RIYADH, October 19, 2026: Saudi Arabia’s 2027 holiday calendar includes two fixed national occasions—Founding Day on February 22 and Saudi National Day on September 23—as well as Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha holidays tied to the Islamic calendar. The precise Eid dates and duration of time off depend on official announcements and employment sector.
Saudi public holidays 2027: At-a-glance calendar
| Occasion | Date in 2027 | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Founding Day | Monday, February 22 | Fixed annual observance |
| Eid Al Fitr | Around March 9–10 for the first day of Eid | Projected, moon sighting pending |
| Arafah Day / Eid Al Adha period | Approximately May 15–18 | Projected, moon sighting pending |
| Saudi National Day | Thursday, September 23 | Fixed annual observance |
Important: This table shows dates of occasions, not a uniform number of days off for all workers. Government, private-sector and banking holiday schedules may differ. Exact Eid dates must be confirmed closer to the time.
What is Saudi Founding Day?
Founding Day is observed on February 22 to commemorate the establishment of the First Saudi State by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727. A royal order made the day an annual public holiday. In 2027, February 22 falls on a Monday.
When is Saudi National Day 2027?
Saudi National Day falls on September 23 each year, commemorating the unification and naming of the modern Kingdom in 1932. September 23, 2027 falls on a Thursday. Specific workplace holiday arrangements should be checked against the relevant official announcement.
Eid Al Fitr 2027 in Saudi Arabia
Astronomical projections currently place Eid Al Fitr around March 9 or 10, 2027. Saudi authorities determine the final start of Shawwal through the official Islamic-calendar process. The length of leave varies across employment sectors and cannot be inferred from the first Eid date alone.
Eid Al Adha 2027 and Arafah Day
Forecasts place Arafah Day and Eid Al Adha in mid-May 2027. The Saudi Central Bank’s published banking calendar currently lists the 2027 Eid Al Adha banking holiday as May 16–18. That is a banking-sector schedule, not a guarantee of identical leave dates for every employee.
Are the same holidays given to public and private workers?
No single holiday-length table applies identically to every Saudi employee. Labour-law rules govern private-sector holiday entitlements, while government and financial-sector calendars may set different periods. Workers should consult their employer and the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development for sector-specific arrangements.
Do holidays move when they fall on a weekend?
Some holiday rules include compensatory days when a fixed national holiday falls on a weekend. For example, the Saudi Central Bank’s banking schedule says a Friday National Day or Founding Day holiday is observed on Thursday, and a Saturday holiday on Sunday. That guidance should not be generalized to every employer without checking the applicable rules.
Frequently asked questions
Is Saudi Founding Day the same as National Day?
No. Founding Day marks the First Saudi State in 1727; National Day marks the modern Kingdom’s unification in 1932.
Is January 1 a nationwide Saudi public holiday?
January 1 is not among the principal Saudi national and Islamic statutory holidays listed in the official national calendar.
Can I book Eid travel now?
Travellers may plan around forecast windows, but should consider flexible tickets until official dates and their workplace leave are confirmed.
Official sources
- Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs: National Day and Founding Day
- Saudi Central Bank: Official banking holiday schedule
- Umm Al-Qura: Royal order establishing Founding Day
- Saudipedia: Official holidays
Editorial note: Forecast Islamic dates are provisional as of October 19, 2026. Update this guide when Saudi authorities announce the final 2027 dates.
