MUSCAT, 12 September 2026 – The Oman Ministry of Education has issued a formal clarification regarding its new morning orientation framework, confirming that school assemblies, the national anthem, and flag salutes will continue in all government and private schools. The Ministry addressed circulating social media rumors by emphasizing that these practices, along with Quranic recitations, national chants, and student participation, remain essential national and ethical constants.
Here are the key details you need to know:
- School assemblies, the national anthem, and flag salutes will continue in all government and private schools.
- The new framework introduces three distinct implementation models to improve school operations.
- A pilot program will be implemented in representative schools for the duration of the current semester.
- The 2026/27 academic year commenced on 6 September 2026, involving 876,117 students across 1,298 schools.
The new framework introduces
three distinct implementation models to improve school operations: a classroom-based morning orientation for smaller groups to mitigate heat and crowding; an integrated model combining classroom and yard activities; and a guided school assembly format that maintains traditional structures within organized time frames. These measures are designed to optimize pre-class time, enhance discipline, bolster national identity, and prioritize health and safety while protecting instructional time.
A
pilot program will be implemented in representative schools for the duration of the current semester. Following this period, the Ministry will refine the framework based on performance indicators and feedback from school administrators. For expatriate parents, the changes may impact school drop-off times and are applicable to international institutions, including Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Filipino schools, that follow Omani educational regulations. The shift to classroom-based starts during high-heat seasons is expected to reduce outdoor exposure for younger students.
The
2026/27 academic year, which commenced on 6 September 2026, involves 876,117 students across 1,298 schools, including 18 newly constructed facilities. This development follows a recent reminder from the Public Prosecution regarding Article 48, which governs student conduct, including social media usage and exam integrity. Additionally, local discourse on platforms like X has highlighted concerns regarding scheduling conflicts for working mothers, though the Ministry maintains that cultural and national programs remain intact. This information was verified via the Oman Ministry of Education and reporting by The Arabian Stories on 12 September 2026.
