The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has published the official holidays and working hours for financial institutions under its supervision, as well as for the Saudi Instant Payment System (SARIE), covering the years 2026 to 2029. This announcement ensures clarity for both institutions and customers regarding service availability during Eid holidays, Ramadan, National Day, and Founding Day.
Official Holidays for Financial Institutions
The following are the confirmed Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha holidays for banks and other financial institutions supervised by SAMA until 2029:
| Year | Eid Al-Fitr (Start–End) | Eid Al-Adha (Start–End) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | March 17 – 23, 2026 | May 24 – 28, 2026 |
| 2027 | March 7 – 11, 2027 | May 16 – 20, 2027 |
| 2028 | Feb. 27 – March 2, 2028 | May 3 – 9, 2028 |
| 2029 | Feb. 12 – 18, 2029 | April 22 – 26, 2029 |
Official Holidays for Saudi Instant Payment System (Sarie)
The Saudi Instant Payment System (Sarie) will have shortened holiday schedules compared to banks.
| Year | Eid Al-Fitr (Start–End) | Eid Al-Adha (Start–End) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | March 19 – 22, 2026 | May 26 – 28, 2026 |
| 2027 | March 8 – 10, 2027 | May 16 – 18, 2027 |
| 2028 | Feb. 27 – 28, 2028 | May 4 – 7, 2028 |
| 2029 | Feb. 13 – 15, 2029 | April 23 – 25, 2029 |
National Day and Founding Day
- National Day (Sept. 23) and Founding Day (Feb. 22) will be official holidays every year.
- If either holiday falls on a Friday, the day off will shift to Thursday.
- If it falls on a Saturday, the day off will move to Sunday.
Working Hours During Ramadan
- Banks: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Remittance centers and payment service providers: Six flexible working hours from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- SARIE: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., aligned with clearing houses.
Services During Hajj Season
Bank branches, exchange centers, and payment service providers will remain open throughout the Hajj season, including Fridays and Saturdays, at the following locations:
- Hajj terminals in Jeddah and Madinah
- Holy sites
- Border crossings
They will continue to serve pilgrims and visitors without interruption.
Additional Requirements for Banks and Service Providers
- Mandatory opening of branches in densely populated and high-demand areas during Eid holidays.
- Branches must also be available at airports and border crossings.
- Operating hours of all branches and outlets must be publicly announced in advance.