Whether you’re living in Saudi Arabia or just visiting, it’s important to note these holidays, as some local businesses may be closed. What’s more, it’s a great opportunity to explore the country’s traditions and culture in action.
Read on for Saudi Arabia’s public holidays and other important dates for your calendar.
- An overview of public holidays in Saudi Arabia
- When are Saudi Arabia’s public holidays in 2025?Other important dates in 2025
- Other important dates in 2025
- When are Saudi Arabia’s public holidays in 2026?Other important dates in 2026
- Other important dates in 2026
- When were Saudi Arabia’s public holidays in 2024?Other important dates in 2024
- Other important dates in 2024
- When are the school holidays in Saudi Arabia?
An overview of public holidays in Saudi Arabia
There are five official public holidays in Saudi Arabia. The most widely celebrated one is Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan. Expect to see fireworks displays, circuses, discount sales, and other events during the celebrations. Workers are entitled to leave for the entirety of the period, and families and friends meet up to exchange gifts.
While Friday is a rest day in Islam, Saudi Arabia does not carry over national holidays to the following Saturday.
There are plenty of other occasions to celebrate throughout the year, however. To find out more, visit our article on the best festivals in Saudi Arabia.
Ramadan: five tips to help you heed the holy fast
When are Saudi Arabia’s public holidays in 2025?
Some of these dates are subject to change since the Islamic holidays are based on the lunar calendar and moon sightings.
Date
Weekday
Holiday
22 February 2025
Sat
Saudi Founding Day
11 March 2025
Tue
Flag day
31 March, 3 April 2025
Mon–Thu
Eid al-Fitr
5 June 2025
Thu
Arafah Day
6–8 June 2025
Fri–Sun
Eid al-Adha
23 September 2025
Tue
Saudi National Day
Other important dates in 2025
Some of these dates are subject to change since the Islamic holidays are based on the lunar calendar and moon sightings.
Date
Weekday
Occasion
27 January 2025
Mon
Lailat al-Miraj (The Prophet’s Ascension)
1 March 2025
Sat
Start of Ramadan
21 March 2025
Fri
Mother’s Day
26–27 March 2025
Wed–Thu
Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power)
4–5 June 2025
Wed–Thu
Start of Hajj season
16 June 2025
Mon
Father’s Day
26 June 2025
Thu
Muharram (Islamic New Year)
When are Saudi Arabia’s public holidays in 2026?
Some of these dates are subject to change since the Islamic holidays are based on the lunar calendar and moon sightings.
Date
Weekday
Holiday
22 February 2026
Sun
Saudi Founding Day
20–22 March 2026
Fri–Sun
Eid al-Fitr
26 May 2026
Tue
Arafah Day
27–29 June 2026
Sat–Mon
Eid al-Adha
23 September 2026
Wed
Saudi National Day
Other important dates in 2026
Some of these dates are subject to change since the Islamic holidays are based on the lunar calendar and moon sightings.
Date
Weekday
Occasion
15–16 January 2026
Thu–Fri
Lailat al-Miraj (The Prophet’s Ascension) (tentative date)
18 February 2026
Wed
Start of Ramadan (tentative date)
11 March 2026
Wed
Flag day
21 March 2026
Sat
Mother’s Day
15–16 March 2026
Sun–Mon
Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power) (tentative date)
26 May 2026
Tue
Start of Hajj season (tentative date)
16 June 2026
Tue
Father’s Day
16 June 2026
Tue
Muharram (Islamic New Year) (tentative date)
When were Saudi Arabia’s public holidays in 2024?
Date
Weekday
Holiday
22 February 2024
Fri
Saudi Founding Day
9–13 April 2024
Tue–Sun
Eid al-Fitr
15 June 2024
Sat
Arafah Day
16–18 June 2024
Sun–Tue
Eid al-Adha
22–23 September 2024
Sun–Mon
Saudi National Day
Other important dates in 2024
Date
Weekday
Occasion
6–7 February 2024
Tue–Wed
Lailat al-Miraj (The Prophet’s Ascension)
11 March 2024
Mon
Flag day
11 March 2024
Mon
Start of Ramadan
21 March 2024
Thu
Mother’s Day
5 April 2024
Fri
Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power)
14 June 2024
Fri
Start of Hajj season
16 June 2024
Sun
Father’s Day
7 July 2024
Sun
Muharram (Islamic New Year)
When are the school holidays in Saudi Arabia?
Want to know when your children have a day off? Learn more by reading our article on school holidays in Saudi Arabia.
School holidays in Saudi Arabia
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the official public holidays in Saudi Arabia in 2025?
What is Eid al-Fitr and how is it celebrated in Saudi Arabia?
Does Saudi Arabia carry over public holidays to weekends?
When do schools close for holidays in Saudi Arabia?
From Amman, Jordan
| 
Living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Healthcare administrator specializing in hospital operations. Relocated from Amman to Riyadh in 2019 as part of Vision 2030 initiatives. I document the evolving expat experience in Saudi Arabia—from entertainment options to professional development opportunities for women in the Kingdom.
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