Saudi Arabia Holidays

Saudi Arabia Public Holidays

Searching for the national holidays in Saudi Arabia? All public holidays in Saudi Arabia are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Saudi Arabia employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Saudi Arabia and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.

Saudi Arabia, a country known for its rich Islamic heritage and conservative traditions, observes several public holidays throughout the year. These holidays are primarily religious in nature, reflecting the deep-rooted Islamic values of the Kingdom. However, there are also significant national holidays that celebrate the country’s formation and unity. According to directoryaah.com, public holidays in Saudi Arabia are moments for the population to express their faith, reflect on their national identity, and spend time with their families. Below is a comprehensive overview of Saudi Arabia’s public holidays, their significance, and how they are observed.

Eid al-Fitr (Dates Vary)

Eid al-Fitr is one of the most significant Islamic holidays in Saudi Arabia, marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. The holiday is a celebration of gratitude and joy, as Muslims break their fast and come together to reflect on their spiritual journey during Ramadan.

Religious Significance

• End of Ramadan: Eid al-Fitr occurs on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It celebrates the conclusion of Ramadan, a month where Muslims fast from dawn until sunset.
• Thankfulness to Allah: The day is also an opportunity to give thanks to Allah for the strength to complete the month-long fast and for the blessings received during Ramadan.

Traditions and Celebrations

• Eid Prayers: Early in the morning, Muslims attend a special Eid prayer held in large congregations at mosques or open prayer grounds.
• Zakat al-Fitr: Before the prayers, it is obligatory for Muslims to give Zakat al-Fitr, a charity donation to help those in need, ensuring everyone can celebrate the holiday.
• Family Gatherings: Families and friends come together for celebratory meals, sharing traditional foods and sweets such as baklava and ma’amoul.
• New Clothes: It is customary to wear new clothes as a symbol of renewal and festivity.
• Gifting: Children often receive Eidiya, small gifts or money from parents and relatives.

Eid al-Adha (Dates Vary)

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is the second major Islamic holiday celebrated in Saudi Arabia. It coincides with the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage and commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command.

Religious Significance

• Commemoration of Ibrahim’s Sacrifice: The holiday honors the story of Prophet Ibrahim, who was ready to sacrifice his son, Ismail, in submission to Allah’s will. However, Allah provided a ram to be sacrificed instead.
• Hajj Pilgrimage: Eid al-Adha occurs during the Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and coincides with the completion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Traditions and Celebrations

• Sacrificial Offering (Qurbani): On Eid al-Adha, Muslims who can afford it perform the sacrificial ritual by slaughtering a sheep, goat, cow, or camel. The meat is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor.
• Eid Prayers: As with Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha begins with a communal prayer early in the morning.
• Feasts and Charity: Families prepare large feasts, and many perform acts of charity, distributing food and aid to those in need.
• Pilgrims in Mecca: For Muslims participating in Hajj, Eid al-Adha holds special significance as the pilgrims perform their final rites in Mecca.

National Day (September 23)

Saudi National Day, known as Al-Yaom Al-Watany, is a public holiday that commemorates the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932 by King Abdulaziz Al Saud. This day is one of the few non-religious public holidays observed in the Kingdom.

Historical Significance

• Formation of Saudi Arabia: On September 23, 1932, King Abdulaziz declared the establishment of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, uniting the regions of Najd, Hijaz, and other parts under one rule.
• Celebration of National Identity: National Day is a time to celebrate the unity, heritage, and achievements of Saudi Arabia as a nation.

Traditions and Celebrations

• Public Events: Major cities across Saudi Arabia host cultural events, fireworks displays, and parades. Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam are often the centers of large-scale celebrations.
• Decorations and Lights: The streets are adorned with green and white, the colors of the Saudi flag, and public buildings are illuminated with lights.
• Patriotic Speeches and Music: Government leaders deliver speeches celebrating the country’s achievements, while patriotic songs fill the airwaves.
• Free Public Performances: Many events, including traditional Saudi dances like the Ardah, are performed, and concerts featuring prominent Saudi artists are held.

Islamic New Year (Dates Vary)

The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar year. The day commemorates the migration (Hijra) of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, a significant event in Islamic history.

Religious Significance

• Commemoration of the Hijra: The Islamic New Year is based on the lunar calendar, with the first month being Muharram. The Hijra represents a pivotal moment in Islamic history when Prophet Muhammad and his followers migrated to Medina to escape persecution.

Traditions and Observances

• Quiet Reflection: Unlike other Islamic holidays, the Islamic New Year is not marked by large celebrations. Instead, it is a day for reflection on the Prophet’s journey and the spiritual significance of the event.
• Mosque Attendance: Some Muslims may attend mosques to offer prayers and read the Qur’an.

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi, Dates Vary)

Mawlid al-Nabi celebrates the birth of Prophet Muhammad and is observed as a public holiday in many Muslim countries, including Saudi Arabia. The holiday honors the life, teachings, and legacy of the Prophet, who is central to Islamic faith.

Religious Significance

• Birth of the Prophet: Mawlid al-Nabi is observed on the 12th day of Rabi’ al-Awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar, marking the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.
• Celebrating the Prophet’s Teachings: It is a time for Muslims to reflect on the values, teachings, and examples set by the Prophet.

Traditions and Observances

• Religious Lectures and Recitations: In Saudi Arabia, the day is marked by sermons and recitations of Qur’anic verses that focus on the life and teachings of the Prophet.
• Charity and Good Deeds: Many people use the day to perform acts of charity, as a way of honoring the Prophet’s compassion and kindness.
• Modest Observance: While some countries celebrate Mawlid al-Nabi with large processions and public festivities, the observance in Saudi Arabia tends to be more subdued, with a focus on prayer and reflection.

Founding Day (February 22)

In 2022, Saudi Arabia introduced Founding Day as a new national holiday to commemorate the founding of the First Saudi State in 1727. This holiday reflects the deep history of the Saudi royal family and the establishment of the Saudi state long before its unification in 1932.

Historical Significance

• Founding of the First Saudi State: Founding Day celebrates the early history of the Saudi Kingdom, tracing back to Imam Muhammad bin Saud and the creation of the first Saudi state in 1727.
• Recognition of Historical Roots: This holiday recognizes the long-standing cultural and political foundations of the Saudi state, beyond the modern unification of the country.

Traditions and Celebrations

• Cultural Events: Various cultural activities, such as exhibitions on Saudi history, traditional performances, and historical reenactments, are held to celebrate Founding Day.
• National Pride: Like National Day, Founding Day is celebrated with expressions of national pride, including flags, decorations, and public events.