Saudi Arabia Public Holidays 2025-2026: Complete Calendar

Looking for Saudi Arabia’s holiday dates? Whether you’re planning time off work, booking travel, or just want to know when the next long weekend is, this guide has everything you need.

Since we’re already in November 2025, most of this year’s holidays have passed. The smart move now is looking ahead to 2026 so you can plan early and grab better flight deals before everyone else does.

Quick Overview: How Many Public Holidays?

Saudi Arabia observes approximately 11-13 public holidays per year, depending on the Islamic lunar calendar. Here’s what that includes:

• Fixed holidays: 2 days (Founding Day, National Day)
• Islamic holidays: 9-11 days (Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year, Prophet’s Birthday)

The exact number changes yearly because Islamic holidays follow the Hijri calendar, which shifts about 10-11 days earlier each Gregorian year.

You can check information about UAE public holidays.

2025 Holidays (What’s Already Happened)

Just for reference, here’s what we’ve already celebrated this year:

Founding Day – February 22, 2025
Eid Al Fitr – March 30 – April 2, 2025
Eid Al Adha – June 6-9, 2025
Arafat Day – June 5, 2025
Islamic New Year – June 27, 2025
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday – September 4, 2025
National Day – September 23, 2025

Now let’s focus on what matters most—planning for 2026.

Saudi Arabia Public Holidays 2026

1. Founding Day (Youm Al-Ta’asees)

Date: February 22, 2026 (Sunday)
Duration: 1 day
Sectors: Everyone (Public & Private)

Founding Day celebrates when Imam Muhammad bin Saud established the First Saudi State back in 1727. It’s a relatively new holiday—started in 2022—but has quickly become a big cultural event.

What happens: Cultural performances, traditional Saudi dress displays, historical exhibits in Diriyah, and lots of green decorations across cities.

Planning note: Falls on Sunday (already a weekend), so watch for any official announcements about compensation days.

2. Ramadan 2026

Expected Start: Late February 2026
Duration: 29-30 days
Not a holiday, but affects everything

Ramadan is the Islamic holy month of fasting. While it’s not technically a public holiday, it dramatically changes daily life in Saudi Arabia.

Working hours: Everyone works only 6 hours per day during Ramadan (this is law for both public and private sectors). Most offices run from 9 AM to 3 PM or 10 AM to 4 PM.

What you need to know:

• No eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours (yes, this applies to everyone including non-Muslims)
• Restaurants close until sunset
• Things get really busy right before Iftar (breaking the fast)
• Shops and malls stay open late into the night
• Government services are slower—plan accordingly

If you’re not Muslim: You’re not required to fast, but you must eat and drink privately. Most workplaces have designated areas, or you can eat in your office with the door closed.

3. Eid Al Fitr 2026

Expected Dates: Late March/Early April 2026
Duration: 4-5 days
Sectors: Everyone

Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is one of Islam’s biggest celebrations. The exact dates depend on moon sighting, with announcements usually coming 1-2 days before.

Official holidays: Typically the last day of Ramadan plus the first 3-4 days of the new month (Shawwal).

What to expect:

• Special morning prayers at mosques
• Family gatherings and big meals
• New clothes for everyone (especially kids)
• Children receive Eidiya (money gifts)
• Everyone visits relatives and friends

Travel warning: This is THE busiest time for travel. Flights get expensive and hotels book out months ahead. If you’re planning to travel, book everything at least 2-3 months early. Seriously—prices can double or triple if you wait.

Business impact: Most companies close for at least the first 2-3 days. Government offices are shut for the full duration. Essential services like hospitals and some restaurants stay open.

4. Eid Al Adha 2026

Expected Dates: Mid-June 2026
Duration: 4-5 days
Sectors: Everyone

Eid Al Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) is Islam’s holiest holiday. It coincides with Hajj pilgrimage and commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son.

Official holidays: Includes Arafat Day (day before Eid) plus the first 4 days of Eid—so you’re looking at 5 days total usually.

The Hajj factor: Millions of pilgrims are in Saudi Arabia during this time, especially in Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah. If you’re not performing Hajj, avoid these cities—they’re packed.

The sacrifice tradition: Families sacrifice a sheep, goat, or cow and distribute the meat to family, friends, and those in need. Many now use services that handle this and donate meat on their behalf.

Travel situation: Similar to Eid Al Fitr—expect high prices and crowds. But since it’s in June (summer), many families use this time to travel abroad to escape the Saudi heat. Popular destinations like Turkey, Egypt, and Europe see lots of Saudi tourists.

Weather warning: June means serious heat in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh and Jeddah can hit 45°C (113°F). If staying local, consider the southern highlands like Abha or Taif where it’s much cooler.

5. Saudi National Day

Date: September 23, 2026 (Wednesday)
Duration: 1 day (sometimes extended)
Sectors: Everyone

National Day celebrates the unification of Saudi Arabia by King Abdulaziz in 1932. It’s the biggest patriotic party of the year.

The celebration:

• Green flags absolutely everywhere—on buildings, cars, streets
• Massive fireworks displays in every major city
• Free concerts with Arab and international artists
• Air shows by the Saudi Hawks aerobatic team
• Special deals and sales at malls and restaurants
• Light shows on landmarks like Kingdom Tower

Where the action is:

• Riyadh: Boulevard Riyadh City, Diriyah
• Jeddah: Corniche, Historic Al-Balad
• Every city has local events

For expats: National Day is inclusive. Everyone living in Saudi Arabia joins the celebration. You’ll see people decorating their cars with flags, wearing green, and sharing in the pride. It’s a great cultural experience.

Quick weekend tip: Since it falls on Wednesday, take Thursday-Friday off and you’ve got a 4-day weekend (Wednesday through Saturday).

Understanding Moon Sighting and Date Changes

You’ve probably noticed “expected dates” mentioned for Islamic holidays. Here’s why:

The Hijri calendar is lunar-based. Each month starts when the new crescent moon is physically sighted. In Saudi Arabia, the Supreme Court confirms moon sightings based on reports from observers across the Kingdom.

What this means for you:

• Islamic holiday dates aren’t 100% confirmed until 1-2 days before
• They shift about 10-11 days earlier each year on the regular calendar
• This is why Ramadan and Eid dates change every year

How to stay updated:

• Saudi Press Agency (SPA)
• Ministry of Islamic Affairs on Twitter/X
• Local news channels
• Haramain app

Planning tip: When booking flights for Eid, choose flexible tickets or book with airlines that allow date changes. Most airlines understand this and offer flexibility around Islamic holidays.

Public Holidays: Private vs Government Sector

Here’s the law: All employees in Saudi Arabia—whether government or private sector—get the same public holidays with full pay. This is mandated by Saudi Labor Law.

Your rights if you work private sector:

• Same holidays as government employees
• Full pay during holidays
• If asked to work on a holiday, you get either a day off later OR overtime pay (150% of your normal rate)

If your employer doesn’t give you these holidays: That’s illegal. You can report them to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. File complaints through their website (hrsd.gov.sa) or call 19911.

Exception—Essential services: Some sectors must operate during holidays (hospitals, hotels, airports). If you work these and have to come in on a holiday, you MUST be compensated properly—either with a replacement day off or overtime pay.

School Holidays 2026

For parents coordinating family plans:

Winter Break: Late January to early February (about 10-14 days)

Spring Break: Late March to early April—usually overlaps with Eid Al Fitr (1-2 weeks)

Summer Holidays: Late June to late August (8-10 weeks)

Important note: These are approximate for Ministry of Education schools. International schools (British, American, IB) follow different calendars. Always confirm with your specific school.

Travel planning tip: Book summer trips early. With Eid Al Adha also in June/July and summer holidays coinciding, it’s peak travel season. Prices are highest, but if you book 3-4 months ahead, you’ll save significantly.

Making the Most of Your Holidays: Bridge Days

Want to maximize your time off? Use “bridge days”—strategic leave that connects weekends with public holidays.

Example for National Day 2026 (September 23, Wednesday):

• Take Thursday and Friday off = 4 days total (Wed-Sat)
• Cost: Only 2 vacation days
• Result: Perfect for a quick trip to Bahrain, Dubai, or a staycation

Pro tips:

• Submit leave requests early (first-come, first-served in most companies)
• Coordinate with your team for coverage
• For Eid holidays, consider taking the whole week—you’ll get 9-12 days off for just 3-4 vacation days

Travel Tips During Saudi Holidays

Busiest travel times:

1. Eid Al Fitr (absolute peak)
2. Eid Al Adha (second busiest)
3. Summer holidays (extended travel)
4. National Day long weekends

Booking strategy:

• Regular holidays: Book 6-8 weeks ahead
• Eid holidays: Book 10-14 weeks ahead
• Summer trips: Book 12-16 weeks ahead

Money-saving tips:

• Fly mid-week (Tuesday/Wednesday) instead of weekends
• Avoid traveling on exact Eid dates—go 2-3 days before or after
• Use price comparison sites: Skyscanner, Google Flights
• Check Saudia and Flynas directly (sometimes better deals)

Airport tips during Eid:

• Arrive 4 hours early for international flights
• Jeddah airport gets especially crowded
• Download your airline’s app for real-time updates
• King Fahd Causeway to Bahrain can have 2-4 hour waits

Tips for Expats Living in Saudi Arabia

During Ramadan:

• Don’t eat or drink in public during daylight
• Keep snacks in your office for private consumption
• Work hours are shorter (6 hours) for everyone
• Accept Iftar invitations—they’re wonderful cultural experiences

During Eid:

• Say “Eid Mubarak” to Muslim colleagues
• Accept greetings and small gifts graciously
• If invited to someone’s home, bring dates or chocolates
• It’s fine to join celebrations even if you’re not Muslim

During National Day:

• Participate! Decorate your car with Saudi flags
• Wear green if you have it
• Attend public events and fireworks
• It shows respect for your host country

Official Resources

Stay updated with reliable information:

Government sources:

• Ministry of Human Resources: hrsd.gov.sa
• Saudi Press Agency: spa.gov.sa
• Ministry of Islamic Affairs (Twitter/X)

News outlets:

• Arab News
• Saudi Gazette
• Al Arabiya English

Apps:

• Absher (government services)
• Haramain (prayer times, moon sighting)
• Qiwa (labor services)

Final Thoughts

Saudi Arabia’s holiday calendar offers generous time off, especially when you plan strategically. With 11-13 public holidays plus your annual leave, there are plenty of opportunities to travel, relax, and spend time with family.