Are you planning your calendar for 2026 in Saudi Arabia? Whether you're a resident, expat, or visitor, understanding the KSA public holidays 2026 is essential for work schedules, travel plans, and family gatherings.
Saudi Arabia's holidays blend rich Islamic traditions with national pride, offering extended breaks for reflection, feasting, and festivities. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover all official Saudi Arabia public holidays 2026, including fixed dates, tentative lunar-based events, and practical tips. Plus, we've included a handy table for quick reference and an FAQ section to answer your most common questions.
From Eid celebrations to the patriotic Saudi National Day, 2026 promises meaningful moments that highlight the Kingdom's cultural heritage. Note that Islamic holidays follow the Hijri lunar calendar, so exact dates depend on moon sightings and official announcements from the Supreme Judicial Council. Most dates are tentative; always verify closer to the time via official sources like the Saudi government's Umm Al-Qura calendar.
Here's a breakdown of the major public holidays in Saudi Arabia 2026. We've focused on officially recognized national holidays, which typically mean paid time off for government employees and many private sector workers. Banks, schools, and businesses often close, but operations vary by employer.
|
Holiday |
Date(s) in 2026 |
Day(s) of the Week |
Description |
|
Founding Day |
February 22 |
Sunday |
Commemorates the establishment of the first Saudi state in 1727 by Imam Mohammed bin Saud. A day for national pride with fireworks, concerts, and historical exhibits. |
|
Ramadan Begins |
February 18 (tentative) |
Wednesday |
Start of the holy month of fasting, prayer, and community iftars. Not a full holiday, but work hours are shortened (e.g., 6-hour days). |
|
Eid al-Fitr |
March 20–23 (tentative) |
Friday–Monday |
Marks the end of Ramadan with prayers, feasting, and gift-giving. Families gather for sweets like kunafa and visit relatives. |
|
Saudi Flag Day |
March 11 |
Wednesday |
Observance honoring the adoption of the Saudi flag in 1973. Often includes flag-raising ceremonies. |
|
Day of Arafat |
May 26 (tentative) |
Tuesday |
The pinnacle of the Hajj pilgrimage, a day of fasting and supplication for non-pilgrims. Heightens spiritual focus across the Kingdom. |
|
Eid al-Adha |
May 27–30 (tentative) |
Wednesday–Saturday |
"Festival of Sacrifice" celebrates Prophet Ibrahim's devotion. Involves Qurbani (animal sacrifice), sharing meat with the needy, and communal prayers. |
|
Mawlid al-Nabi |
August 25 (tentative) |
Tuesday |
The birth of Prophet Muhammad. |
|
Saudi National Day |
September 23 |
Wednesday |
Honors the unification of the Kingdom in 1932 by King Abdulaziz. Expect nationwide festivities: parades, light shows, and green-white decorations. |
Sources: Based on projections from the Umm Al-Qura calendar and reliable calendars like Time and Date. Total estimated paid holidays: Around 14–16 days, plus weekends.
Ramadan's spiritual essence transforms daily life, with shorter workdays fostering family bonds. Eid al-Fitr brings relief and joy. Prepare for traffic surges and bustling souks as people shop for new clothes and sweets.
Kick off the year with patriotism! This Sunday holiday reflects on Saudi Arabia's foundational history. Enjoy public events in Riyadh and Jeddah, from cultural fairs to drone shows.
A mid-week observance that instills national unity. While not always a full day off, it's a great opportunity for school activities and flag-themed social media posts.
This Tuesday is profoundly sacred, urging fasting and forgiveness. For Hajj pilgrims in Mecca, it's the emotional climax; for others, a quiet day of worship.
A long weekend of sacrifice and generosity. Book butchers early for Qurbani, and plan barbecues to share with neighbors; it's all about community and gratitude.
A reflective Tuesday honoring the Prophet's legacy. Mosques host Naat recitals, and sweets like ma'amoul are shared, blending devotion with celebration.
The year's grand finale! This Wednesday explodes with energy: fireworks over the Riyadh Season, concerts, and car parades. It's the ultimate expression of Saudi identity.
By preparing ahead, you can maximize these Saudi Arabia holidays 2026 for recharge and connection.
The main ones are Founding Day (Feb 22), Eid al-Fitr (Mar 20–23 tentative), Day of Arafat (May 26 tentative), Eid al-Adha (May 27–30 tentative), and Saudi National Day (Sep 23). See the table above for details.
Approximately 12–14 official days off, plus observances like Ramadan (shortened hours) and Saudi Flag Day. This excludes weekends, potentially adding up to 20+ days of rest.
Fixed: Founding Day and National Day. Tentative: Islamic holidays (Ramadan, Eids, Arafat, Mawlid) based on moon sightings, announced officially shortly before.
Yes, most align with government holidays under labor laws. However, essential services (e.g., healthcare) may require shifts; check your contract.
No automatic substitution, but Eids often extend naturally. For example, Eid al-Adha starts mid-week but spills into the weekend.
Absolutely! Everyone enjoys the days off, festivities, and cultural events. Join public celebrations respectfully, especially during Eids.
Ramadan means reduced operations (9 AM–2 PM shifts). Eids cause full closures; plan international dealings around them to avoid delays.
Official sources: Umm Al-Qura calendar, SPA news, or apps like iSalam. Reliable sites include OfficeHolidays.com.