Saudi Arabia Public Holidays
Saudi Arabia observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Overview
Saudi Arabia observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Some holidays are observed nationwide, while others may apply only to specific regions or communities.
Explore the holiday calendar for Saudi Arabia by year below.
2026 holidays
A quick look at upcoming holidays in Saudi Arabia.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 18 | Wednesday | Ramadan begins |
| Feb 22 | Sunday | Founding Day |
| Mar 11 | Wednesday | Flag Day |
| Mar 20 | Friday | Eid al-Fitr |
| Mar 20 | Friday | March Equinox |
| Mar 21 | Saturday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday |
| Mar 22 | Sunday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday |
| May 26 | Tuesday | Arafat Day |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha |
| May 28 | Thursday | Eid al-Adha Holiday |
| May 29 | Friday | Eid al-Adha Holiday |
| Jun 16 | Tuesday | Muharram (Muslim New Year) |
| Jun 21 | Sunday | June Solstice |
| Sep 23 | Wednesday | Saudi National Day |
| Sep 23 | Wednesday | September Equinox |
Holiday calendar by year
Years are listed in ascending order.
About public holidays in Saudi Arabia
This guide provides an overview of public holidays in Saudi Arabia for 2026. Holidays in Saudi Arabia are a mix of religious observances, national celebrations, and astronomical events. Some holidays, like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, are determined by the sighting of the moon and their exact dates can vary. You can find more information about the definition of public holidays on our public holidays explained page.
For a comprehensive list of all holidays in Saudi Arabia in 2026, including their specific dates, please visit our Saudi Arabia holidays 2026 page.
Major public holidays in 2026
In 2026, Saudi Arabia observes several significant public holidays. These include religious festivals, national days, and astronomical events. For a complete list, please refer to the Saudi Arabia holidays 2026 page.
- Founding Day — 22 February 2026. Commemorates the founding of the first Saudi state.
- Eid al-Fitr — 20 March 2026. Marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.
- Eid al-Adha — 27 May 2026. The Festival of Sacrifice, commemorating Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son.
- Saudi National Day — 23 September 2026. Celebrates the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Planning around holidays
When planning your activities in Saudi Arabia, it's important to note that holiday dates, especially those based on the lunar calendar, can shift. Many businesses and government offices may close or have reduced hours during major religious festivals like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Astronomical events like solstices and equinoxes are generally observed as calendar markers rather than public holidays.
- Lunar Calendar Influence: Major religious holidays follow the Islamic lunar calendar, meaning their Gregorian dates change annually. Always confirm the exact dates closer to the time.
- Eid Celebrations: The Eid holidays, both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, are typically accompanied by extended periods of celebration and closures.
- National Day Observance: Saudi National Day is a significant cultural event, often marked with public gatherings and festivities.
- Seasonal Markers: Astronomical events such as solstices and equinoxes occur predictably each year but do not typically result in public closures.
Plan Your Year Around SA Holidays
View Saudi Arabia holidays in calendar mode
Explore public holidays in a visual calendar layout and plan ahead more easily.