Public Holidays & the Saudi Working Week Explained

Whether you have just moved to the Kingdom or you have lived here for years, understanding how the Saudi working week and public holidays fit together makes planning your work, travel, and family time far easier. At سعودي ليفنج we have put together this practical guide covering the weekend, the standard working week, official public holidays in 2026, and the rules around daily and Ramadan working hours.

The Saudi weekend and working week

In Saudi Arabia the official weekend falls on Friday and Saturday. Most government offices, schools, and many private companies are closed on these two days.

The standard working week therefore runs from Sunday to Thursday. When you schedule appointments, courier deliveries, bank transfers, or government transactions through portals such as أبشر or ناجز, it is best to plan around this Sunday-to-Thursday rhythm, since processing and support are strongest on working days.

Public holidays in 2026

Saudi Arabia observes a mix of national and religious holidays. For 2026, the official occasions are:

• Founding Day — 22 February
• Eid al-Fitr break — 20 to 23 March
• Arafat Day — 26 May
• Eid al-Adha break — 27 to 30 May
• National Day — 23 September

Founding Day on 22 February is a current official holiday marking the Kingdom's historical roots. Note that Flag Day on 11 March is not listed among the public holidays, so it is a normal working day.

Religious holidays and shifting dates

The Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha breaks, along with Arafat Day, follow the Islamic lunar calendar. This means their dates move earlier each year compared with the Gregorian calendar. The exact start and end of each Eid break can be confirmed closer to the time, as it depends on the official moon sighting. If you are planning flights or travel around these periods, book early, since demand and prices tend to rise sharply.

Private-sector holiday entitlement

For 2026, private-sector employees are entitled to a minimum of 10 days in total across the official occasions listed above. Employers may grant more, and specific arrangements can vary by company policy and contract.

• Holidays that fall on the weekend may be compensated with an alternative day off, depending on the rules applied by your employer.
• Your employment contract and company handbook will confirm exactly how holidays and any additional leave are handled.

If you have questions about your entitlements, you can review your labour details and contract information through official channels such as قوى.

Standard daily and weekly working hours

Under the standard rules, regular working time is set at:

• 8 hours per day, normally
• 48 hours per week, normally

These figures represent the usual maximum for a standard schedule. Actual daily hours can be arranged within these limits, and roles that require additional time may fall under overtime rules defined by the employer and the labour framework.

Working hours during Ramadan

During the holy month of Ramadan, working hours are reduced for Muslim employees to:

• 6 hours per day, normally
• 36 hours per week, normally

This reduction reflects the fasting month and helps employees balance work with worship and family time. Many businesses also adjust their opening and closing times during Ramadan, so it is worth checking updated schedules for offices, shops, and government service centres.

Practical tips for planning your year

• Map the 2026 holidays against your work calendar early so you can plan trips and family visits.
• Handle time-sensitive government or banking tasks on working days, Sunday to Thursday.
• Book travel well ahead of the Eid breaks, when demand peaks.
• Confirm exact Eid dates closer to the time, as they follow the lunar calendar.
• Always verify the latest official details and any updates through the relevant Saudi government portal.

With a clear picture of the weekend, the working week, holiday entitlements, and Ramadan hours, you can organise your year confidently. Keep this guide handy and check official portals for any updates before making firm plans.

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