Public Holidays & Saudi Working Week Explained

Whether you have just arrived in the Kingdom or you have been here for years, understanding how the working week and public holidays operate is essential for planning everything from appointments to travel. Saudi Arabia has a clear rhythm to its calendar, shaped by the Islamic Hijri months for religious holidays and fixed Gregorian dates for national occasions. In this guide, سعودي ليفنج breaks down the standard working week, typical office hours, and the paid holidays you are entitled to as an employee.

The Saudi working week

The standard working week across both the public and private sectors runs from Sunday to Thursday. The weekend falls on Friday and Saturday, with Friday being the main day of rest and communal prayer.

This means that most offices, banks, and government departments are closed on Fridays and Saturdays. If you need to visit a ministry or complete an in-person transaction, plan for a weekday between Sunday and Thursday.

Typical office and government hours

Government offices generally follow a shorter day than many private companies. Typical official working hours are around 08:00–15:00 or 09:00–16:00, Sunday to Thursday, with all government offices closed over the weekend.

• Private-sector hours vary widely, and many businesses split the day into morning and evening shifts, especially in retail.
• During Ramadan, working hours are typically reduced for both sectors.
• Always confirm specific opening times before visiting, as they can differ by city and department.

Many routine tasks that once required a counter visit can now be done digitally through official Saudi government platforms such as أبشر and مقيم, which are available around the clock.

Your paid public holidays under the Labor Law

Under the Saudi Labor Law (Article 112), private-sector employees are entitled to a set of paid public holidays each year. The core entitlement adds up to 10 paid days annually, distributed as follows:

• Eid al-Fitr — 4 paid days, starting from the day after the 29th of Ramadan (according to the Umm al-Qura Hijri calendar).
• Eid al-Adha — 4 paid days, starting from Arafah Day (9 Dhul Hijjah).
• Saudi National Day — 23 September, 1 paid day.
• Saudi Founding Day — 22 February, 1 paid day.

Because the two Eids follow the Hijri lunar calendar, their Gregorian dates shift earlier each year and are confirmed close to the time based on the official moon sighting.

Public holidays in 2026

Here is how the main national holidays fall in 2026. Keep in mind that Eid dates are approximate until officially announced:

• Founding Day — Sunday 22 February 2026.
• Eid al-Fitr — central days around Friday 20 March 2026, with adjacent holiday days on Thursday 19 March, Saturday 21 March, and Sunday 22 March 2026 in many schedules.
• Arafat Day — Tuesday 26 May 2026.
• Eid al-Adha — Wednesday 27 May 2026, with the holiday commonly extended to Thursday 28 May and Friday 29 May 2026.
• Saudi National Day — Wednesday 23 September 2026.

Saudi Flag Day (Wednesday 11 March 2026) is listed as a national observance rather than a paid day off under Article 112, so it is not typically part of the statutory holiday set.

Government vs private-sector holidays

It is worth noting that the four days for each Eid are the legal minimum. In practice, Eid holidays for government employees are frequently longer than the four-day minimum, and official announcements often bridge nearby weekends to create an extended break.

Private-sector employers may choose to match the longer public-sector schedule, but they are only legally obliged to provide the minimum set out in the Labor Law. Check your employment contract and your company's HR policy to know exactly what applies to you.

Practical tips for planning around holidays

• Book flights and hotels early for Eid periods, as demand and prices peak sharply.
• Handle government paperwork well ahead of any holiday, since offices close and processing pauses.
• Confirm exact Eid dates once the official announcement is made, rather than relying only on advance calendars.
• Stock up on essentials before long breaks, though most supermarkets and delivery apps continue to operate.

With the working week and holiday calendar clear in your mind, you can plan appointments, travel, and family time with confidence throughout the year.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving