Saudi Arabia has four official public holidays in 2027: Founding Day on 22 February, Eid al-Fitr from 9 March, Eid al-Adha from 15 May (Arafat Day), and National Day on 23 September. Under the Labour Law, private-sector employees get four paid days for each Eid plus one day each for Founding Day and National Day — ten paid holiday days in the year.
This page gives the exact 2027 dates, the difference between private sector, government and bank holidays, and whether you get a substitute day when a holiday falls on a weekend.
2027 Public Holidays — Full List
| Date | Day | Holiday | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 February | Monday | Founding Day | 1 |
| 9 – 12 March | Tue – Fri | Eid al-Fitr | 4 |
| 15 – 18 May | Sat – Tue | Arafat Day + Eid al-Adha | 4 |
| 23 September | Thursday | Saudi National Day | 1 |
The Two Fixed-Date Holidays
Founding Day (22 February) marks the 1727 establishment of the First Saudi State by Imam Muhammad bin Saud. It is a fixed Gregorian date and is separate from National Day.
National Day (23 September) marks the unification of the Kingdom by King Abdulaziz in 1932. In 2027 it falls on a Thursday, so — unusually — there is no weekend substitution problem, and private-sector staff get a clean Thursday off followed by the normal weekend.
If either fixed-date holiday ever falls on a Friday or Saturday, employees are entitled to the working day before or after instead.
Sector Differences — This Is Where People Get Confused
| Sector | Eid al-Fitr 2027 | Eid al-Adha 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Private sector and non-profit | 9 – 12 March (4 days) | 15 – 18 May (4 days) |
| Government (Civil Service) | Announced separately, usually 4–5 working days | Announced separately |
| Banks (SAMA schedule) | 7 – 11 March | 16 – 20 May |
Banks typically start and finish earlier than the private sector, because the Saudi Central Bank publishes its own holiday schedule. If you are waiting for a salary transfer, an end-of-service settlement or a SADAD payment to clear, the banking window is the one that matters — not your company’s.
What About Ramadan?
Ramadan is not a public holiday, but it changes working hours across the Kingdom. Under the Labour Law, Muslim employees work reduced hours during the month — generally six hours a day for private-sector staff. Expect offices to open later, close earlier, and shift to a night-time schedule. Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around 8 February and end around 8 March.
Planning Your Annual Leave Around 2027
The 2027 calendar is generous for anyone who plans properly. Two clear opportunities:
- March: Eid al-Fitr runs Tuesday to Friday (9–12 March). Four paid days plus the Friday–Saturday weekend means you can be off for nearly a week with minimal annual leave.
- May: Eid al-Adha starts on Saturday 15 May (Arafat Day) and runs to Tuesday. Take Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 May as annual leave and you connect Eid with the following weekend.
- September: National Day falls on Thursday 23 September. Take Sunday 26 September and you convert a one-day holiday into a five-day break.
If you are planning travel home, book flights before the Eid dates are announced. Prices spike the moment the dates are confirmed. Our exit re-entry visa guide explains the travel permit you will need, and the family visit visa guide covers bringing relatives in.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many public holidays are there in Saudi Arabia in 2027?
Four official holidays: Founding Day, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha and National Day. Private-sector employees get ten paid days in total because each Eid carries four days.
When is Eid al-Fitr 2027 in Saudi Arabia?
Expected from 9 to 12 March 2027 for the private sector, subject to the Umm al-Qura calendar and official moon sighting.
When is Eid al-Adha 2027?
Expected from 15 to 18 May 2027, beginning with Arafat Day on Saturday 15 May.
Do I get a substitute day if a holiday falls on a weekend?
For Founding Day and National Day, yes — the working day before or after. The Eid periods are already calculated to include working days.
Do non-Muslim employees get these holidays?
Yes. Public holidays apply to all employees in the private sector regardless of religion, and paid holiday entitlement under the Labour Law is not conditional on faith.
Are banks closed for longer than my company?
Usually yes. SAMA publishes a separate schedule and banks close earlier before Eid and reopen later.
Bottom Line
2027 gives you 22 February, 9–12 March, 15–18 May and 23 September — ten paid days in total for private-sector staff. Bank holidays run longer than company holidays, so time your transfers accordingly, and book your Eid flights early because fares move as soon as the moon sighting is confirmed.
