Saudi National Day 2027 holiday with Almosafer: Plan your trip like a pro
The Saudi National Day is a special annual opportunity to celebrate the nation and take pride in its journey. In 2027, it falls on Thursday, 23 September 2027
, the date the Kingdom was unified by the founding King Abdulaziz Al Saud, may he rest in peace.
As the 2027 date falls on a Thursday, right before the weekend, it presents a golden opportunity: a long holiday that can easily be extended into the weekend, giving you three consecutive days of rest (Thursday to Saturday) without heavily affecting your work schedule.
In this blog, we’ll take you on a quick tour of the best ideas and destinations to help you make the most of the National Day break for travel, entertainment, or simply recharging away from routine. Ready to plan your holiday? Let’s get started.
How to plan your long holiday professionally?
In 2027, National Day falls on a Thursday, which is why
we strongly recommend that you don’t miss the chance for an extended holiday (five days). Yes, apply for leave on Wednesday and Sunday! Now let us help you organise an unforgettable holiday.
From Wednesday 22 September to Sunday 26 September 2027 – that’s five continuous days. It’s the perfect time to travel and relax, whether inside the Kingdom or abroad.
First: Book Early and Travel Stress-Free
The closer we get to the holiday, the more crowded and limited the options become.
Whether you’re planning to travel abroad or explore local destinations like Abha or AlUla, don’t leave it to the last minute. Book your flights and hotels early, and be mindful of travel requirements (like visas for Turkey or Egypt, for instance).
Stay Ahead: Choose a Nearby Destination
With limited time, it’s best to pick a destination with a flight duration of no more than three hours. Here are the top options:
UAE (Dubai): A city full of vibrant daytime and nightlife entertainment. Enjoy diverse shopping experiences, delicious cuisine, and a fun-packed holiday.
Turkey (Istanbul or Trabzon): A blend of cultural tourism, stunning nature, and pleasant weather. Don’t miss out on trying authentic Turkish sweets.
Egypt (South Sinai – Dahab, Sharm el-Sheikh, or Taba): Enjoy the warmth of the sun by the Red Sea, rich with marine life and coral reefs – perfect for diving enthusiasts.
Oman (Salalah): Green landscapes and refreshing weather, especially in the autumn season.
Abha or AlUla: Enchanting Saudi destinations with mountainous scenery and cultural experiences.
Don’t Miss National Day Offers
Many airlines and hotels launch special offers in celebration of the National Day holiday.
Keep an eye on travel apps and websites for promotions – you might land a great deal or a package that includes meals and transport.
Suggested Itinerary:
Tuesday Evening (21 September): Pack your bags and get ready to leave early.
Wednesday (22 September): Begin your trip – arrive and explore.
Thursday to Saturday (23–25, including National Day): Fully enjoy your destination with sightseeing and relaxation.
Sunday (26 September): End your trip with a special experience or a fine meal before heading back.
Discover the Most Beautiful Saudi Destinations for the National Day Holiday
If you prefer to spend the National Day holiday within the Kingdom, you’re in for natural and cultural treasures – no passport or long flight required. From north to south, here are four distinctive Saudi destinations worth visiting, each offering a unique experience suitable for families and friends:
AlUla – A Blend of History and Nature
Activities: Visit Hegra (Madain Saleh), explore the Old Town, experience “Maraya,” go horse riding, and camp in the tranquil AlUla desert.
Recommended duration: 2 to 3 days.
Flight time: 1.5 hours from Riyadh or Jeddah.
Recommended hotels:
Habitats AlUla
Banyan Tree AlUla
Shaden Resort
Abha – Capital of Mountain Beauty
Activities: Take the cable car, visit Jabal Al-Soudah, tour Rijal Almaa Heritage Village, enjoy the Cloud Parks, and explore the Asir Museum.
Recommended duration: 3 days.
Flight time: 1.5 to 2 hours from Riyadh or Jeddah.
Recommended hotels:
Blue Inn Hotel
Bayat Hotel
Abha Palace Hotel
Jeddah – The Bride of the Red Sea
Activities: Explore Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad), walk the new Corniche, visit Abdul Raouf Khalil Museum, go on a boat tour, and dine at international restaurants.
Recommended duration: 2 to 3 days.
Flight time: Less than 1 hour from Riyadh, or by car from Makkah.
Recommended hotels:
Jeddah Hilton
Assila, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Narcissus Obhur
Taif – The Eternal Spring in the Mountains
Activities: Ride the cable car in Al-Hada, visit Souq Okaz, explore Al-Ruddaf Park, tour rose farms, and enjoy coffee in the mountains.Recommended duration: 2 to 3 days.
Flight time: No major international airport, but reachable by car from Jeddah or Makkah (1 to 2 hours).
Recommended hotels:
InterContinental Taif
Ramada Al Hada
Velar Inn Hotel
Each of these destinations has its own distinct charm, and all are perfect for a short holiday packed with memorable moments.
Short-Haul Travel Destinations from Saudi Arabia
If you’re looking to break the routine and travel abroad during the National Day break, you’ve got plenty of easy-to-reach options that don’t require long flights or complex planning.
These destinations are ideal for a 3 to 5-day holiday, offering a variety of activities suitable for families or groups of friends:
Dubai – A Global Experience Nearby
Why it’s ideal: A vibrant, easily accessible city with everything – shopping, entertainment, beaches, fine dining, and sometimes even parallel National Day festivities in the UAE.
Top activities: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Aquarium, Wild Wadi Waterpark, Ski Dubai, Marina boat tours.
Flight time: Around 2 hours from Riyadh or Jeddah.
Recommended hotels:
Atlantis The Palm
Address Downtown
Rove City Walk
Oman – Natural Beauty and Tranquillity
Why it’s ideal: Close by, with refreshing weather in September, perfect for escaping the crowds and enjoying serene natural landscapes.
Top activities: Al Qurum Beach, Jebel Shams, Mutrah Souq, historic forts, and dolphin-watching boat tours.
Flight time: Around 2 hours to Muscat.
Recommended hotels:
Kempinski Hotel Muscat
The Chedi Muscat
InterContinental Muscat
Bahrain – A Quick and Easy Getaway
Why it’s ideal: The nearest international destination, even accessible by car from Eastern Province. Great for a long weekend without the hassle of flying.
Top activities: Manama Souq, City Centre Bahrain, Bahrain National Museum, seafood dining, beaches and cafés.
Flight time: Less than 1 hour, or 2 hours by car from Dammam.
Recommended hotels:
Four Seasons Bahrain Bay
The Ritz-Carlton Manama
The Gulf Hotel
Georgia – Natural Beauty and Cultural Warmth
Why it’s ideal: A favourite among Saudi travellers, visa on arrival or e-visa available, mild September weather, and reasonable costs.
Top activities: Tours of Old Tbilisi, Turtle Lake, Kazbegi Mountains, cable car rides, and sampling Georgian cuisine.
Flight time: Around 3 hours from Riyadh or Jeddah.
Recommended hotels:
Rooms Hotel Tbilisi
Radisson Blu Iveria
Stamba Hotel
Top National Day Events in Saudi Cities
The Kingdom will come alive with dazzling events that revive the spirit of joy and national pride, including fireworks, aerial displays, and major races. The 2027 programme is yet to be announced; based on previous years, here is what to expect:
Fireworks Displays
In previous years, participating cities have included Riyadh (Boulevard World), Jeddah (Jeddah Promenade), Dammam (Waterfront), Abha (Al-Mutla Park), Taif (Al-Ruddaf Park), and many others across the Kingdom.
Timing: Typically begins at 9 PM on 23 September.
Why attend: A stunning visual experience bringing families and friends together under a sky lit with celebration.
Aerial Shows
Often featured in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, aerial displays are part of larger entertainment festivals for National Day. These shows combine skill with breathtaking visuals, creating a proud and memorable evening.
Horse Racing Events – "National Day Cup"
Venue: Yet to be announced (the 2025 edition was held at King Khalid Racecourse in Taif).
Date: Yet to be announced for 2027.
Key features:
Race programme and prize money are yet to be announced (the 2025 edition offered a 500,000 SAR prize).
Previous editions included 10 races, live music, competitions, food stalls, and a festive atmosphere for families.
Tickets: Yet to be announced for 2027 (previous editions: free general entry, booking required online via the official horse racing club website).
Musical and Sporting Festivals
In 2025, Taif hosted music concerts and entertainment events in conjunction with the race season. The 2027 programme is yet to be announced. Other regions typically feature cultural and traditional activities, with Taif offering the most notable programme.
Get Ready for a Holiday to Remember
The National Day break is a rare chance – five days of uninterrupted rest is the perfect time to travel, unwind, or discover somewhere new within the Kingdom. All you need is a simple plan, smart booking, and a destination that suits your preferences.
Whether you spend it among the mountains of AlUla and Abha, or exploring the vibes of Istanbul and Dubai, one thing’s for sure – it’ll be a trip to remember. Don’t let these days slip by. The 2027 National Day deserves to be lived to the fullest.
Think, plan smart, and book with Almosafer at unbeatable prices and offers... your journey starts with one step.
FAQs About the Saudi National Day holiday
When is Saudi National Day 2027, and how many days off do we get?
Saudi National Day in 2027 will be celebrated on Thursday, 23rd September.
Some organisations might attach the day off to a weekend if possible, but officially, the holiday is only for September 23
What are the best destinations for a short National Day trip?
If you prefer a city break, nearby capitals like:
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Bahrain
Amman, Jordan
Cairo, Egypt
Istanbul, Turkey
How far in advance should I book travel for National Day?
In order to have a better chance of getting stays and flight booking, you should start booking from the end of July to mid-August.
Book Your Trip Easily with the Almosafer App
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Start your smart journey today – Download Almosafer App and enjoy (Almosafer points and many loyalty programs). Make the most of exclusive National Day offers before they’re gone.
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