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A new year means new opportunities to travel and explore the world, and if you're anything like the List Team, you like to get planning your vacations early. Get ahead of the crow and book in your annual leave, these are the national and public holiday dates you should take note of in Saudi Arabia for 2026.
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Note: As always, until officially confirmed by the government and moon-sighting committee, dates for Eid Al Fitr, Arafat Day and Eid Al-Adha may be +/-1 day.
Saudi Founding Day - February 22, 2026 (Sunday)
Overview: Celebrating the history and establishment of the first Saudi state, Saudi Founding Day became an official holiday in 2022 following a royal decree by King Salman. Typically marked by impressive fireworks and drone shows, this day falls on a weekend in 2025, potentially extending to a long weekend.
Activities: Public festivities including fireworks, drone shows, and community gatherings.
What is Saudi Founding Day, and why is it celebrated?
Saudi Flag Day - March 11, 2026 (Wednesday)
Overview: Celebrated each year on March 11, Saudi Flag Day honours and commemorates the adoption of the Kingdom's national flag and the values it represents. The specific date, March 11, was chosen because it marks the day in 1937 when King Abdulaziz officially approved the flag in the form we see today. Established by a Royal Decree from King Salman in 2023, the day is intended to consolidate national identity and pride. The flag itself is a witness to the country's three-century journey of unification and growth.
Although there are celebrations across the Kingdom, Saudi Flag Day is not a public holiday, and there are no days off for private sector employees.
Eid al Fitr - From March 19, 2026 (Wednesday) to March 20, 2026 (Friday)
Overview: This religious holiday marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, and begins on the first day of Shawwal. The start date of Eid al Fitr is subject to the sighting of the moon, so this date is tentative and the length of the holiday period is determined and confirmed by the Saudi government.
Activities: Eid al Fitr is a time of joy and celebration, involving special prayers, feasts, and community gatherings.
Eid al Adha - May 26, 2026 (Tuesday) to May 30, 2026 (Saturday)
Overview: Known as the festival of sacrifice, Eid al Adha occurs during the annual Hajj pilgrimage and follows the Day of Arafat, considered one of the holiest days in the Islamic calendar. Again, these holiday dates are not entirely clear at time of writing, and will be confirmed upon sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon.
Traditions: It traditionally involves the slaughtering of an animal and distributing the meat among family, friends, and the needy.
Saudi National Day - September 23, 2025 (Wednesday)
Overview: Saudi National Day, observed annually on September 23rd, celebrates the renaming of the Kingdom of Najd and Hijaz to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This national holiday is filled with festivities that reflect the national pride and cultural heritage of the Kingdom.
Activities: The day is filled with national parades, folk dances, songs, and cultural events across various cities of Saudi Arabia.
