Oman: Ramadan to begin May 26-27

Event

On May 26-27, Muslims in Oman and elsewhere in the world will begin their month-long celebration of Ramadan. The end of the month of Ramadan, marked by Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, will take place on June 25. Though practices can vary by country, businesses, restaurants, and government administrations may operate on a reduced schedule during this holy month. On Sunday, May 21, Omani authorities announced that official working hours would be reduced at all ministries, public authorities, and other state administrative offices during Ramadan from 09:00 to 14:00 (local time); private sector companies are expected to reduce working hours to six hours per day (30 hours per week) during this time.

Transportation disruptions are to be anticipated during this period due to increased number of travelers, especially in airports. Heavy traffic after sundown (particularly on weekends) is to be anticipated as Muslims typically gather to celebrate the holy month with family. Furthermore, traffic accidents tend to increase during Ramadan (especially at dusk) due to a combination of exhaustion, hunger, dehydration, and impatience.

Local authorities typically report a heightened terrorism threat during the month of Ramadan, and increased security measures should be expected in major urban areas. Authorities also typically observe an increase in incidents of petty crime during this period.

Context

Ramadan is a period of reflection and self-restraint and it carries great significance within the Muslim calendar. Muslims traditionally observe daytime fasting and are called to practice increased devotion and abstain from certain activities.

Though Oman has no recent history of terrorist-linked violence, the small neutral sultanate faces a heightened terror threat. According to Omani officials, regional instability, especially in neighboring Yemen, could create opportunities for militant groups, including Islamic State (IS), to expand into new areas.

More generally, this period also marks a significant increase in the regional terror threat in many Muslim-majority countries across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. In recent years, IS, as well as other groups, have called on their fighters to perpetrate attacks during the holy month of Ramadan. On June 26, 2015, IS fighters killed 39 people in an attack targeting Sousse, Tunisia. The same day, a similar attack also claimed by IS targeted a Mosque during Friday's noon prayers in Kuwait City, killing 27 people. On June 21, 2016, members of Jordan’s security forces were killed in a car bomb. In Lebanon, a series of suicide attacks killed six people. In Turkey, on the evening of June 28, 2016, an attack carried out by three gunmen/suicide bombers was perpetrated at Istanbul-Atatürk International Airport (IST), leaving 44 people dead and scores more injured.

Advice

Individuals in Oman are advised remain aware of their surroundings and to report any suspicious behavior. It is advised not to eat, drink, or smoke in public throughout this period to avoid drawing undue attention to yourself. Travelers are also advised to allow additional time for travel and to avoid any form of public demonstration or public gathering.

Though the country remains one of the most stable in the Middle East, individuals in Oman are advised to be vigilant, report any suspicious devices or behavior to local authorities, and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities. Moreover, due to a poor security situation currently prevailing in Yemen, travel near the Yemeni border (south) is strongly advised against.