Saudi Public Holidays & Working Week Explained

Whether you're new to the Kingdom or have lived here for years, understanding the Saudi working week and the calendar of paid public holidays helps you plan travel, family time, and business schedules with confidence. In this Saudi Living guide we break down the standard workweek, typical office hours, and the statutory public holidays — including the key 2026 dates — so you know exactly what to expect.

The Saudi working week at a glance

Across most public and private sector employers, the standard working week runs from Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday forming the weekend. Friday holds special significance as the main day of congregational prayer, and it is the most common day for family gatherings and rest.

Some employers — particularly in retail, hospitality, healthcare, and shift-based industries — operate on rotating schedules, so your personal rest days may differ. If your weekly day off is not Friday, you're still entitled to the same official national holidays; your employer simply adjusts how they apply to your schedule.

Typical working hours

Most office employees work around 8 hours per day. Common arrangements include:

• 08:00–16:00 — popular with government-aligned and corporate offices.
• 09:00–17:00 — common in private companies and multinational firms.

Hours vary by sector and employer, and many workplaces shorten the day during Ramadan. Always confirm your exact schedule in your employment contract or with your HR team.

The statutory public holidays

Under the Saudi Labor Law, private-sector employees are entitled to 10 paid public holiday days per year, split across four occasions:

• Founding Day — 1 paid day on 22 February, marking the Kingdom's historic roots.
• Eid al-Fitr — 4 paid days starting the day after 29 Ramadan, based on the Umm al-Qura calendar.
• Eid al-Adha (including Arafat Day) — 4 paid days beginning on 9 Dhu al-Hijjah (Arafat Day).
• Saudi National Day — 1 paid day on 23 September.

Founding Day has been an official national holiday since 2022 and remains in place for 2026.

Public holidays in 2026

Here are the main nationwide dates to plan around for 2026. Note that Eid dates are tied to the Islamic lunar calendar, so exact Gregorian days may shift by a day depending on the official Umm al-Qura announcement and moon sighting:

• Founding Day: Sunday 22 February 2026.
• Eid al-Fitr period: approximately Friday 20 March to Sunday 22 March 2026.
• Arafat Day: Tuesday 26 May 2026.
• Eid al-Adha period: around Wednesday 27 May to Friday 29 May 2026.
• Saudi National Day: Wednesday 23 September 2026.

If a fixed-date holiday such as National Day falls on the weekend, a replacement day is usually announced by the competent authority.

Public sector vs private sector

Government entities frequently grant longer Eid breaks than the Labor Law minimum, and detailed schedules are published ahead of each Hijri year by the competent authorities. Private employers may follow a similar generous approach or stick closer to the statutory entitlement, so extended Eid holidays can vary between organizations.

Pay, overtime, and your rights

Public holidays are generally treated as fully paid leave and are not deducted from your annual leave balance. Key points to keep in mind:

• If you're required to work on a public holiday, you're typically entitled to overtime pay or time off in lieu.
• Employees on non-Friday rest days still receive the same official holidays, adjusted by employer policy.
• Exact Hijri-to-Gregorian conversions and final holiday confirmations are published by official Saudi government platforms and ministries.

Plan ahead with confidence

Because Eid dates depend on the lunar calendar, treat early Gregorian estimates as approximate until the official announcement. For flights, hotels, and family visits, it's wise to book flexible options where possible. Always confirm the final dates and any replacement days through the relevant official Saudi government channels, and check your specific entitlements with your employer's HR department.

---

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