Saudi Arabia Public Holidays 2026 — Official Dates for Expats

Saudi Arabia has a mix of religious holidays (tied to the Islamic lunar calendar) and fixed national holidays. This guide lists all official public holidays for 2026, explains how they affect working hours, and covers what to expect as an expat during Eid, National Day, and Founding Day.

Highlights

★Saudi Arabia's Islamic holidays (Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha) are based on the lunar calendar and confirmed by moon sighting — exact dates are announced 1–2 days before the holiday.
★Founding Day (22 February) and National Day (23 September) are fixed-date public holidays — they fall on the same date every year.
★Ramadan is not a public holiday but significantly affects working hours — by law, working hours are reduced by 2 hours per day for all employees.
★During the Eid periods, most businesses in Saudi Arabia effectively shut down for a week — even if the minimum legal holiday is 4 days.
★Saudi Arabia's working week is officially Sunday–Thursday for most government and private sector employers, though some private companies have adopted Monday–Friday.
★Public holiday dates for Eid are approximate until confirmed by the Hilal (moon sighting) committee — plan travel with flexibility.

Quick Dates

Founding Day 202622 February 2026 — commemorates the founding of the First Saudi State in 1727. Official public holiday. Most government offices and many private sector companies are closed. Expect celebrations and events in major cities.

Eid Al-Fitr 2026 (approximate)Likely 20–22 March 2026 (exact dates confirmed by moon sighting). Official holiday is 4 days. Companies must grant at least 4 consecutive days off. Eid Al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan.

Eid Al-Adha 2026 (approximate)Likely 27–29 May 2026 (approximate — confirmed by moon sighting). Official holiday is 4 days. This is the larger of the two Eids — most businesses close for at least a week in practice, though the legal minimum is 4 days.

National Day 202623 September 2026 — commemorates the unification of Saudi Arabia in 1932. Major public holiday with widespread celebrations. All government offices and most businesses are closed. Expats should expect increased traffic and events in cities.

How many days off do I get during Eid?Saudi Labour Law guarantees a minimum of 4 days off for Eid Al-Fitr and 4 days for Eid Al-Adha. Many employers give more — check your employment contract. These are in addition to your annual leave entitlement, not deducted from it.

Does my employer have to give me all public holidays off?Yes — under Saudi Labour Law, employees are entitled to all official public holidays with full pay. If you are required to work on a public holiday, you are entitled to overtime pay (150% of your daily wage) or a compensatory day off.

Who Is This For?

Expats working in Saudi Arabia who need to plan around official public holidays, understand Eid dates, and know their legal entitlement to holiday time off.

Practical Tips

💡Book travel for Eid Al-Adha at least 6–8 weeks in advance — Saudi airports are extremely busy in the days before and after both Eid holidays. Prices spike sharply in the 2–3 weeks before the holiday.
💡Exact Eid dates are confirmed 1 day before the holiday — Saudi Arabian Airlines and most travel apps will show date ranges. Book flexible tickets or be prepared to adjust plans when the official moon sighting is announced.
💡Most malls, restaurants, and supermarkets remain open during public holidays in Saudi Arabia — the closures are primarily for government offices and some private businesses.
💡During Ramadan, expect reduced service hours at government offices, banks, and businesses — most open later (10am–2pm) and reopen in the evening after Iftar.
💡National Day (September 23) has become one of the biggest public celebrations in Saudi Arabia — major events, concerts, and fireworks are held across Riyadh, Jeddah, and other cities.
💡If your holiday falls on a Friday (the weekend), many employers give a compensatory weekday off — confirm your company policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Eid Al-Fitr 2026?

Eid Al-Fitr 2026 is expected to fall around 20–22 March 2026, marking the end of Ramadan 2026. The exact date is determined by moon sighting and officially announced by Saudi authorities on the 29th of Ramadan. The official public holiday period is 4 days. The actual market and workplace closure is often longer.

When is Eid Al-Adha 2026?

Eid Al-Adha 2026 is expected to fall around 27–29 May 2026. As with all Islamic holidays, the exact date depends on moon sighting and will be confirmed 1 day before. The legal holiday entitlement is 4 days. Many companies extend this to 7–10 days in practice.

When is Ramadan 2026?

Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin around 18–20 February 2026 (immediately after Founding Day, as Rajab 1447 falls in this period). Ramadan lasts approximately 29–30 days based on the lunar calendar. During Ramadan, working hours are legally reduced by 2 hours per day for all employees in Saudi Arabia.

What are the official Saudi public holidays for 2026?

The official Saudi public holidays for 2026 are: Founding Day (22 February), Eid Al-Fitr (approximately 20–24 March, 4 days), Eid Al-Adha (approximately 27–31 May, 4 days), and National Day (23 September). Total official holiday days: approximately 10 days per year, not counting Ramadan reduced-hours periods.

Do non-Muslim expats have to observe Ramadan restrictions?

Yes — eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited for everyone in Saudi Arabia during Ramadan, including non-Muslims. This is enforced. Restaurants and cafes close during the day and re-open after Iftar (sunset). You can eat and drink privately in your home or a private office during the day.

Is Founding Day a new holiday?

Yes — Founding Day (22 February) was established as an official public holiday in 2022. It commemorates the founding of the First Saudi State by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727 in Diriyah. It is now a fixed annual public holiday alongside National Day.

Can my employer make me work on a public holiday?

Employers can require employees to work on public holidays only if the nature of the work requires it (e.g., essential services, healthcare, hospitality). If required to work, Saudi Labour Law entitles you to overtime pay at 150% of your regular daily wage, or a compensatory rest day. Check your employment contract for specific provisions.