Complete List of Saudi Arabia Public Holidays 2024

M. AMEENLast Updated: September 9, 2024

Saudi Arabia, with its rich cultural heritage and Islamic traditions, celebrates numerous public holidays throughout the year. These holidays are observed by both government and private sectors, offering citizens and residents opportunities to celebrate significant religious, national, and cultural events. As we move through 2024, many public holidays have already passed, but there is still one major holiday to look forward to: Saudi National Day on September 23. Below is a detailed overview of the 2024 public holidays in Saudi Arabia.

Upcoming Holiday

Saudi National Day – September 23, 2024 (Monday)

Observance: Government/Private
Details: Known as Al-Yaom Al-Watany, Saudi National Day is one of the most significant holidays in the Kingdom. It commemorates the founding of modern-day Saudi Arabia in 1932 by King Abdulaziz. This day is celebrated with great pride and joy, featuring nationwide festivities, fireworks, and patriotic displays. The streets and public spaces are often decorated with green flags; citizens and expatriate take part in various events to celebrate the country’s achievements. Related: Four-Day Holiday for 94th Saudi National Day Celebrations

Past Holidays in 2024

While many holidays have already been observed this year, they remain important markers in the Saudi calendar and are worth revisiting for their cultural and religious significance.

Saudi Founding Day – February 22, 2024 (Thursday)

Observance: Government/Private
Details: Saudi Founding Day marks the founding of the first Saudi state in 1727 by Imam Muhammad bin Saud. This relatively new holiday, first celebrated in 2022, commemorates the rich historical roots of Saudi Arabia. On this day, many public and private institutions host cultural events, historical exhibitions, and educational programs to highlight the country’s deep history.

Saudi Flag Day – March 11, 2024 (Monday)

Observance: Government
Details: Introduced as a special day in recent years, Saudi Flag Day is a celebration of the Kingdom’s national flag, which features the Islamic declaration of faith and a sword symbolizing justice. The day is marked with ceremonies and public events, with the green flag flown high across the Kingdom.

Eid-al-Fitr Holidays – April 9 to April 13, 2024

Eid-al-Fitr is one of the two major Islamic holidays celebrated in Saudi Arabia, marking the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. The holidays are observed over several days, providing time for family gatherings, feasting, and charitable activities.

April 9, 2024 (Tuesday) – Govt/Private
April 10, 2024 (Wednesday) – Govt/Private (End of Ramadan)
April 11, 2024 (Thursday) – Govt/Private
April 12, 2024 (Friday) – Govt/Private
April 13, 2024 (Saturday) – Government During this period, government offices and most businesses close, allowing Muslims to gather in mosques for prayers and visit family and friends to celebrate. Charity is also emphasized, with many distributing Zakat al-Fitr (charitable donations) to those in need.

Eid-al-Adha Holidays – June 15 to June 19, 2024

Eid-al-Adha, the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is another major religious holiday, which commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Muslims across the world celebrate this festival with prayers and the sacrifice of livestock. The Saudi government typically grants an extended holiday period for both the public and private sectors.

June 15, 2024 (Saturday) – Govt/Private (Arafath Day)
June 16, 2024 (Sunday) – Govt/Private
June 17, 2024 (Monday) – Govt/Private
June 18, 2024 (Tuesday) – Govt/Private
June 19, 2024 (Wednesday) – Government

Understanding Saudi Arabia’s Public Holidays

Saudi Arabia’s public holidays mainly revolve around Islamic traditions and the country’s rich historical events. Two of the most important holidays, Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha, are determined by the Islamic lunar calendar, which means that their exact dates change each year. In addition to religious holidays, the Kingdom also observes national holidays like Saudi National Day and Saudi Founding Day, which reflect the country’s pride in its heritage and national achievements.

For expatriates and locals alike, these holidays offer opportunities to engage with Saudi culture, participate in community events, and enjoy extended time off from work. It’s also essential to note that government holidays sometimes differ slightly from those observed in the private sector, especially in cases where the government may extend the duration of a holiday.

Conclusion

As we approach Saudi National Day, it’s a reminder of the Kingdom’s remarkable journey from its founding to its present-day global standing. While 2024 has already seen a number of important holidays, each with its own cultural and religious significance, Saudi Arabia remains a country deeply rooted in tradition, and its public holidays are a reflection of this rich heritage.

Mark your calendar for September 23, 2024, and join the Kingdom in celebrating its pride and progress.

By understanding the holidays in Saudi Arabia, residents, expatriates, and visitors can plan their activities, travel, and work schedules around these important dates. Stay tuned for updates on 2025 public holidays and other significant events in the Kingdom.