Public Holidays in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia follows both the Gregorian and Hijri calendars to determine official holidays. This guide covers all official religious and national holidays, sector differences, and planning tips.
Key Facts at a Glance
Most religious holidays shift every year due to moon sighting. Islamic dates may change by 1–2 days depending on official announcements.
- Total official holidays: 4
- Total days off (approx.): 13–15 days
- Weekend: Friday & Saturday
- Calendar system: Hijri + Gregorian
- Authority responsible: Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development
Complete List of Official Holidays
| Holiday | Date | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founding Day | February 22 | 1 day | National |
| Eid al-Fitr | March 20–23 (approx.) | 4+ days | Religious |
| Eid al-Adha | May 27–31 (approx.) | 4+ days | Religious |
| National Day | September 23 | 1 day | National |
Religious Holidays
Expected: March 20–23
Marks the end of Ramadan fasting. One of the most important celebrations.
- Special Eid prayers
- Family gatherings & traditional meals
- Charity & gift giving
- Nationwide closures
Expected: May 27–31
Coincides with the annual pilgrimage (Hajj) season.
- Ritual sacrifice (Qurbani)
- Distribution of meat to the needy
- Extended holiday travel peak
National Holidays
Date: February 22
Marks the establishment of the first Saudi state in the 18th century.
- Cultural and historical events
- Traditional heritage displays
- Public festivals
Date: September 23
Celebrates the unification of the country in 1932.
- Fireworks in major cities
- Cultural shows and concerts
- Street decorations in national colors
Private Sector vs Public Sector Holidays
Private employees and government employees may receive different holiday durations. Private sector employees are legally entitled to paid public holidays under labor regulations.
| Holiday Type | Private Sector | Government Sector |
|---|---|---|
| Eid holidays | Minimum 4 days | Extended (often 7–10+ days) |
| Founding Day | 1 day | 1 day |
| National Day | 1 day | 1 day |
Planning Tips
For Employees
- Apply for leave early around Eid periods
- Combine weekends for longer breaks
- Monitor official announcements for exact dates
For Businesses
- Plan deadlines outside Eid periods
- Prepare for reduced operations during holidays
- Update working hours in advance
For Travelers
- Book early during Eid seasons
- Expect high travel demand inside the country
- Avoid peak travel near pilgrimage periods