# Oman National Day

Oman's National Day has been set on 20 and 21 November by a royal decree of January 2025. In 2026 the days off move to Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 November. The celebrations include a military parade in Muscat and fireworks in several towns.

Source : https://sabaro-travel.com/en/events/fete-nationale-oman/

## A date set in 2025

Oman celebrates its National Day on 20 November. Royal Decree 15/2025, signed by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on 21 January 2025, sets the holiday on 20 and 21 November each year. It used to be held on 18 November, the birthday of Sultan Qaboos, who died in 2020 and who launched the country's modernisation from 1970.

The days off can be moved: in 2025 National Day fell on a Thursday, but the holidays were given on Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 November. For 2026 the Ministry of Labour has set them on **Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 November**. With the Omani weekend, Friday and Saturday, that makes four days off, from 25 to 28 November.

## What to see

In 2025, for the 55th National Day, a large military parade was held in Muscat and fireworks were set off in several parts of the country. In 2024 the capital's fireworks were launched at Seeb, in Muscat Governorate. The programme for 2026, the 56th National Day, had not been published by October 2026.

For visitors, the evening fireworks are the most accessible part of the celebrations. Parades and military sites must not be photographed: in Oman it is forbidden to photograph military installations, soldiers and police officers.

## What changes over the holidays

Government offices close on the two days off. Omanis and residents are on holiday, so book hotels, hire cars and excursions early, and check museum and fort opening hours before each visit.

## Late November in Oman

Late November opens the best season. The average high is 30.5 °C in Muscat and the sea is still around 28 °C. In the Hajar Mountains, Saiq on the [Jebel Akhdar](/en/oman/jebel-akhdar/) plateau averages a high of 16 °C. Nights in the [Wahiba Sands](/en/oman/wahiba-sands/) are in season from September to April.

For the Muscat fireworks, the city's beach hotels are the most convenient. [Kempinski Hotel Muscat](/en/hotels/kempinski-hotel-muscat/) and [The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat](/en/hotels/st-regis-al-mouj-muscat/), in Al Mouj, are about twenty minutes from the airport; [The Chedi Muscat](/en/hotels/the-chedi-muscat/) and the [Grand Hyatt Muscat](/en/hotels/grand-hyatt-muscat/), in Ghubra and Shatti Al Qurum, are closer to the Grand Mosque and old Muscat. Prices are recorded including taxes, with any local taxes on top. The [Muscat](/en/oman/muscat/) page covers the city.

A week later, on 5 December, Muscat hosts [IRONMAN Oman](/en/events/ironman-oman/). Since the Iranian strikes in the Gulf, foreign ministries have not all given the same advice; the [Oman travel situation](/en/guides/situation-oman/) guide has the details. Yours:

(Depends on the traveller's country: see the table on https://sabaro-travel.com/en/events/fete-nationale-oman/)

## Frequently asked questions

### When is Oman National Day?

On 20 November, with a second public holiday on the 21st, under Royal Decree 15/2025. In 2026 the days off are 25 and 26 November.

### Why did the date change?

Royal Decree 15/2025 replaced the former date of 18 November with 20 and 21 November, from 2025.

### Where can I see the fireworks?

Venues are announced each year. In 2024 the capital's fireworks were launched at Seeb, in Muscat Governorate.

### Can I photograph the parade?

Photographing military installations, soldiers and police officers is forbidden in Oman. It is best not to.

### Are tourist sites open?

Opening hours may change over the holidays, so check before each visit.