When Is the Next Public Holiday in Saudi Arabia?
Find out when the next public holiday in Saudi Arabia is, including the date of Saudi National Day 2026 and what comes next.
If you are wondering when the next public holiday is in Saudi Arabia, you will not have to wait much longer.
As of mid-august 2026, the next official public holiday in Saudi Arabia is Saudi National Day, which will be observed on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
National Day comes after the Eid Al-Adha holiday, which was observed earlier this year. It is one of the major official occasions on Saudi Arabia’s annual calendar.
Next Public Holiday: Saudi National Day 2026
Saudi National Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, September 23.
The occasion is an official one-day holiday in Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development’s guidance lists National Day as an official holiday for workers, with the date fixed as September 23. citeturn0search34
Since September 23 falls on a Wednesday in 2026, the holiday will fall in the middle of the normal Sunday-to-Thursday working week.
For many employees, this means a midweek day off rather than a long weekend, unless an employer announces additional arrangements.
Why Does Saudi Arabia Celebrate National Day?
Saudi National Day commemorates the unification of the Kingdom under King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud.
September 23 marks the historic declaration that unified the country under the name Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932. The occasion is celebrated annually across the Kingdom. citeturn0search6
National Day celebrations typically take place across Saudi cities, with the Saudi flag and green decorations becoming prominent in streets, buildings, shopping centres and public spaces.
Details of official events and activities for the 2026 celebration may be announced closer to the date.
Is National Day a Holiday for Private-Sector Employees?
Yes. Under Saudi labour regulations, workers are entitled to one day of official leave for National Day on September 23.
The same HRSD guidance states that work performed during official holidays is considered overtime and is eligible for compensation in accordance with the applicable rules.
Employees should still check with their employer regarding work schedules, particularly in sectors that continue operating during public holidays.
What Comes After Saudi National Day?
After National Day, the next fixed national public holiday is Saudi Founding Day on February 22, 2027.
Founding Day is observed every year on February 22 and commemorates the establishment of the First Saudi State in 1727 by Imam Muhammad bin Saud.
After that, Saudi Arabia will observe the Eid Al-Fitr holiday in March 2027. Eid dates are based on the Islamic Hijri calendar and are associated with the sighting of the crescent moon, so their Gregorian timing should be treated as subject to confirmation.
For now, residents can mark Wednesday, September 23, 2026 on their calendars — Saudi National Day is the next public holiday in the Kingdom.
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