Muscat – The Ministry of Education has delayed the start of the 2026/2027 academic year by one week, with students now set to return to school on September 6 instead of August 30 in a move aimed at supporting Oman’s tourism sector, particularly the Dhofar khareef season.

A senior official at the Ministry of Education confirmed to Muscat Daily that the adjustment to the academic calendar was made to allow families additional time to enjoy the khareef season, one of the sultanate’s most important tourism periods, which runs till September 21 and attracts large numbers of visitors from across Oman and abroad.

The official said the revised school schedule reflects the government’s commitment to supporting domestic tourism while maintaining the smooth implementation of the academic calendar. The additional week is expected to encourage more Omani families and residents to travel to Dhofar during the final and busiest phase of the khareef season.

Under Ministerial Decision No 190/2026, teaching, administrative and supervisory staff, along with other school employees, will report for duty on August 30, while students will begin classes on September 6.

The decision comes as Dhofar continues to welcome thousands of visitors drawn by its pleasant weather, seasonal drizzle and lush green landscapes. The khareef season is one of Oman’s biggest tourism attractions, generating significant economic activity for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, retailers and other service providers.

Tourism stakeholders have welcomed the move, noting that the extra week is likely to extend the peak holiday period for families, increase hotel occupancy rates and boost visitor spending across the governorate. It is also expected to help ease travel demand by spreading visitor flows over a longer period.