The ministry said that remote work offers flexibility in performance, trust in talent, and achievements that transcend geographical boundaries—paving the way toward a more innovative and sustainable future of work.
Why remote work matters in Muscat
Remote work will be crucial and beneficial with the Muscat Expressway Project expected to begin in the coming weeks. A plan to avoid congestion, including traffic diversions and adjusted working hours, has been submitted to the Council of Ministers for approval, according to the Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT).
A study is also underway on the possibility of adjusting the working hours of certain institutions.
What the law says
The Ministry of Labour issued a new ministerial decision in September 2025 regulating remote work in Oman, pursuant to the Labour Law under Royal Decree 53/2023.
The regulation, announced in consideration of the public interest, sets out clear provisions for both employers and employees engaging in remote work arrangements within the Sultanate.
According to the decision, remote work can be carried out either partially or fully, provided that employees perform their duties using information and communication technology (ICT) tools within Oman.
The regulation strictly prohibits contracting for remote work outside the Sultanate.
Establishments implementing the system must prepare official lists of remote workers, supply the necessary ICT tools, and provide electronic systems for supervision and performance monitoring, while ensuring that workers' privacy is not violated.The rules also require establishments to avoid misusing personal data or monitoring systems beyond work purposes.
Workers, in turn, must comply by personally performing their duties during agreed working hours, maintaining the confidentiality of work-related data, and returning ICT tools when requested. They are also required to immediately report any technical difficulties that may hinder their performance.
The decision further allows employees to disconnect from an employer's system if it infringes on their privacy. Workers may also request partial remote work, though employers retain the right to approve or reject such requests based on work requirements.
For full remote work, contracts must be in writing, outlining details such as job conditions, remuneration, ICT responsibilities, working hours, and performance monitoring mechanisms.
Employers can require employees to return to on-site work if information security is threatened, company policies are breached, or agreed working hours are not met. The regulations reaffirm that employees working remotely enjoy the same rights and obligations as stipulated under the Labour Law and its implementing decisions.
Implemented effectively during Ramadhan
During Ramadhan in Oman, the government allows remote work options in the public and private sectors where it is possible. Remote work is permitted where the nature of the job allows, provided that at least 50% to 60% of employees remain physically present at the office.
What began in 2023 as a temporary traffic-relief measure during the Holy Month of Ramadhan has evolved into a policy shift—one that is reshaping work culture, easing congestion, and redefining daily life for thousands of employees across the Sultanate of Oman.
Flexible working hours and remote work options, first introduced to reduce peak-hour gridlock, have proven so effective that authorities have institutionalized the system within the state's administrative framework.Earlier, heavy congestion typically plagued Sultan Qaboos Street and the Muscat Expressway during the morning and afternoon rush hours.By breaking away from the traditional "9 am to 2 pm" rush that used to paralyze areas like Al Khoud and Rusayl, the authorities have found a way to make the daily commute significantly less stressful for everyone.
By staggering start times and enabling remote work, authorities effectively dispersed peak traffic volumes, resulting in smoother flows and reduced pressure on infrastructure.
For employees in the state administrative apparatus, the official workday is now designed around four distinct windows to stagger the flow of cars.
Depending on the nature of their department, staff can start as early as 7 am and finish at 12 pm, or choose from other slots: 8 am to 1 pm, 9 m to 2pm, or a later 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. shift.Many employees in the government sector improved their work-life balance due to the time spent on the roads because of traffic congestion.
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