Saudi Arabia, a nation deeply aligned in Islamic heritage and cultural tradition, observes several public holidays each year. This schedule management influence work, employee leave planning, payroll, and organizational operations with HR software. These Public Holidays in Saudi Arabia reflect not just religious devotion but also encourage community bonding, reflection, and celebration.
From major Saudi Arabia public holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha to national celebrations like Founding Day and Saudi National Day, each holiday holds different historical and spiritual meaning. Let’s look at below given detailed explanation at Public Holidays in Saudi Arabia 2026 and what employees and employers should expect.
Official List of Public Holidays in Saudi Arabia 2026
Date | Day | Holiday |
22 February 2026 | Sunday | Founding Day |
11 March 2026 | Wednesday | Saudi Flag Day |
20 March – 23 March 2026 | Friday – Monday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday |
27 May – 30 May 2026 | Friday – Monday | Eid al-Adha Holiday |
23 September 2026 | Wednesday | Saudi National Day |
Note*
These saudi national holidays are recognized across public and private sectors and are considered official time off for workers in the Kingdom. These holidays are tentative dates that can be changed as per the moon sightings.
Important Holidays & Observances in Saudi Arabia in Detail
This section offers a deeper understanding of key national and religious holidays throughout 2026. It highlights Public Holidays in Saudi Arabia their cultural significance, historical context, and how they are observed across the Kingdom.
• Founding Day — 22 February 2026
Starting with Founding Day as a first public holidays in Saudi Arabia. This holiday honors the establishment of the first Saudi state back in 1727 marking the celebration of the Kingdom’s history and origins. This Saudi Arabian national holiday covers the heritage and the cultural events.
On this day, many organizations, business entities, and institutions remain closed in recognition of Founding Day. It is important to note that this holiday does not substitute Saudi Arabia’s National Day, which is celebrated every year on 23 September. Both occasions are officially observed as separate public holidays.
• Saudi Flag Day — 11 March 2026
In 2023, the calendar was updated to include this public holidays in Saudi Arabia to commemorate the Kingdom’s green flag bearing a sacred Islamic inscription. The flags proudly fly at schools and government entities. Educational programs highlight its significance. This is a national holiday in Saudi Arabia aimed to bolster their patriotism and respect for the flag. Flags have been raised in every corner of schools, ministries, and government buildings.
• Eid al-Fitr — 20 to 23 March 2026
Eid al-Fitr comes up as an public holidays in Saudi Arabia with the end of Ramadan and is one of the important culturally and spiritually important Saudi Arabia holidays. Traditions in this country include:
- Collective Eid prayers
- Visiting relatives
- Exchanging sweets and gifts
- Acts of charity
The public sector may receive extended leave — sometimes up to a full week — while the private sector typically grants 3–5 days off. This is one of the most important KSA public holiday periods each year.
• Eid al-Adha — 27 to 30 May 2026
Eid al-Adha also called the Festival of Sacrifice, this holiday aligns with Hajj and is considered one of the holiest Saudi public holidays. In this KSA public holiday families often perform livestock sacrifice, dividing the portions among themselves, neighbors, and those in need. Public employees with these public holidays in Saudi Arabia may receive up to a week or more of holiday leave, on the other hand private companies follow internal policy guidelines as mentioned in the company rule book.
• Saudi National Day — 23 September 2026
Saudi National Day holiday celebrates the definition of the unification of the Kingdom in 1932 with a landmark moment in national history. Buildings illuminate with green lights as fireworks decorate the skyline. This Saudi national day public holiday fosters national pride, unity, and recognition of Saudi Arabia’s new earned choices and rewards.
On this day, businesses, organizations, and educational institutions remain closed. While the first Saudi National Day celebration took place on September 23, 2015, the traditions and scale of festivities have expanded significantly since then. Today, the holiday is marked by grand parades, cultural performances, concerts, public events, and fireworks displays.
A Smarter Approach to Leave & Attendance
Difference Between Public & Private Sector Holiday Policies
Holiday duration with official holidays in Saudi Arabia varies slightly between Saudi Government holiday allowances and private company leave:
Public Sector
- Ministries and government offices often receive longer holiday breaks
- Eid holidays may extend up to 7–10 days
- Observes all official Saudi National holidays
Private Sector
- It follows the same set of holidays
- Leave might be slightly shorter but is still mandated by labor regulations
- Companies may provide flexible scheduling or additional compassionate leave during religious observances
Whether it’s a bank holiday in Saudi Arabia, a national day, or a religious celebration — both sectors respect the cultural and religious fabric of Saudi society.
Conclusion
The Public Holidays in Saudi Arabia 2026 web the nation’s deep respect for its spiritual legacy, culture and religious beliefs. From the vision of unity celebrated on Founding Day to the devotion observed during Eid al-Adha, all is done on the bigger note. Also, in addition along with patriotism of National Day, each holiday in Saudi Arabia allows individuals to rest and reconnect with what matters most — family, community, and faith.
By managing the work schedules responsibly and respecting these holidays, employers and employees can maintain a supportive, harmonious balance between work life and cultural observance throughout the year by correctly managing the leave management with the given numbers of holidays above.
In order to manage the leaves and attendance of employees in your organization you can make use of the Zimyo leave and attendance management system which simplifies your tasks and provides you extra time to focus on more strategic activities. Further, you can schedule a demo to streamline your HR tasks with Zimyo HRMS.
Leave & Attendance- Smarter, Faster, Better with Zimyo
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Eid al-Adha public Holiday in 2026 typically runs for about 3–4 days. The exact duration would depend on official government announcements.
Public Holidays in Saudi Arabia celebrates various religious and national holidays during the year. The number depends on the year and the sector, as in public or private including KSA bank holidays.
Eid al-Fitr 2026 is expected to last about 3–4 days. In the public sector, the Public holiday in Saudi Arabia period may be longer than in the private sector.
Saudi Arabia holiday Eid al-Fitr is expected at the end of March 2026. Eid al-Adha is expected in late May 2026, dates are subject to moon-sighting.
The total number of public holidays shown in 2026 is dependent on officially confirmed government dates and on lunar calendar adjustments. Holiday count will be finalized closer to the year.
