Saudi private sector employees are expected to get 10 paid public holiday days in 2027: Founding Day on 22 February, 4 days for Eid al-Fitr from 9 March, 4 days for Eid al-Adha starting on Arafat Day, 15 May, and National Day on 23 September. Eid dates depend on the moon sighting.
Saudi Arabia's private sector holidays are set by the Labour Law and announced for each Eid by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD). Here are the expected 2027 dates and the rules employers need to follow.
Saudi Arabia public holidays 2027: full list
| Holiday | Expected date | Day | Days off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founding Day | 22 February | Monday | 1 |
| Eid al-Fitr | 9–12 March | Tuesday–Friday | 4 |
| Eid al-Adha (from Arafat Day) | 15–18 May | Saturday–Tuesday | 4 |
| Saudi National Day | 23 September | Thursday | 1 |
Islamic holidays depend on the moon sighting and can move by a day. Dates on this page are expected, based on the Umm al-Qura calendar. We will update this page as soon as official dates are announced.
Download the Saudi Arabia 2027 calendar (PDF) ↓
Flag Day (11 March) is a national occasion but not a day off.
When holidays fall on the weekend
Saudi Arabia's weekend is Friday and Saturday. In 2027, Eid al-Fitr is expected to include a Friday and Eid al-Adha a Saturday. When a holiday overlaps the weekly rest day, employees are given compensating days, which HRSD confirms in its Eid announcements.
National Day on Thursday 23 September gives a 3-day weekend (Thursday to Saturday).
What Saudi employers must know
Article 112 of the Labour Law and Article 24 of its Implementing Regulations give private sector employees 4 days for each Eid, plus Founding Day and National Day, all on full pay.
Work on a public holiday counts as overtime under Article 107: the employee is paid their hourly wage plus 50% of their basic wage for each hour. With the employee's agreement, paid days off can be given instead.
2027 planning checklist for HR and payroll
- Load the 2027 holiday calendar into your HR and payroll system now, and update it when official dates are announced.
- Set your policy for staff who must work on holidays, and agree in writing whether they get pay or a day off.
- Plan payroll cut-offs around Eid, since banks and teams may be closed.
- Ask employees to book leave around long weekends early, so cover is planned.
- Wait for HRSD's announcement before each Eid, since the exact start can change by a day.
Related: GCC public holidays 2027 · Saudi GOSI payroll guide · GCC leave law guide · Leave management software