ministry of Manpower said on Twitter that minister Sheikh Abdullah Al Bakri issued a decision to confirm the holiday.

“The first day of Muharram 1440 will be an official holiday for businesses and institutions working in the private sector,” it said in a statement translated from Arabic.

إعلان إجازة #السنة_الهجرية_الجديدة للعاملين بشركات ومؤسسات ومنشآت القطاع الخاص. pic.twitter.com/U48zYL0RTF

— وزارة القوى العاملة سلطنة عُمان (@manpowergov) September 3, 2018

The exact date of the New Year has yet to be confirmed and will be determined by a moon sighting committee.

It is expected to be between Monday, September 10 and Wednesday, September 12 next week.

Workers in other Gulf countries are also expected to receive time off to mark the occasion.

Read: UAE confirms Islamic New Year holiday for public and private sectors

Islamic New Year celebrates the Prophet Mohammed’s journey from Makkah to Madinah.

It is considered an occasion for religious activities and reflection by Muslims in contrast to the elaborate celebrations seen at the start of each Gregorian year.