Public Holidays in Saudi Arabia 2024-2025
Saudi Public Holidays 2024-2025: Mark Your Calendars!
We never say no to days off because the urge to go on a prolonged vacay is always strong.
With many of us running fast-paced lives, it’s only natural to think about your next break away from the usual routine. Cue Saudi public holidays 2024 and 2025.
Days off mean you can finally take that much needed Saudi staycation, head out to eat at the newest restaurants, sip your fave specialty cuppa at top cafés, and even explore the Kingdom’s endless attractions.
We’ve already had three out of four Saudi public holidays, but there are more to come.
Saudi Public Holidays 2024: Saudi National Day
The last public holiday of 2024 in Saudi is Saudi National Day, otherwise known as National Day. This annual celebration falls on September 23, specifically Monday September 23, 2024.
Saudi Public Holidays 2024-2025: Saudi Founding Day
For Saudi public holidays 2024-2025, the year will kick off with a green and white bang for Saudi Founding Day. The public holiday falls on Saturday February 22, 2025, meaning we might be getting a long weekend to enjoy from Sunday February 24, 2025.
One of the newest additions to Saudi’s public holidays, Founding Day became an official holiday in 2022 after His Highness King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud issued a royal decree stating that February 22 would be an official annual holiday for private and public sectors.
Saudi Public Holidays 2024-2025: Eid al Fitr
In 2025, Eid al Fitr is expected to fall on Sunday March 30, 2025. This holiday usually gives public and private sector employees some days off (with the occasional long weekend if planned right).
Eid al Fitr marks the beginning of the Islamic month of Shawwal. It is celebrated on the first day following the month of Ramadan, a month of fasting a prayer. Ramadan 2025 is expected to begin on Friday February 28, 2025, however this depends on the sighting of the moon.
Saudi Public Holidays 2024-2025: Eid al Adha
Following two months after is Eid al Adha. Known as the festival of sacrifice (typically of either a sheep, goat or lamb), this Eid occurs during Hajj and is expected to start on the evening of Saturday June 7, 2025.
The pilgrimage of Hajj is set to fall on the evening of Wednesday June 4, 2025 with the Day of Arafat, one of the holiest days in the Islamic calendar, falling on Friday June 6, 2025.
Saudi Public Holidays 2024-2025: Saudi National Day
The last public holiday of 2025 in Saudi is Saudi National Day, otherwise known as National Day. This annual celebration falls on September 23, specifically Tuesday September 23, 2025.
Saudi Arabia Public Holidays 2024-2025: Full List
- Saudi National Day — Monday September 23, 2024
- Saudi Founding Day — Saturday February 22, 2025
- Eid al Fitr — From Sunday March 30, 2025
- Arafat Day — Friday June 6, 2025
- Eid al Adha — From Saturday June 7, 2025
- Saudi National Day — Tuesday September 23, 2025
Saudi Arabia Important Dates 2024
Islamic New Year
Also known as the Hijri New Year, the day marks the start of a new lunar Hijri year. The first day of the month of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic lunar calendar, signifies a vital point in Islamic history. Historically, Islamic New Year is known as the year of emigration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah, otherwise known as the hijrah.
Conclusion:
Saudi public holidays are a great opportunity to take a break and explore the Kingdom. With a total of six public holidays in 2024 and 2025, there’s plenty of time to plan a staycation or a trip abroad. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Islamic New Year, which falls on March 10, 2024.
FAQs:
Q: What are the Saudi public holidays in 2024 and 2025?
A: The public holidays in 2024 are Saudi National Day (September 23), Saudi Founding Day (February 22), and Eid al Fitr (March 30). The public holidays in 2025 are Saudi Founding Day (February 22), Eid al Fitr (March 30), Eid al Adha (June 7), and Saudi National Day (September 23).
Q: What is the Islamic New Year?
A: The Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year, marks the start of a new lunar Hijri year. It falls on March 10, 2024.
Q: What are the best places to visit in Saudi Arabia?
A: There are many great places to visit in Saudi Arabia, including the Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah, the holy city of Mecca, and the ancient city of Diriyah.