Renaissance Day holiday announced
Eastern giants would put paid to weeks of speculation on part of Al Habsi, who currently plays for Reading in the English Championship, and also captains the to cope if you and he are parted,” exclaimed Leslie Land, a staunch Reading supporter, even as Abdulaziz Al Saleh said, “Welcome grand keeper to the stronghold of the leaders.”
Should he complete his move back to the Middle East, it would mean the end of Al Habsi’s 11-year stint in England. He joined Bolton Wanderers from Norwegian club Lyn Oslo in 2006, before jumping ship to Wigan Athletic, winning the FA Cup with them in 2012.
He signed on with Reading, managed by former Manchester United and Ajax legend Jaap Stam, in 2015, and came within a hair’s breadth of returning to the Premier League, as the Royals beat Fulham 2-1 on aggregate in the Championship Play Offs before losing 5-4 to Huddersfield Town on penalties in the final.
There are personal memories, which have also attracted Al Habsi to Saudi Arabia: he was in goal when Oman beat Saudi Arabia 6-5 on penalties in the 2009 Gulf Cup Final, the Sultanate’s first regional triumph, which took place at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat. MUSCAT: Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court and Chairman of the Civil Service Council issued a decision yesterday declaring that Sunday, 28 Shawwal 1438 AH corresponding to July 23, will be an official holiday for employees at ministries, public authorities and other departments of the state’s administrative apparatus on the occasion of July 23rd Blessed Renaissance Day.
The minister extended heartfelt congratulations to His Majesty the Sultan on this glorious occasion, praying to Allah the Almighty to protect His Majesty, grant him good health, happiness and a long life and for the return of this and similar occasions on His Majesty for many years to come, the Omani people and our dear country further progress and welfare under his wise leadership.
It was also decided that Sunday, July 23 will be an official holiday for employees of private sector firms and establishments, according to a decision by Sheikh Abdullah bin Nassir Al Bakri, Minister of Manpower.
The decision allowed employers and employees to agree on work arrangements during the holiday if necessity arises. Employees whose weekly-off coincides with the holiday of the aforesaid occasion must be compensated.