Oman announces remote work, remote learning on March 24 due to severe weather

Authorities in Oman have announced remote learning and remote work measures in several governorates due to ongoing weather conditions linked to the Al-Masarrat trough, as heavy rains and valley flooding impact parts of the country.

The Ministry of Labour and vocational education authorities confirmed that in-person classes at vocational colleges will be suspended and shifted to remote learning in the governorates of North Al Batinah, Al Dhahirah, Al Buraimi, Muscat, and South Al Sharqiyah, with Dhofar excluded from the decision. The remote learning arrangement will be in place from March 24 to March 26, 2026.

The decision was taken based on information and weather risk assessments issued by the National Early Warning Center, which has been monitoring the weather system and associated risks, including heavy rainfall and flooding in valleys across several regions.

In a separate advisory, the Ministry of Labour announced that government entities and private sector companies may switch to remote work on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, provided the nature of work allows it and organisations have the necessary infrastructure in place. The remote work advisory applies to all governorates in the country except Al Wusta and Dhofar.

Authorities said the measures were introduced as a precaution to ensure public safety amid weather-related disruptions and flooding risks. 

"Due to the impacts associated with the weather conditions and the valley flooding occurring in some governorates of the Sultanate of Oman, and in the interest of everyone’s safety, the Ministry of Labour would like to inform that units of the State Administrative Apparatus and private sector establishments, where the nature of work allows and the necessary capabilities are available, may switch to remote work on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in all governorates of the Sultanate of Oman except Al Wusta and Dhofar. We pray to Almighty God to make it beneficial rains and a blessing for the country and its people.

The announcements reflect a growing reliance on remote work and e-learning as emergency response tools in the region during extreme weather events and infrastructure disruptions.