At a glance · 2026 · Calendar · 2027 · Occasions · Effects · Checklist · Official dates · Not holidays · FAQs
Saudi Arabia observes national and religious holidays throughout the year. These occasions affect business operations, government services, banking, travel and family plans. Knowing when holidays fall can help residents, visitors and employers prepare in advance.
This guide explains the main public holidays in Saudi Arabia, the meaning behind each occasion, and how employees and businesses can plan around holiday closures in 2026 and 2027.
Saudi Arabia Public Holidays at a Glance
Saudi Arabia recognises four main public holiday occasions under its general labour rules.
| Public holiday | Usual date or timing | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Founding Day | February 22 | Commemorates the establishment of the first Saudi state |
| Eid Al Fitr | After Ramadan | Marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan |
| Eid Al Adha | During the Hajj season | Marks the Islamic festival associated with sacrifice |
| Saudi National Day | September 23 | Celebrates the unification of Saudi Arabia |
The duration of time off depends on the applicable rules and the type of employer. Banks and financial institutions may follow separate schedules. Employees should confirm their dates with their employer before making travel or leave arrangements.
Public Holidays in Saudi Arabia in 2026
The following dates cover the main national occasions and the expected timing of Islamic holidays. Eid dates can change following official announcements.
| Holiday | Date in 2026 | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Founding Day | February 22 | Sunday |
| Eid Al Fitr | March, subject to official confirmation | To be confirmed |
| Eid Al Adha | May, subject to official confirmation | To be confirmed |
| Saudi National Day | September 23 | Wednesday |
For Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, check the official holiday announcement for your employment sector. The dates shown in religious calendars may differ from the actual leave period announced for your workplace.
Saudi Arabia Holiday Calendar 2026
The calendar below marks every day off in 2026. Click any navy date to see the occasion. Fridays and Saturdays are shaded as weekends, since the Saudi workweek runs Sunday to Thursday.
Public holiday Weekend (Friday and Saturday) Today
Public Holidays in Saudi Arabia in 2027
Employees and businesses can use the following dates to start planning for 2027. Islamic holiday dates remain subject to official confirmation.
| Holiday | Date in 2027 | Planning status |
|---|---|---|
| Founding Day | February 22 | Fixed annual date |
| Eid Al Fitr | Expected in March | Subject to confirmation |
| Eid Al Adha | Expected in May | Subject to confirmation |
| Saudi National Day | September 23 | Fixed annual date |
Employers should update internal calendars when the relevant authorities announce the final Eid holiday periods. Travellers should also check their airline, hotel and transport arrangements before booking around these dates.
What Each Public Holiday Means
Founding Day
Saudi Founding Day takes place on February 22 each year. It honours the establishment of the first Saudi state in 1727 under Imam Muhammad bin Saud.
The occasion highlights the Kingdom's history, cultural roots and national identity. Celebrations may include heritage activities, traditional clothing, cultural displays and events that showcase Saudi traditions.
Eid Al Fitr
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. Families and communities celebrate with prayers, meals, visits and charitable giving.
Businesses should prepare for changes in staffing and customer activity during this period. Employees planning trips or family gatherings should confirm their approved leave dates because banks, private companies and public offices may follow different schedules.
Eid Al Adha
Eid Al Adha takes place during the annual Hajj season. It is associated with the story of Prophet Ibrahim and the values of faith, generosity and sacrifice.
The holiday brings family gatherings, prayers and charitable activities. Since the occasion overlaps with a busy travel period, people visiting or travelling within Saudi Arabia should plan transport and accommodation early.
Arafat Day falls on Tuesday 26 May 2026, the day before Eid Al Adha. It marks the pinnacle of the Hajj pilgrimage, when pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat, and it opens the Eid Al Adha break. Private sector staff get four days off in total, from Arafat Day through Eid Al Adha.
Saudi National Day
Saudi National Day falls on September 23 every year. It marks the unification of the Kingdom in 1932 under King Abdulaziz.
The day is celebrated with national events, cultural programmes, public displays and entertainment activities. Businesses can use the occasion to plan staff leave, customer communications and any changes to their operating hours.
How Public Holidays Affect Employees and Businesses
Public holidays can affect more than office opening hours. Employers should account for the following areas when preparing their annual plans.
Payroll and payments: Check bank holiday schedules before setting salary transfers, supplier payments and other time sensitive transactions.
Staffing: Review shift schedules and confirm which teams need to remain available during holiday periods.
Customer service: Inform customers about changes to working hours, delivery schedules and response times.
Travel planning: Confirm approved leave dates before booking flights or accommodation, especially around Eid.
Project deadlines: Adjust delivery dates and meeting schedules to account for reduced staffing and business closures.
School and family arrangements: Check the academic calendar separately because school breaks may not match workplace holidays.
Payroll and operations checklist
This checklist is for employers and operations leads. It covers the things that go wrong around Saudi holidays when teams plan from the wrong calendar.
Operations checklist
How to Check Official Holiday Dates
Use the following sources to confirm the dates that apply to you:
- Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development for labour rules and private sector holiday announcements.
- Saudi Central Bank for financial institution holiday schedules.
- Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs for information about Founding Day and National Day.
Always check the latest official announcement before confirming leave, payroll dates or travel plans.
Dates That Are Not Public Holidays
These dates often appear in holiday roundups, but they are not statutory paid holidays in Saudi Arabia.
Flag Day, 11 March. Flag Day honours the Saudi flag and is marked with ceremonies and displays. It is an observance, not a paid holiday, so offices stay open.
Islamic New Year, around 16 June 2026. The Hijri New Year is not one of the four statutory occasions. Some government departments may observe it, but private sector staff should not count on a day off.
Prophet's Birthday. The Prophet's Birthday is not a statutory public holiday in Saudi Arabia, even though some regional roundups list it.
Gregorian New Year, 1 January. January 1 is not a public holiday in Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom's holiday calendar runs on the four occasions above, so New Year brings no day off.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many main public holidays does Saudi Arabia have?
Saudi Arabia has four main public holiday occasions under its general labour rules: Founding Day, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha and National Day. The number of days off varies by occasion and employment sector.
Are public holidays the same for private companies and banks?
No. Banks and financial institutions can follow schedules issued by the Saudi Central Bank, while private employers follow the applicable labour rules and official announcements. Government entities may also issue their own schedules.
When is Saudi Founding Day in 2027?
Founding Day falls on February 22 every year. In 2027, it falls on a Monday.
When is Saudi National Day in 2027?
Saudi National Day falls on September 23 every year. In 2027, it falls on a Thursday.
Are Eid holiday dates fixed in advance?
The expected dates can be estimated using the Islamic calendar, but the final dates depend on the relevant official announcements. Check the confirmed holiday period before making firm plans.
Do expatriate employees receive public holidays in Saudi Arabia?
Public holiday entitlements generally apply to eligible employees regardless of nationality. Employees should check the applicable labour rules and their employment arrangements for their specific circumstances.
Do school holidays follow the public holiday calendar?
Not always. Schools follow the education calendar, which includes term breaks and other dates that may differ from workplace holidays. Parents should check the relevant school calendar when planning family travel.
Is Arafat Day a public holiday in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Arafat Day on Tuesday 26 May 2026 opens the Eid Al Adha break. Together with Eid Al Adha, it gives private sector staff four days off, from Tuesday 26 May to Friday 29 May.
Is January 1 a public holiday in Saudi Arabia?
No. January 1 is not a public holiday in Saudi Arabia, and the Islamic New Year is not a statutory holiday either. The four statutory occasions are Founding Day, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha and National Day.
Plan Ahead for Saudi Arabia's Public Holidays
A reliable holiday calendar helps employees organise their time off and helps businesses maintain smooth operations. Check the dates that apply to your sector, confirm official announcements and update your plans when the authorities release new information.
For 2027, treat Islamic holiday dates as provisional until the relevant authorities confirm them. Rechecking the calendar before arranging travel, payroll or staffing can help prevent avoidable delays and scheduling problems.
