September 23 Confirmed as Paid National Day Holiday

Employees across Saudi Arabia will enjoy a paid day off on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 (12 Rabi Al-Thani 1448 AH), which has been confirmed as an official National Day holiday for the government, private, and non-profit sectors nationwide.

For private and non-profit sector workers, the day counts as one paid day off under the Executive Regulations of the Labor Law. The announcement for the 96th National Day holiday was issued in early September 2026 by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development through its official channels. Government offices will also be closed for regular business that day.

Importantly, no application is required through Absher, Qiwa, Muqeem, or any other platform. The holiday is implemented directly through employer payroll and scheduling. While attendance and payroll records in many companies are linked to internal HR systems, there is no separate government portal process for individuals to request National Day leave.

What it means for pay

For eligible employees, salary deductions for September 23 are not permitted, and the day is counted as paid regardless of the employee's basic wage level. Any work performed on the day is treated as official-holiday work, qualifying for overtime compensation — typically the normal wage plus at least 50% extra, or an equivalent rest day, in line with Saudi Labor Law rules on working during official holidays.

As of mid-September 2026, no additional paid day, such as September 24, has been generally confirmed as part of the holiday. Any extension would depend on separate royal or ministerial decisions or individual employer policy. National Day is a recurring annual official holiday, and this year's declaration applies only to Wednesday, September 23, 2026, without changing existing weekend or annual-leave entitlements.

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