Saudi Public Holidays & Working Week Explained 2026

Whether you're a new arrival or a long-time resident, understanding how the working week and public holidays are structured in Saudi Arabia helps you plan travel, business, and family life with confidence. The rhythm here follows a clear national pattern, with religious holidays that shift slightly each year This guide from سعودي ليفنج breaks down the standard week, key 2026 holidays, and how public and private sectors differ.

The standard Saudi working week

Across both the public and private sectors, the official working week runs from Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday as the weekend. This is worth remembering when scheduling appointments or coordinating with businesses abroad that follow a Monday-to-Friday week.

• Government ministries: Typical hours run roughly from 7:30–14:30 or 8:00–15:00, though each entity sets its own schedule under its regulations.
• Private sector: Working hours and shifts are defined in your employment contract under the Saudi Labor Law. Company-level rules and contracts are managed through قوى.

Core national public holidays in 2026

These holidays bring paid leave for all sectors. Dates tied to the lunar calendar (Eid and Arafat) remain tentative until confirmed by official moon-sighting.

• Saudi Founding Day: 22 February 2026 (Sunday) — a national holiday for all sectors.
• Eid al-Fitr: Main day 20 March 2026 (Friday), with associated holiday days spanning roughly 19–22 March (Thursday–Sunday), subject to moon-sighting.
• Arafat Day: 26 May 2026 (Tuesday) — a public holiday, tentative until lunar confirmation.
• Eid al-Adha: Main day 27 May 2026 (Wednesday), with associated days roughly 27–30 May (Wednesday–Saturday), subject to moon-sighting.
• Saudi National Day: 23 September 2026 (Wednesday) — a national holiday for all sectors.

Additional observances

Some dates are marked nationally but may or may not come with paid leave depending on your employer's policy:

• Saudi Flag Day: 11 March 2026 (Wednesday) — a national observance treated as a holiday or observance day depending on the sector.
• Start of Ramadan: 18 February 2026 (Wednesday) — a religious observance, not a standard paid public holiday.
• Islamic New Year (Muharram): 16 June 2026 (Tuesday) — a religious observance, not a core national paid holiday.

Public sector vs. private sector

The way holidays apply differs between the two sectors, so it's important to know which rules govern your role.

• Public sector: Holiday calendars are issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development through government circulars. Eid and Arafat dates are confirmed close to the time based on the lunar calendar.
• Private sector: Entitlements for Founding Day, National Day, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha are defined in the Labor Law and implemented through قوى for company policies, contracts, and compliance, alongside related MHRSD employment platforms.

For 2026 Eid al-Fitr, one official circular sets the private and non-profit sector holiday to begin at the end of the working day on Wednesday, 18 March 2026 (29 Ramadan 1447), for a period of four days.

How to plan around holiday dates

Because the Eid and Arafat holidays depend on the moon-sighting, exact start and end dates are often finalized only shortly before they arrive. Here's how to stay ahead:

• Confirm the official holiday period through the relevant ministry circulars and your HR department before booking flights.
• Private-sector employees should check company policy in قوى for the exact days granted.
• Expect government services and many businesses to close or reduce hours during Eid periods.
• Book travel early — Eid and National Day are peak periods for domestic and international flights.

Quick tips for residents and expats

• Handle government transactions on أبشر or مقيم well before a holiday, as processing may pause.
• Stock up on essentials before Eid, when store hours can shift.
• Coordinate international work calls around the Sunday–Thursday week to avoid missed connections.
• Always treat lunar-based dates as provisional until officially announced.

Knowing the working week and holiday calendar in advance makes life in the Kingdom far smoother. For the final word on any date, always confirm through the official Saudi government portals and your employer.

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