Saudi Public Holidays & Working Week Explained

Whether you're new to the Kingdom or have lived here for years, understanding how the Saudi working week is organized and when the country pauses for national and religious holidays makes planning your work, travel, and family time far easier. This guide from سعودي ليفنج breaks down the standard working week, legal working hours, Ramadan adjustments, and the main paid public holidays — including the confirmed 2026 dates.

The Saudi working week at a glance

For most government offices and private-sector office roles, the working week runs from Sunday to Thursday. The weekend falls on Friday and Saturday, with Friday holding special significance as the day of congregational prayer. If you're coordinating with contacts abroad, keep in mind that this weekend structure means the Kingdom shares only part of its working week with countries that rest on Saturday and Sunday.

Standard working hours

Under the labor framework, the usual legal maximum is:

• 8 hours per day
• 48 hours per week

Actual daily schedules vary by employer and sector — some offices split the day into morning and evening shifts, while others run a single continuous shift. Your employment contract and company policy will spell out your exact hours, so it's worth confirming these when you start a new role.

Reduced hours during Ramadan

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

• 6 hours per day
• 36 hours per week

This reduction reflects the demands of fasting and is a well-established part of the working calendar. Many businesses also adjust their opening and closing times during Ramadan, so expect shifted schedules across shops, banks, and government service centers throughout the month.

The main paid public holidays

The Kingdom observes several nationwide paid holidays that combine national commemorations with the two major Islamic Eids:

• Founding Day — 22 February, marking the establishment of the first Saudi state.
• Eid al-Fitr — celebrating the end of Ramadan.
• Eid al-Adha, including Arafat Day — tied to the Hajj season.
• Saudi National Day — 23 September.

Founding Day is a relatively recent addition, introduced as an official public holiday in 2022. It sits alongside National Day as one of the two fixed calendar-date national holidays, while the Eid holidays follow the Islamic lunar calendar and therefore shift each year.

Confirmed 2026 holiday dates

Here's how the main holidays fall in 2026:

• Founding Day: 22 February 2026 (1 day)
• Eid al-Fitr: 20–22 March 2026 (3 days in the 2026 calendar listing)
• Arafat Day: 26 May 2026, followed by Eid al-Adha: 27–29 May 2026 (4 days combined in the 2026 calendar listing)
• Saudi National Day: 23 September 2026 (1 day)

Because the Eid dates depend on moon sighting, the exact days can shift slightly. Official confirmation is typically announced closer to each Eid, so treat the dates above as the planned calendar and check for any final announcements before booking non-refundable travel.

What about Flag Day?

You may see 11 March marked as Flag Day in some 2026 calendars. However, it is not part of the standard set of paid public holidays under the labor-law holiday framework, so it does not automatically mean a day off work. It's a commemorative date rather than a guaranteed rest day.

Practical tips for residents

• Eid holidays are the busiest travel periods — flights and hotels fill up early, so plan ahead.
• Government service centers and many businesses close or run reduced hours during Eid, so complete essential paperwork beforehand.
• Private-sector holiday timing can vary slightly by employer; confirm your official days off with HR.
• For the final, official dates of the Eid holidays and any calendar changes, always check the relevant official Saudi government portal.

Knowing the rhythm of the working week and the holiday calendar helps you settle into life in the Kingdom, coordinate with colleagues at home and abroad, and make the most of the long weekends the year offers.

---

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