Saudi Public Holidays & Working Week 2026 Guide

Understanding the rhythm of the working week and the calendar of public holidays is one of the first things that helps you settle into life in Saudi Arabia. Whether you are a new arrival, a long-term resident, or planning a business trip, knowing when offices close, when the weekend falls, and how many paid days you are entitled to makes a real difference to your planning. This Saudi Living guide walks you through the standard workweek, core working hours, and the official public holidays for 2026 — with practical notes on how private-sector leave actually works.

The Saudi working week

The standard working week in Saudi Arabia runs from Sunday to Thursday. The official weekend is Friday and Saturday for government bodies and most private-sector employers. Friday in particular is the main day of rest and congregational prayer, so many businesses either close or open later.

If you are coordinating with colleagues abroad, remember that the Saudi weekend overlaps only partially with the Saturday–Sunday weekend common elsewhere. In practice, Thursday and Sunday are the best days for cross-border meetings, while Friday is usually quiet.

Core working hours

Working hours vary by sector, but there are common patterns:

• Public sector: typically 7:30 to 14:30, or 8:00 to 15:00.
• Private sector: most companies run roughly 8-hour shifts within the Sunday–Thursday week, often with a midday break.
• Retail and hospitality: hours are usually longer and extend into the evening, including weekends.

During the holy month of Ramadan, working hours are commonly reduced, and many offices adjust their schedules. Always confirm your specific hours with your employer or the relevant official portal.

Official public holidays in 2026

The main paid public holidays recognised under Saudi Labor Law for 2026 are:

• Saudi Founding Day: 22 February 2026 (Sunday) — 1 day of paid holiday.
• Eid al-Fitr: 20–22 March 2026 (Friday–Sunday) — 3 days in practice, forming a long weekend.
• Arafat Day: 26 May 2026 (Tuesday) — 1 day, immediately preceding Eid al-Adha.
• Eid al-Adha: 27–29 May 2026 (Wednesday–Friday) — generally 3 days, often combined with Arafat Day for a longer break.
• Saudi National Day: 23 September 2026 (Wednesday) — 1 day of paid holiday.

Note that Flag Day (11 March 2026) is observed as a national occasion but does not generally add a statutory paid day off for most employees.

Private-sector paid leave explained

For private-sector workers, the Saudi Labor Law (Article 112) sets a clear minimum entitlement of paid leave on official occasions. The framework is:

• Founding Day (22 February): 1 day.
• National Day (23 September): 1 day.
• Eid al-Fitr: 4 days, starting from the day after 29 Ramadan (Umm al-Qura calendar).
• Eid al-Adha: 4 days, starting from Arafat Day (9 Dhul Hijjah).

This adds up to a standard entitlement of 10 paid holiday days Because Eid dates depend on the Umm al-Qura calendar, the exact Gregorian dates can shift slightly, so treat the dates above as the announced schedule and confirm through official government channels.

Extended breaks and government circulars

In practice, both the public sector and many large private employers often enjoy extended Eid holidays. The government issues circulars that can lengthen the break beyond the Labor Law minimum, sometimes producing much longer holidays. These extended days vary from year to year and are announced through official channels ahead of each Eid, so it is worth watching for the announcement rather than assuming a fixed number of days.

Banking and financial services

Banks and financial institutions follow their own holiday schedules issued by the Saudi Central Bank. For 2026, Eid al-Adha bank holidays run through Thursday 28 May 2026 (11/12/1447H), after which normal banking resumes. If you have time-sensitive transfers, salary payments, or bill deadlines around Eid, plan ahead — branch and clearing services may pause during the holiday period even if apps and cards keep working.

Practical tips for residents

• Schedule government appointments and paperwork well before Eid, as offices close for extended periods.
• Book domestic and international travel early — Eid is peak season across the Kingdom.
• Confirm your own leave entitlement in your contract, as some employers offer more than the statutory minimum.
• Keep an eye on official announcements for extended holiday circulars closer to each Eid.

With a clear picture of the Sunday–Thursday week and the 2026 holiday calendar, you can plan travel, work, and family time with confidence. When in doubt about a specific date or entitlement, always confirm through the relevant official Saudi government portal.

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