Saudi Arabia’s public holiday calendar in 2026 includes a mix of national days, religious festivals, and cultural observances. Religious festival dates are tentative and will be confirmed closer to the actual sighting of the moon, per Islamic tradition.
1. Saudi Founding Day — 22 February 2026 (Sunday)
Saudi Founding Day commemorates the establishment of the First Saudi State by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727. This holiday celebrates national heritage and cultural identity.
2. Saudi Flag Day — 11 March 2026 (Wednesday) (National Observance)
Saudi Flag Day marks the adoption of the Kingdom’s national flag and is observed across government and educational institutions as a day of national pride. It is not a public holiday, and normal working hours apply.
3. Eid al-Fitr (Tentative) — 20 to 23 March 2026
Expected dates:
- 20 March (Friday) – Eid al-Fitr (First Day)
- 21 March (Saturday) – Holiday
- 22 March (Sunday) – Holiday
- 23 March (Monday) – Holiday
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, celebrated with communal prayers, feasts, family visits, and charity. These dates are based on the estimated sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon; official confirmation will come closer to Ramadan’s end.
4. Eid al-Adha & Arafat Day (Tentative) — 26 to 29 May 2026
Expected dates:
- 26 May (Tuesday) – Arafat Day
- 27 May (Wednesday) – Eid al-Adha (First Day)
- 28 May (Thursday) – Eid al-Adha Holiday
- 29 May (Friday) – Eid al-Adha Holiday
Arafat Day precedes Eid al-Adha and is one of the most spiritually significant days in the Islamic calendar, particularly for pilgrims performing Hajj. Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) willingness to sacrifice his son in submission to God, and is observed with special prayers and the tradition of Qurbani (sacrificial offering).
5. Saudi National Day — 23 September 2026 (Wednesday)
Saudi National Day celebrates the formal unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932. Public celebrations, flag displays, parades, and cultural events mark this annual occasion.
Monitor official Saudi announcements for final Eid dates, as they depend on moon sightings. Plan travels or events around these holidays to enjoy family time and cultural festivities.