MUSCAT: The upcoming Eid Al Fitr holiday is set to provide a significant boost to domestic tourism in Oman, with hoteliers and tourism officials anticipating increased visitor numbers, particularly from the GCC region.
As per Royal orders, the Eid Al Fitr holiday for employees of the State’s Administrative Apparatus, other legal entities, and private sector establishments will commence on Saturday, March 29, 2025, and will conclude based on the following scenarios:
If Eid falls on Sunday, March 30, 2025, the holiday will end on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, with work resuming on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
If Eid falls on Monday, March 31, 2025, the holiday will extend until Thursday, April 3, 2025, with work resuming on Sunday, April 6, 2025.
The Ministry of Labour has stated that employers may arrange for employees to work during the holiday if necessary, provided they are compensated accordingly. The exact duration of the holiday will be confirmed by the moon sighting committee on Saturday evening.
Tourism and hospitality stakeholders anticipate a surge in domestic tourism as many residents are expected to opt for local getaways rather than travelling abroad.
“This will be good for local tourism as people will not go abroad this year,” said Venkat Perumal, a business manager at a leading travel agency.
Additionally, Oman is expected to attract a significant number of visitors from neighboring GCC countries looking to escape the heat.
Arup Singh Deo, Director of Operations and Projects at Al Nahda Hotels & Resorts, noted, “To escape the heat, we expect a large number of tourists to visit Jabal Akhdar and Dhofar.”
Oman welcomed approximately four million tourists in 2024, and industry experts believe the Eid holiday will contribute to even higher numbers this year.
Hotels in popular destinations such as Jabal Akhdar are already seeing heightened interest.
The newly opened Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar, part of IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, has quickly established itself as a premier mountain getaway.
“Oman’s mountain ranges captivate with a breathtaking variety that appeals to both nature lovers and adventurers alike,” said James Reeves, General Manager of Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa. “The rugged peaks and deep gorges of Jebel Shams and the lush terraces of Jabal Akhdar offer unforgettable experiences.”
Jagdeep Thakral, General Manager of DusitD2 Naseem Resort Jabal Akhdar, noted a rise in staycations. “Staycations are catching up in the country, and we already have a lot of local residents booking their stay during the upcoming Eid break. We are all geared up to welcome them and have curated various offers and experiences to ensure they have the best stay at our property, which is popular with families.”
The resort, known for its Adventure Park, has been a major draw for younger visitors. “The only Adventure Park in the area is a big hit among youngsters and is a major draw along with our other facilities at the property. The expected rush is certain to boost local tourism and engage a lot of SMEs in the towns and villages of Jabal Akhdar,” Thakral added.
Anoop Joseph, Director of Sales & Marketing at Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the strong demand for holiday stays. “Long weekends in Oman, including the Eid holidays, always invigorate domestic tourism. We have already been receiving a lot of inquiries for the coming days.”
A unique mountain experience
Nestled in the rugged Hajar Mountains, Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar offers immersive experiences that turn a typical holiday into an adventure. Families can explore ancient villages where centuries-old farming traditions thrive amid terraced pomegranate and damask rose gardens.
Adding to the resort’s allure is Vue Rooftop & Lounge, the highest rooftop lounge and bar in the Middle East, offering panoramic canyon views and a distinctive dining experience featuring hearty, smoke-infused feasts.
With 173 rooms, suites, and chalets, the property caters to families seeking spacious accommodations, many featuring separate living areas and private balconies. The cool mountain air and breathtaking scenery provide a refreshing escape from the city, ensuring a memorable Eid holiday experience.
At DusitD2 Naseem Resort Jabal Akhdar, families can look forward to entertainment in both restaurants, traditional Arabic music, and Zarb-style food at the Bedouin camp.
Thakral noted that as an added delight, roses have already started blooming in the hotel’s gardens, creating an enchanting setting for guests.
A positive outlook for the hospitality sector
Hoteliers remain optimistic about the holiday’s impact on business. “Each time there are holidays in GCC countries, we see a significant increase in visitors from the UAE who want to stay at our hotels,” said Arup Singh Deo. “We expect this Eid to be no different, with strong demand from regional travelers.”
With Oman’s diverse landscapes, cool mountain retreats, and high-quality hospitality offerings, this Eid al Fitr holiday is shaping up to be a thriving period for the country’s tourism sector.
