Saudi Public Holidays & Working Week Explained

Understanding how the working week is structured in Saudi Arabia—and when the country pauses for public holidays—is one of the first practical things every resident and newcomer should know. Whether you are planning travel, scheduling meetings, or simply trying to sync your routine with local life, this guide from سعودي ليفنج breaks down the standard working week, weekends, working hours, and the key public holidays for 2026.

The Saudi Working Week

The official working week in Saudi Arabia 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 Thursday evening is effectively the start of the weekend for most people, and Sunday is the first working day—something worth remembering if you are used to a Monday-to-Friday rhythm.

• Working days: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
• Weekend: Friday and Saturday

Standard Working Hours

Under Saudi Labour Law, standard working time is capped at a maximum of 48 hours per week. During the holy month of Ramadan, working hours are reduced to a maximum of 36 hours per week for Muslim employees. Many workplaces adjust their daily schedules during Ramadan, so it is always worth confirming exact timings with your employer or through your employment record on قوى.

Public Holidays in 2026

Saudi Arabia observes both national and religious holidays. National holidays follow fixed Gregorian dates, while religious holidays move each year because they depend on the lunar calendar and official announcements. Here are the key dates for 2026:

• Founding Day: Sunday, 22 February 2026 — an official holiday across the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
• Eid al-Fitr: For the private and non-profit sectors, the holiday begins after work on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, and lasts four days; work resumes according to your employer’s schedule.
• Arafat Day: Tuesday, 26 May 2026.
• Eid al-Adha: Wednesday to Friday, 27–29 May 2026. The official Eid break may include additional days under the applicable sector rules.
• Saudi National Day: Wednesday, 23 September 2026 — an official holiday for the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

Why Eid Dates Can Shift

Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are tied to the sighting and official determination of the lunar calendar. As a result, the exact dates may be confirmed or adjusted through official announcements closer to the time. If you are booking flights or arranging leave around these periods, keep some flexibility and watch for the final confirmations before finalising plans.

Working During a Holiday and Your Rights

If your role requires you to work during a statutory public holiday, Saudi Labour Law generally entitles you to compensation. This may take the form of overtime treatment or a compensatory day off, depending on your sector and employment terms. If you have questions about how a holiday applies to your contract, your official employment details and records can be reviewed through قوى.

Where to Confirm Official Announcements

Public holidays and the working week do not involve any fees, applications, or validity periods—they are simply part of the national calendar. Official holiday announcements are issued through the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the relevant government-sector authorities. For employment matters, قوى is the main channel, while resident and government-service tasks are handled through أبشر or مقيم where applicable.

• Employment records and holiday queries: قوى
• Resident and government services: أبشر / مقيم
• Official holiday announcements: Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development

A good rule of thumb: mark the fixed national dates in your calendar early, and always confirm religious holiday dates through official channels once they are announced.

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