Saudi Arabia has a rich culture and history; its public holidays reflect that. In 2025, there will be several Saudi public holidays, each with its unique significance.
This blog will provide an overview of all Saudi national holidays in 2025, 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.
Public Holidays in KSA
Here's a handy reference sheet for the numerous holidays in Saudi Arabia in 2024:
Day | Type | Day | Date |
Founding Day | National Holiday | Saturday | 22 Feb |
Ramadan begins (Tentative Date) | Observance | Saturday | 1 Mar |
Flag Day | Observance | Tuesday | 11 Mar |
Eid al-Fitr (Tentative Date) | National Holiday | Monday | 31 Mar |
Eid al-Fitr Holiday (Tentative Date) | National Holiday | Tuesday | 1 Apr |
Eid al-Fitr Holiday (Tentative Date) | National Holiday | Wednesday | 2 Apr |
Eid al-Fitr Holiday (Tentative Date) | National Holiday | Thursday | 3 Apr |
Arafat Day (Tentative Date) | National Holiday | Thursday | 5 Jun |
Eid al-Adha (Tentative Date) | National Holiday | Friday | 6 Jun |
Eid al-Adha Holiday (Tentative Date) | National Holiday | Saturday | 7 Jun |
Eid al-Adha Holiday (Tentative Date) | National Holiday | Sunday | 8 Jun |
Muharram (Muslim New Year) (Tentative Date) | Observance | Thursday | 26 Jun |
Saudi National Day | National Holiday | Tuesday | 23 Sep |
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Saudi Arabia Holidays 2024: 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 unstandardized 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).
During Ramadan which is due to start on the 1st of March (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.
Eid Al-Fitr in Saudi Arabia: A Time for Joy, Gratitude, and Charity
Eid Fitr in Saudi Arabia is a special time for Saudis to come together and celebrate the end of Ramadan. It is a time for joy, gratitude, and charity. It is also a time to remember the importance of sacrifice and obedience to God.
On Eid al-Fitr, people wear their best clothes, visit each other's homes, and exchange gifts. There are also many public celebrations and events held throughout the country. One of the most popular traditions is the Salat al-Fitr or Eid prayer.
Eid al-Fitr in Saudi Arabia is a four-day public holiday. Monday 31st Mar and ending on Thursday 3rd April (Tentative Dates).
The Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale 2024, running from February to May, presents a perfect opportunity to enhance your holidays with a memorable experience.
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Arafat Day: The Holiest Day in the Islamic Calendar
Arafat Day, also known as the Day of Standing, is the holiest day in the Islamic calendar. It is celebrated on the ninth day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah and is the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage which is on 5 June (Tentative Date).
On Arafat Day, Muslims who are performing the Hajj pilgrimage stand on Mount Arafat from dawn to dusk to pray and ask for forgiveness from Allah. Muslims who are not performing the Hajj pilgrimage are also encouraged to fast on Arafat Day and to pray throughout the day.
Arafat Day is a time for Muslims to reflect on their lives and to make amends for their sins. It is also a time to pray for peace and prosperity for all Muslims around the world.
Eid Al-Adha: The Festival of Sacrifice
Eid ul Adha 2025, Saudi Arabia is a time for families and friends to come together and celebrate. People visit each other's homes, exchange gifts, and enjoy delicious food. There are also many public celebrations and events held throughout the Muslim world.
One of the most important traditions associated with Eid al-Adha is the Qurbani, or animal sacrifice. The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts: one part for the family, one part for friends and neighbours, and one part for the poor and needy. This tradition is a reminder of the importance of sharing and charity in Islam.
Another important tradition associated with Eid al-Adha is the Salat al-Adha or Eid prayer. This prayer is held on the morning of the first day of Eid and is attended by millions of Muslims around the world.
The Eid holiday in Saudi Arabia is a three-day public holiday. Starting on the 16th of June and ending on the 18th of June.
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Muharram: A Holy Month in Saudi Arabia
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 speculated to start on the 26 Jun (Observance Date). It is a time for reflection, prayer, and charity.
How Muharram is celebrated in Saudi Arabia:
Visits to mosques: Muslims visit mosques to pray and listen to sermons about Imam Hussein's life and martyrdom.
Reflection and prayer: Muslims typically focus on reflection and prayer during Muharram. They also attend special lectures and sermons about the importance of the month.
Fasting: Some Muslims fast during Muharram, especially on the tenth day of the month, known as Ashura.
Saudi National Day: A Day of Pride and Celebration
Saudi National Day, also known as Al-Yaom-ul-Watany, is a public holiday in Saudi Arabia celebrated annually on September 23rd. It commemorates the unification of the kingdoms of Nejd and Hejaz into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932 under the reign of King Abdulaziz ibn Saud.
Saudi National Day is a day of national pride and celebration. Saudis all over the country come together to commemorate their country's history and achievements. The day is marked by a variety of events and activities, including parades, festivals, and fireworks displays.
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