Working Week, Public Holidays and Seasons in Oman: Timing Your Move, Viewings and Property Deals

Property decisions often run on tight timelines: a job start date, a school term, a lease expiry or a developer deadline. In Oman, the working week, public holidays and seasons all affect how quickly things move. Planning around them avoids unnecessary delays.

The working week

• The official weekend in Oman is Friday and Saturday; Sunday to Thursday are standard working days.
• Friday midday prayers are an important weekly moment; avoid scheduling signings or moves around that time.
• Government offices typically work morning hours, while many private businesses and malls open later into the evening.

Public holidays

Oman’s public holidays include religious occasions such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, the Islamic New Year and the Prophet’s Birthday, along with national occasions including National Day celebrations in November. Religious holidays follow the lunar calendar and move earlier each year, and exact dates are announced officially – sometimes only shortly beforehand.

Practical tip: expect government services, banks and many companies to close or slow down during Eid holidays. Finish registrations, bank approvals and payments before a holiday period begins.

Ramadan

During Ramadan, working hours are usually reduced and daily life shifts towards the evening. Allow extra time for transactions – see Ramadan in Oman: A Practical Guide.

Seasons and the property calendar

• Cooler months (roughly October to April) – a comfortable time for viewings and moving, and a busy period for visitors and many property searches.
• Summer (roughly May to September) – intense heat makes daytime moves harder and raises cooling costs. Many residents travel, which can slow decision-making.
• School calendar – families often search in spring and early summer to move before the new academic year.

Timing tips

1. Book movers early before Eid holidays and at the end or start of the school year.
2. Schedule summer viewings early in the morning or in the evening.
3. Start lease renewal talks well before holiday periods.
4. Build buffer days into purchase timelines for approvals and registrations.
5. Test AC systems during summer viewings – it is the best time to see how they perform.

Related guides: Setting Up Utilities in Muscat, Moving to Muscat With Your Family and Selling Property in Oman. Planning a move? Contact Muscat Gates and we will plan viewings around your calendar.

Frequently asked questions

What days are the weekend in Oman?

Friday and Saturday.

Do property transactions stop during Eid?

Many offices close or slow down, so it is best to complete key steps before the holiday.

When is the best time to move to Muscat?

The cooler months are most comfortable, but family and job timelines usually decide.

General information; holiday dates and working hours are announced by the authorities.

Cover photo: Juozas Šalna (CC BY 2.0), Wikimedia Commons