Wednesday 31 / December / 2025
MUSCAT: The New Year is ushering in more than just celebrations.
Starting today, a wide-ranging set of policy changes and regulatory reforms has come into force across the Sultanate of Oman, marking a significant shift across several key sectors.
Many of these measures take effect from the very first day of the year, impacting businesses, residents and government services as part of ongoing reforms aligned with Oman Vision 2040.
From a restructuring of Oman’s national development strategy to a nationwide ban on plastic shopping bags — and from the early announcement of public holidays to stricter enforcement on the sale and circulation of energy drinks and other excise products without the Digital Tax Stamp (DTS) — the changes span economic, environmental, financial and lifestyle sectors.
The New Year also sees the introduction of Oman’s first OMR 1 polymer banknote, new avenues for economic cooperation under the Oman–India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), and the mandatory implementation of pre-marital medical examinations from 2026.
In addition, 2026 brings the launch of new international flight connections from Muscat International Airport, the return of Muscat Nights 2026, and updates to regulations affecting businesses and consumers alike.
Here is a clear breakdown of what is changing, when it starts, and who it impacts as Oman steps into 2026.
Expansion of plastic shopping bag ban
The Environment Authority has announced the implementation of the fourth phase of its nationwide initiative to ban plastic shopping bags, effective January 1, 2026. The move forms part of Decision No. (2024/8) and aims to reduce plastic pollution while promoting sustainable consumption practices.
This phase will extend the ban to a wide range of commercial activities, including date vendors; drinking water and water pump sellers; automotive pump sales and repair shops; modern irrigation system retailers; plant nurseries and agricultural supply stores; pet shops and stores selling birds, fish and related food products; construction and building material outlets; sellers of animal feed, grains, pesticides and agricultural chemicals; ice cream, corn, sweets and nut vendors; juice shops and traditional food stalls such as mashakeek vendors; as well as mills and honey sellers.
Public holiday calendar announced in advance
Oman has released the official schedule of national and religious holidays for 2026, with the exception of Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha, which will be announced based on the declarations of the Main Committee for the Sighting of the Hijri Month Crescents.
The early announcement aligns with the government’s efforts to enhance institutional and administrative planning efficiency. The confirmed holidays are as follows: Sultan’s Accession Day: Thursday, January 15, 2026, Al Isra’ wal Mi’raj: Sunday, January 18, 2026, New Hijri Year: Thursday, June 18, 2026, Prophet’s Birthday (PBUH): Thursday, August 27, 2026, National Day: Wednesday and Thursday, November 25 and 26, 2026,
Ban on sale of unstamped excise products
The Tax Authority has announced that, from January 1, 2026, the sale or circulation of energy drinks and other excise products that do not carry the Digital Tax Stamp (DTS) will be prohibited.
The import of such products without the stamp was already banned in June 2025. The new measure extends enforcement to the local market, preventing the sale or circulation of any excise goods lacking the required digital stamp.
The DTS is part of the national excise tax system and is designed to ensure product authenticity, quality and safety, while strengthening tax compliance and combating illicit trade.
Launch of the Eleventh Five-Year Development Plan
From January 2026, Oman will begin implementing its Eleventh Five-Year Development Plan (2026–2030), marking a major restructuring of the Sultanate’s national development strategy.
The plan focuses on building a diversified and sustainable economy, enhancing economic decentralisation across governorates, improving the efficiency of social development, and strengthening governance systems and institutional performance.
Introduction of OMR 1 polymer banknote
The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) has announced the introduction of the Sultanate’s first OMR 1 polymer banknote. The commemorative note will enter circulation on January 11, 2026, and will circulate alongside the existing paper-based OMR 1 banknote as legal tender at face value.
A dedicated sales counter operated by Oman Post at Opera Galleria will offer the polymer notes from January 11, 2026.
Oman-India CEPA opens new avenues for economic cooperation
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Oman and India is set to unlock significant new opportunities for bilateral trade and investment, offering Omani products preferential access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets, with more than one billion people.
The agreement is expected to boost Oman’s national exports, strengthen its global trade footprint, and reinforce the Sultanate’s position as a regional logistics and industrial hub, as well as a strategic gateway to Asian markets. By facilitating smoother market access and reducing trade barriers, the CEPA will help Omani producers expand into high-growth sectors in India.
Beyond trade, the pact is projected to stimulate wider commercial exchange and deepen regional economic integration. It also provides a key platform for attracting foreign investment, particularly in manufacturing, logistics, ports, renewable energy and downstream industries.
New routes from Muscat International Airport
National carrier Oman Air has announced the launch of a new Muscat–Taif service, with flights set to begin on January 31, 2026. The route will become the airline’s fifth destination in Saudi Arabia, joining Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam and Madinah.
The service will operate three times a week — on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays — using a Boeing 737 aircraft. Passengers can expect convenient timings along with Oman Air’s signature onboard service.
Meanwhile Salam Air, Oman’s Low-Cost Carrier, has announced the launch of Port Sudan as its newest destination, expanding its network across the Middle East and Africa. The new Muscat–Port Sudan service will commence on 27 January 2026, operating three flights per week.
Premarital medical examination
The third phase of the premarital medical examination will be a must in 2026, with the issuance of a legislative framework that mandates the screening as a prerequisite for completing marriage procedures.
Muscat’s signature events return in 2026
Even as a series of new rules and regulatory changes come into force from January 1, 2026,
Muscat’s annual events calendar will continue to be defined by two of its most popular and widely anticipated attractions.
The capital will usher in the winter season with Muscat Nights 2026, running throughout January and reaffirming its status as a flagship festival that brings together culture, entertainment and sport, while offering residents and visitors an immersive showcase of the city’s tourism and cultural diversity.
Building on this festive momentum, international attention will turn to Oman from February 6 with the 15th edition of the Tour of Oman, a world-class cycling race that combines challenging routes with dramatic landscapes. The organising committee has approved a five-stage route starting on February 7, that will be preceded by Muscat Classic, a 179.165km race from Al Mouj to Al Bustan.
Broadcast to a global audience, the multi-stage event highlights Oman’s coastal scenery, mountainous terrain and rich heritage, reinforcing the sultanate’s growing profile as a host of major cultural and sporting events.
