Tomorrow may be a holiday in Oman — if the moon comes out tonight

Residents in Oman could have an official public holiday tomorrow - if the moon is sighted tonight.

If the moon fails to put in an appearance in the skies over Oman this evening, then the official holiday will be on Sunday.

Oman’s Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs said that the moon sighting committee will meet tonight to establish the first day of Muharram, the Islamic new year.
 

If the moon is sighted today, then the first day of Muharram will be on Thursday. If not, then the first day of Muharram will be on Friday.

If authorities sight the moon on Wednesday then Thursday will be the first day of Muharram, and will be a public holiday.

If it is not sighted tonight, then Friday will be the first day of the new year in the Islamic calendar and Sunday will be the official holiday.

Earlier, HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser al-Bakri, Minister of Manpower, issued a decision on the occasion of the new Hijri year 1439 AH, declaring that the first day of Muharram, 1439 AH will be an official holiday for employees at all private sector companies and establishments.