Saudi Arabia’s public holidays are rich in cultural and religious significance, offering time for celebration, reflection, and family gatherings. Whether you’re a resident or visitor, knowing these dates helps you make the most of your time, navigate local schedules, and experience the traditions in action. In this guide, we’ll cover the main public holidays and other key dates in Saudi Arabia for 2024 and 2025, so you can plan around them and join in the celebrations.
Public Holidays in Saudi Arabia – An Overview
Saudi Arabia observes five official public holidays that are significant to the nation’s culture and history. These holidays fall into two primary categories: religious holidays and national holidays.
1. Religious Holidays: These holidays follow the Islamic lunar calendar, so their dates change each year on the Gregorian calendar. Religious holidays include:
- Eid al-Fitr: This holiday marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and prayer. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with prayer, family meals, and charitable giving.
- Arafat Day: This day, observed on the ninth day of the Hajj pilgrimage, is one of the most important days in the Islamic calendar.
- Eid al-Adha: Known as the Festival of Sacrifice, Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. It includes special prayers, family gatherings, and acts of charity.
2. National Holidays: Saudi Arabia also has national holidays that celebrate the country’s founding and heritage.
- Saudi Founding Day: Marked on February 22, this day celebrates the historical origins of Saudi Arabia, honoring the early efforts that led to the nation’s establishment.
- Saudi National Day: Celebrated annually on September 23, this day commemorates the unification of the Kingdom in 1932 by King Abdulaziz Al Saud.
During these holidays, businesses, government offices, and many services close giving employees time to celebrate with family and friends. Additionally, families often gather for special meals, exchange gifts, and visit loved ones, making these holidays an important time for social connection.
Public Holidays in Saudi Arabia During 202
For 2024, here is a complete list of public holidays in Saudi Arabia, along with their dates and significance.
Saudi Founding Day
- Date: February 22, 2024 (Friday)
- Significance: Saudi Founding Day celebrates the historical origins of Saudi Arabia, acknowledging the legacy and vision of the leaders who shaped the nation.
Eid al-Fitr
- Dates: April 9–13, 2024 (Tuesday to Sunday)
- Significance: Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a month dedicated to fasting, prayer, and self-reflection. This holiday is often filled with joy, gift-giving, and charitable acts.
- Traditions: On Eid al-Fitr, Muslims gather for special prayers, wear new clothes, and visit family and friends. Many families give Zakat al-Fitr, a charitable donation, to support those in need.
Arafat Day
- Date: June 15, 2024 (Saturday)
- Significance: Arafat Day falls on the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage and is considered one of the holiest days in the Islamic calendar.
- Traditions: Those not on pilgrimage often spend the day fasting, praying, and reflecting on their faith.
Eid al-Adha
- Dates: June 16–19, 2024 (Sunday to Wednesday)
- Significance: Eid al-Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice, honours Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to God.
- Traditions: Families gather for prayers, share festive meals, and, where possible, sacrifice an animal to distribute the meat to family, friends, and those in need.
Saudi National Day
- Date: September 23, 2024 (Monday)
- Significance: This day marks the unification of Saudi Arabia in 1932, symbolizing national pride and heritage.
- Traditions: Celebrations include fireworks, parades, concerts, and patriotic displays. Many public spaces are adorned in Saudi flags, and green and white (the national colors) decorate buildings across the country.
Important Dates in Saudi Arabia for 2024
In addition to official holidays, other special dates in 2024 are widely observed and celebrated in Saudi Arabia.
- Start of Ramadan: March 10, 2024 (Sunday) – This marks the beginning of Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection.
- Mother’s Day: March 21, 2024 (Thursday) – Celebrated by many families to honor mothers and the role they play in society.
- Father’s Day: June 16, 2024 (Sunday) – Families come together to celebrate and appreciate fathers.
- Islamic New Year (Al-Hijra): July 7, 2024 (Sunday) – Marks the start of the Islamic lunar calendar year and is observed with quiet reflection and prayer.
Public Holidays in Saudi Arabia During 2025
Here is a list of public holidays in Saudi Arabia for 2025. Keep in mind that the dates of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may change, as they depend on moon sightings.
Saudi Founding Day
- Date: February 22, 2025 (Saturday)
- Significance: Honoring Saudi Arabia’s history and the vision of its early leaders, this holiday provides a moment to reflect on national identity.
Eid al-Fitr
- Dates: March 31 – April 3, 2025 (Monday to Thursday)
- Significance: Marks the end of Ramadan and a time for family and community.
- Traditions: Families and friends gather for festive meals, share gifts, and support charitable causes.
Arafat Day
- Date: June 5, 2025 (Thursday)
- Significance: Part of the Hajj pilgrimage, this day is considered sacred.
- Traditions: Many fast and spend time in prayer and reflection.
Eid al-Adha
- Dates: June 6–8, 2025 (Friday to Sunday)
- Significance: Celebrates faith and sacrifice.
- Traditions: Includes family gatherings, prayers, and charitable acts.
Saudi National Day
- Date: September 23, 2025 (Tuesday)
- Significance: A day to celebrate Saudi Arabia’s unity and achievements.
- Traditions: Public festivities, concerts, and patriotic activities bring people together.
Important Dates in Saudi Arabia for 2025
Several other important dates in 2025 are celebrated in Saudi Arabia:
- Start of Ramadan: February 28, 2025 (Friday) – Begins the holy month of fasting.
- Mother’s Day: March 21, 2025 (Friday) – Families celebrate and honor mothers.
- Father’s Day: June 15, 2025 (Sunday) – A day for showing appreciation for fathers.
- Islamic New Year (Al-Hijra): June 25, 2025 (Wednesday) – Marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar year.
Time Zone and Daylight Saving Time in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia operates on Arabia Standard Time (AST), which is UTC+3. Unlike some countries, Saudi Arabia does not observe daylight saving time, so the clocks remain the same throughout the year.
Conclusion
Public holidays and special dates in Saudi Arabia provide an excellent opportunity to experience the country’s rich traditions, whether through observing religious practices or joining in national celebrations. Knowing these dates can help residents and visitors plan their schedules, avoid disruptions from closures, and even participate in cultural activities.
Mark these holidays and important dates in your calendar so you can make the most of your time in Saudi Arabia, whether it’s by spending time with family, traveling, or simply exploring the unique customs that make each holiday special.
