Public Holidays in Saudi Arabia 2026: A Complete List
- Almosafer
- Dec 24, 2025
- 6 min read
Saudi Arabia has a rich culture and history; its public holidays reflect that. In 2026, there will be several Saudi public holidays, each with its unique significance.
This blog will provide an overview of all Saudi national holidays in 2026, including their dates, significance, and some associated traditions and customs. We will also provide some tips on how to best enjoy public holidays in Saudi Arabia, whether you are a resident or a visitor to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia Holidays 2026: The Bigger Picture
Saudi Founding Day: A Celebration of National Identity
Saudi Founding Day is a public holiday in Saudi Arabia celebrated annually on February 22nd to commemorate the enthronement of Muhammad bin Saud as the emir of Diriyah in 1727. This event is considered to be the prelude to the inception of the First Saudi State, the antecedent to the Second Saudi State and the present-day Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Founding Day is a relatively new holiday, having been established in 2022. However, it has quickly become one of the most important holidays in the Saudi calendar.
Here are some of the ways that the Saudi Founding Day is celebrated in Saudi Arabia:
Parades: Military and civilian parades are held in major cities throughout the country.
Festivals: Cultural festivals are held in many cities and towns. These festivals feature traditional food, music, and dance.
Fireworks display: Fireworks displays are held in major cities throughout the country on the evening of February 22nd. These displays are a popular way for Saudis to celebrate Founding Day.
Time with family and friends: Many people spend time with family and friends on Founding Day.
Saudi Founding Day's long weekend is ideal for exploring the best places to visit in February or the best countries to visit in February on an international trip.
Saudi Flag Day celebrates national pride and unity
Saudi Flag Day is a public holiday in Saudi Arabia celebrated annually on March 11th to commemorate the adoption of the standardised version of the country's national flag by King Abdulaziz ibn Saud in 1937. It is a time for Saudis to celebrate their national identity and to reflect on the country's progress over the past century.
Ramadan in Saudi Arabia: A Month of Fasting, Prayer, Reflection, and Community
The Holy month of Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, is a special time in Saudi Arabia. It is a time for spiritual introspection and communal unity. Muslims worldwide celebrate Ramadan, but it has a particular significance in Saudi Arabia, as it is the month in which the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on 18 February (tentative date). Muslims in Saudi Arabia abstain from eating, drinking, and smoking. This is a time to focus on spiritual growth and to develop self-discipline. Muslims also perform additional prayers during Ramadan, including the Tarawih prayer, which is a special night prayer that is only performed during Ramadan.
Ramadan encourages Muslims to share their experiences and foster a sense of community. Families and friends gather together to break their fast each evening, and mosques are filled with worshippers. Ramadan is also a time for charity and giving back to the community. Many Muslims donate money and food to those in need during this special month.
Ramadan Mubarak:
As the eagerly anticipated Ramadan season approaches, the most common questions that arise are: When does Ramadan start? And when is the Eid Al Fitr holiday?
A Ramadan calendar with accurate Suhoor and Iftar timings would greatly assist those observing fasts throughout the month of Ramadan.
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Eid Al-Fitr in Saudi Arabia: A Time of Gratitude and Charity
Eid al-Fitr in Saudi Arabia is a special occasion for Saudis to gather and celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is a time for joy, gratitude and charity, as well as for remembering the importance of sacrifice and obedience to God.
On Eid al-Fitr, people wear their best clothes, visit their relatives and loved ones, and exchange gifts. There are also many public celebrations and events held throughout the country as one of the most popular traditions after Eid prayers. The Eid al-Fitr holiday for 2026 is expected to begin on 20 March.
Duration: The official holiday usually lasts for four days for the private sector and up to ten days for the government sector.
Celebrations: People wear new clothes, children receive Eid gifts, and the famous Eid kabsa feasts are held.
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Arafat Day: The Holiest Day in the Islamic Calendar (26 May)
The Day of Arafat, also known as the Day of Standing, is the holiest day in the Islamic calendar. It is celebrated on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the second day of the Hajj.
On the Day of Arafat, Muslims performing the Hajj stand on Mount Arafat from dawn until sunset to pray and ask for forgiveness from Allah. Muslims who are not performing the Hajj are also encouraged to fast on the Day of Arafat and pray throughout the day.
The Day of Arafat is a time for Muslims to reflect on their lives and correct their mistakes. It is also considered the best time to pray for peace and prosperity for all Muslims around the world.
Day of Arafat: Expected to fall on Tuesday, 26 May 2026. It is the holiest day in the Islamic calendar when pilgrims stand on Mount Arafat.
Eid al-Adha: Begins on Wednesday, 27 May 2026. The official holiday lasts for 4 days.
Eid Al-Adha: The Festival of Sacrifice (27 May)
Eid al-Adha in Saudi Arabia is a time for families and friends to gather and celebrate. People visit each other, exchange gifts and enjoy delicious food. There are also many public celebrations and events held throughout the Islamic world.
One of the most important traditions associated with Eid al-Adha is sacrifice. The meat of the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts: one part for the family, one part for friends and neighbours, and one part as charity for the poor and needy. These customs or traditions are considered a sacred practice of charity and brotherhood in Islam.
Another important tradition associated with Eid al-Adha is the Eid al-Adha prayer. This prayer is held on the morning of the first day of Eid and is attended by many Muslims around the world.
Eid al-Adha: Begins on Wednesday, 27 May 2026. The official holiday lasts for four days.
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Muharram: A Holy Month in Saudi Arabia (16 June)
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and is considered one of the holiest months of the year in Saudi Arabia. It is a time for reflection, prayer and charity. The start of the new Hijri year 1448 AH is expected to be on 16 June 2026. It is a time for reflection and the start of a new year of goodness and blessings.
How Muharram is celebrated in Saudi Arabia:
Visiting mosques: Muslims visit mosques to pray and listen to sermons about the life and martyrdom of Imam Hussein.
Reflection and prayer: Muslims typically focus on reflection and prayer during Muharram. They attend lectures and sermons specifically about the importance and value of this holy month.
Fasting: Some Muslims fast during the month of Muharram, especially on the tenth day of the month, known as Ashura.
Saudi National Day: A Day of Pride and Celebration (23 September)
Saudi National Day falls on Wednesday, 23 September 2026. This day commemorates the unification of the Kingdom under the name ‘Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’ in 1932. On this day, the Kingdom turns green, and the largest air shows are held by the ‘Saudi Falcons’, and major concerts are held. It is a day of pride and honour for all the achievements of Vision 2030.
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