Important Days and Festivals

Oman celebrates a number of days and occasions throughout the year; some religious and others cultural.

The most important cultural celebration is National Day, which occurs on 18^th November.  Firework displays are held and streets are decorated with flags, lights and images of His Majesty, in his honour.  This day is also the birthday of The Sultan.

Renaissance Day is held on 23^rd July and commemorates the accession of Sultan Qaboos bin Said to the throne.

Eid al Fitr is held at the end of Ramadan and lasts for three days.  It is a special occasion which translates as the ‘Feast of the breaking of the fast’.

Eid al Adha is celebrated seventy days after Eid al Fitr and lasts for four days.  It marks the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

Lailat al Mi’raj is a celebration of the Prophet’s ascension into heaven. And the date depending on the moon.

Islamic New Year’s Day is the first day of the Islamic Hijri calendar.

Muscat Festival is held for twenty two days during January and February and is a celebration of Omani culture, history and traditions.  The festival draws tourists to the many different events and activities in venues across Muscat.  Local businesses jump on the festive bandwagon and offer special deals and discounts.

Salalah Festival is held from mid July to end of August in Salalah and celebrates the monsoon season.  There are many public displays of music and dance, including thousands of dancers perform. Traditional Omani handicrafts are demonstrated and available to purchase along with goods imported from all over the world.

Wahiba Challenge is a motor sports event held in October and takes place in the Wahiba Sands.

Rally Oman is held in April over three days, involving local and international teams.