as eid al-fitr As Eid al-Fitr 2026 approaches, residents of the United Arab Emirates prepare for a long holiday, with many planning a scenic road trip to neighboring Oman, one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to spend the holiday. The statutory public holidays confirmed by the federal authorities are from Thursday, March 19 to Saturday, March 21 (private sector) or Sunday, March 22 (public sector), depending on the moon sightings during Ramadan, which is the perfect time for a short but unforgettable vacation.Unlike air travel, road travel from the UAE to Oman is easy and flexible, but requires some planning around border formalities, visas, car insurance, documentation and holiday crowds. Here are the details you need to know before hitting the road this Eid.
UAE Eid al-Fitr holiday window 2026
Eid al-Fitr holiday dates in the UAE have been announced in advance to allow travelers to plan ahead. For federal government employees, the public holiday is from Thursday 19 March to Sunday 22 March 2026. For private sector workers, the holiday runs from Thursday, March 19 to Saturday, March 21, with the possibility of being extended to Sunday, March 22, if Ramadan 1447 lasts for 30 days before the start of Eid al-Fitr.The final date of Eid al-Fitr will be confirmed by the UAE’s official moon viewing committee, as Eid celebrations are based on the appearance of the new crescent moon of Shawal. As this break is likely to fall on a weekend and extended annual leave can be taken advantage of, triple the holiday plus regular rest days make it an ideal time to explore nearby destinations, with Oman often being a top choice for road travelers.
Oman visa and border rules: what you need before driving
Passport and Emirates ID
To enter Oman by land, you must bring:
- A valid passport valid for at least six months.
- Valid Emirates ID or GCC Residency Card
These items are subject to inspection upon exit from the UAE and entry into Oman.
Visa requirements
Most UAE residents are eligible to obtain a visa on arrival at the Omani border, which is usually valid for up to 14 days and costs approximately 5 Omani riyals (approximately AED 47). If you plan to stay longer or are not eligible for a visa on arrival, you can apply for an e-visa in advance through Oman’s official e-visa portal, usually five working days before departure.For accurate eligibility details it is recommended to contact the Royal Oman Police (ROP) or the Omani Embassy as rules may vary depending on nationality.
Car insurance and the “Orange Card”
Vehicle insurance is a must. Even if your UAE insurance covers GCC travel, you may be required to provide specific Oman insurance at the border, often called an Orange Card. Here is a breakdown –
- Check your current policy: If it already includes Oman coverage, you’re all set.
- If needed, an orange card can be purchased at the border: This typically covers third-party liability and costs for at least five days and is approximately AED 106 (approximately Omani Rial 10).
If your current policy does not cover Oman, the Orange Card provides you with legal coverage for driving in Oman. Please note that the insurance that must be purchased at the border usually provides limited coverage, for wider protection you can arrange Oman coverage with your insurance company before leaving.
List of vehicle and driver documents
Before you go, make sure you have:
- Valid driving license
- Vehicle Registration Card (Mulkiya)
- Insurance certificate covering Oman
- Passport and Emirates ID
- If driving a borrowed, leased or financed vehicle, you do not need to obtain a Certificate of Objection (NOC). This information must be notarized and include chassis number, owner rights and ID details.
These checks help avoid delays at border controls and ensure your trip goes smoothly.
Best crossing points from UAE to Oman
There are several major road crossings popular with travelers –
- Ardara/El border post: Access to Musandam (a northern Oman enclave known for its fjord cruises and scenic cliffs).
- Dibba border: Connecting to the east side of Musandam via Fujairah.
- Katmat Miraha: main route to
Muscat and central Oman. - Hat border: Gateway to the southern and central regions of Oman.
- Meziad border (Al Ain): Common route to Salalah in southern Oman.
Each route meets a different travel goal, whether you’re heading for coastal adventure, mountain landscapes or urban exploration.
The secret to success Dubai Road trip to Muscat for Eid Al Fitr
- Plan around holiday traffic rushes: The Eid holiday often brings crowds at major border posts, especially early in the morning and late at night. Staggered travel can help reduce waiting times.
- Pack essentials: Food, water and first aid supplies are handy because some intersections are busy during the holiday traffic rush and essential services on both sides may be limited.
- exit
cost And fees: When leaving the UAE from the border gate, expect an exit fee of approximately AED 35. - Check out the latest travel updates: Rules may change based on diplomatic agreement or seasonal changes, so please verify visa details and insurance requirements before departure.
For many in the UAE, driving to Oman during Eid Al Fitr 2026 is not only a scenic getaway but also a practical holiday option that offers flexibility, affordability and unforgettable scenery without the need for flights or complicated travel plans. Whether it’s the rugged beauty of Musandam, the sandy beaches of the Empty Quarter, or the historic charm of Oman’s cities, a road trip offers adventure and cultural immersion.For most residents, the Eid al-Fitr 2026 holiday in the UAE is expected to be from March 19 to 22, providing an ideal four-day holiday window for travel. Citizens of most countries can apply for a visa on arrival at the Oman border, and e-visas can extend your stay. Car insurance (Orange Card) is essential for legal travel and can be purchased at the border. Bring all important documents, including licenses, registrations, ID cards and passports. Choose a crossing point based on your destination, whether it’s Musandam, Muscat, Salalah or other areas.
