Working Hours in Oman: Law, Ramadan Hours and Public Holidays

Under Oman's Labour Law (Royal Decree 53/2023), private-sector employees may not work more than 8 actual hours a day or 40 hours a week, excluding a one-hour rest and meal break. During Ramadan, Muslim employees work a maximum of 6 hours a day or 30 hours a week. Workers are also entitled to at least two consecutive paid rest days each week and to full pay on official public holidays.

Standard working hours under the Labour Law

Article 70 of Royal Decree 53/2023 sets the core rules for the private sector:

• Maximum 8 actual working hours per day and 40 hours per week.
• A daily break of one hour for rest and meals, which is not counted as working time.
• No more than 6 consecutive hours of work without a break.
• The employer must display the schedule of working hours and rest days in a visible place at the workplace.

This was a significant change: the previous law (Royal Decree 35/2003) allowed up to 9 hours a day and 45 hours a week with a 30-minute break. Many companies now run a five-day week of around eight hours, but your exact schedule depends on your contract and the employer's working-hours policy.

Article 73 lets the Minister of Labour allow different arrangements for seasonal work and certain sectors, so some industries follow special rules.

Weekly rest and annual leave

Article 77 gives every worker a paid weekly rest of at least two consecutive days. For certain jobs and locations designated by the minister, rest days can be accumulated and taken together without reducing the total. In addition, workers are entitled to at least 30 days of paid annual leave after completing six months of service, and unused leave can be carried over within the limits of the law.

Overtime rules and pay

Overtime is regulated by Articles 71 and 72. The key points:

• Total working time, including overtime, may not exceed 12 hours a day.
• As a rule, the worker's consent is required for overtime.
• Overtime is paid at the basic wage plus at least 25% for daytime hours and at least 50% for night hours, or the employer may give time off in lieu.
• Work on a weekly rest day or official holiday earns an extra amount equal to 100% of the daily basic wage, or a compensatory day off.

Article 72 lists exceptions where an employer can require overtime without consent, such as annual stocktaking, budget preparation, closing accounts or emergencies — limited to 15 days a year for routine tasks, with notice to the authorities in emergencies. In these cases the premium rises to at least 50% (day) and 75% (night), and rest-day or holiday work is paid at 200% of the basic wage or with two days off.

Situation	Minimum entitlement
Normal week	Up to 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week
Ramadan (Muslim workers)	Up to 6 hours a day, 30 hours a week
Voluntary daytime overtime	Basic wage + 25% (or time off)
Voluntary night overtime	Basic wage + 50%
Work on rest day or holiday	Extra 100% of daily basic wage or a day off
Required overtime (exceptions)	+50% day, +75% night; 200% or two days off on rest days and holidays

Working hours during Ramadan

Article 70 caps working time for Muslim employees in Ramadan at 6 hours a day and 30 hours a week. Each year the Ministry of Labour also announces Ramadan hours for government units. For Ramadan 1447 AH (2026), the ministry set government working hours at five consecutive hours from 9 am to 2 pm, with flexibility between 7 am and 3 pm, and encouraged private employers to use flexible schedules and remote work where feasible, according to the Oman News Agency.

Ramadan 1448 AH is expected around early 2027, but the exact start depends on the moon sighting. Watch for the ministry's announcement shortly before the month begins.

Official public holidays in Oman

Royal Decree 88/2022 sets the official holidays. Article 79 of the Labour Law guarantees workers their full wage on these days.

• Hijri (Islamic) New Year – 1 Muharram (1 day)
• Prophet Muhammad's Birthday – 12 Rabi' al-Awwal (1 day)
• Isra and Mi'raj – 27 Rajab (1 day)
• Eid al-Fitr – from 29 Ramadan to 3 Shawwal
• Eid al-Adha – from 9 to 12 Dhu al-Hijjah
• National Day – two days linked to National Day (20 November)
• Sultan's Accession Day – 11 January

Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar, so their Gregorian dates move about 11 days earlier each year and are confirmed by moon sighting. The decree also allows the dates of some holidays to be moved in the public interest, and the government often shifts a holiday to create a long weekend. For example, the National Day holiday in 2025 was given on 26 and 27 November rather than on 20 November. Always rely on the official announcement, published by the Ministry of Labour and the Oman News Agency, before planning leave.

Working on a holiday or after hours: practical tips

• Check your contract and company policy for your scheduled hours, rest days and overtime approval process.
• Keep a record of overtime hours and any holiday or rest-day work.
• If an employer requires work on a public holiday, you are entitled to the extra pay or compensatory leave set by law.
• Unresolved disputes about hours or pay can be raised with the Ministry of Labour.

Key takeaways

• Private-sector maximum: 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week, plus a one-hour break (Article 70, Royal Decree 53/2023).
• Ramadan: up to 6 hours a day and 30 hours a week for Muslim workers.
• At least two consecutive paid rest days per week and 30 days' annual leave.
• Overtime needs consent, is capped at 12 total hours a day and is paid at a premium.
• Public holiday dates are confirmed each year by official announcement. Looking for an employer with clear hours? Browse current jobs or set up a job alert.