Saudi Public Holidays & Working Week Explained

Whether you have just arrived in the Kingdom or you have been here for years, understanding how the Saudi calendar works is one of the most useful things you can do. The rhythm of the working week and the timing of public holidays shape everything from booking flights and planning trips to knowing when banks and government offices will be closed. In this guide from سعودي ليفنج, we break down the Saudi working week, walk you through the main public holidays in 2026, and share practical tips for planning around them.

The Saudi working week at a glance

The standard working week in Saudi Arabia runs from Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday forming the weekend. This is a helpful adjustment to make early on, especially if you have come from a country with a Monday-to-Friday week.

• Sunday is the first working day, so it is the busiest for emails, meetings and appointments.
• Thursday is the last working day, and many offices wind down earlier in the afternoon.
• Friday is the main day of rest and congregational prayer; expect many businesses to open later or stay closed during midday prayer times.
• Saturday is a full weekend day and is popular for shopping, family outings and leisure.

Working hours vary by sector. Government offices generally keep standard daytime hours, while retail, malls and restaurants often stay open late into the evening. During the holy month of Ramadan, working hours are typically shortened.

Public holidays in 2026

Saudi Arabia observes a mix of national and religious holidays. The main public holidays recognised in the 2026 calendar are Founding Day, Eid al-Fitr, Arafat Day, Eid al-Adha and Saudi National Day. Here is how they fall in 2026:

• Founding Day – 22 February 2026 (Sunday): A national day marking the historical roots of the Saudi state.
• Eid al-Fitr – around 20–22 March 2026: Marking the end of Ramadan. Some calendars also list an additional day on 19 March, as the exact dates depend on the moon sighting.
• Arafat Day – 26 May 2026 (Tuesday): The day of standing at Arafat during Hajj.
• Eid al-Adha – around 27–29 May 2026: The festival of sacrifice, immediately following Arafat Day. Some calendars extend the break to 30 May.
• Saudi National Day – 23 September 2026 (Wednesday): Celebrating the unification of the Kingdom, marked with festivities across the country.

You may also see Saudi Flag Day (11 March 2026) listed as an official observance rather than a day off work.

Why some dates move

Religious holidays such as Eid al-Fitr, Arafat Day and Eid al-Adha follow the Islamic lunar calendar and depend on the sighting of the moon. This means the exact start dates and the number of days off are confirmed only close to the time. It is common for the private and public sectors to announce their specific holiday schedules a little in advance, and the number of days can vary between them. Always treat printed calendar dates as a strong estimate rather than a guarantee.

How to plan around the holidays

A little planning goes a long way, especially around the two Eids when travel demand peaks.

• Book flights early: Eid periods and National Day are among the busiest travel windows, so airfares rise and seats sell out fast.
• Handle government tasks in advance: Ministries and licensing offices close during official holidays, so complete anything time-sensitive on أبشر or the relevant portal beforehand.
• Check bank timing: Financial-sector working hours and holiday schedules are published through the Saudi Central Bank, so confirm branch hours before visiting.
• Stock up before Eid: Many shops reduce hours or close on the first day of Eid, though malls and restaurants usually reopen quickly.

Confirming the official dates

Because Eid and Hajj-related dates depend on the lunar sighting, the safest approach is to confirm the exact days through official channels before you commit to travel or leave requests. Employers typically circulate the finalised holiday schedule once it is announced, and government services publish their opening hours on their own portals. When in doubt, verify on the relevant official Saudi platform rather than relying on a fixed calendar printed months earlier.

Quick takeaways

• The working week is Sunday to Thursday; the weekend is Friday and Saturday.
• The five main 2026 public holidays are Founding Day, Eid al-Fitr, Arafat Day, Eid al-Adha and National Day.
• Fixed national dates (Founding Day, National Day) are reliable; Eid dates shift with the moon.
• Plan travel and government errands early, and always confirm final dates officially.

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