Official Holidays in Saudi Arabia for 2025

Many employees and students are eager to know the official holidays in Saudi Arabia to plan a short, enjoyable trip for relaxation and return to work with renewed enthusiasm and energy. In Saudi Arabia, official holidays provide a break for government and private sector employees, as well as students at various educational levels. Let’s explore the official holidays in Saudi Arabia for 2025.

Table of Content

Founding Day Holiday

Founding Day falls on February 22 each year, marking the day Saudi Arabia commemorates its foundation. This date corresponds to the ascension of Muhammad bin Saud to the rule of Diriyah. According to the royal decree issued by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, this day has been declared a national holiday. For 2025, Founding Day will be observed on Saturday, February 22, 2025.

  • Founding Day Date: February 22
  • Duration: One day

Activities for Founding Day

  • Attend events organized by the state and public institutions across the Kingdom, such as military parades and cultural festivals.
  • Explore historical landmarks, including museums, forts, and archaeological sites, to learn more about the Kingdom’s rich history and culture.
  • Enjoy theatrical and entertainment shows held on this special day.
  • Watch fireworks displays that light up the sky with the colors of the Saudi flag.

Eid al-Fitr Holiday

Eid al-Fitr is one of the most celebrated holidays in Saudi Arabia and across the Islamic world, marking the end of Ramadan. Many choose to spend this holiday visiting tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia or traveling abroad. This holiday begins after Ramadan and lasts for four days, from 1 to 4 Shawwal each year in the Hijri calendar. For 2025, the Gregorian dates are expected to be from March 30 to April 1, 2025, depending on the moon sighting.

  • Eid al-Fitr Date: 1 to 4 Shawwal
  • Duration: Four days

Activities for Eid al-Fitr

  • Spend quality time with family and friends, exchanging greetings and gifts.
  • Explore Saudi tourist attractions, such as historic forts, museums, and natural landscapes.
  • Travel abroad to discover new destinations and experience different cultures.
  • Engage in outdoor activities like walking, cycling, or playing football to stay healthy, especially with the abundance of sweets during Eid.

Eid al-Adha Holiday

Eid al-Adha holds great significance in Saudi Arabia. Muslims worldwide celebrate this holiday by sacrificing animals, hosting feasts, and visiting relatives. In Saudi Arabia, the occasion is marked with special traditions, from exchanging greetings and decorating homes to distributing sacrifices and gathering with family and friends. The holiday spans 10 to 13 Dhu al-Hijjah in the Hijri calendar, which translates to June 5 to June 9, 2025, based on moon sighting.

  • Eid al-Adha Date: 10 to 13 Dhu al-Hijjah
  • Duration: Four days

Activities for Eid al-Adha

  • Share the joy of Eid with loved ones by exchanging greetings and gifts.
  • Distribute sacrifices and donations to the needy to spread the happiness of the occasion.
  • Spend the holiday enjoying nature by visiting parks and resorts across the Kingdom.
  • Have fun with your children at amusement parks or entertainment centers.

National Day Holiday

National Day is one of the most important days in Saudi Arabia, commemorating the unification of the Kingdom and the renaming of the country from the Kingdom of Hejaz and Nejd to Saudi Arabia. Celebrated on September 23 each year, this day features nationwide festivities and is a public holiday for government and private sector employees and all students. In 2025, National Day will fall on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

  • National Day Date: September 23
  • Duration: One day

Activities for National Day

  • Decorate homes, cars, and streets with flags and national ornaments to create a festive atmosphere.
  • Attend cultural events showcasing Saudi heritage and national identity.
  • Participate in sports activities like marathons and local competitions organized on this day.
  • Enjoy breathtaking firework displays that light up the sky with the colors of the Saudi flag, adding a sense of joy and excitement.

Summary of Official Holidays in Saudi Arabia

The table below outlines the official holidays for employees in both the government and private sectors, as well as students:

Holiday NameDate (Gregorian)Date (Hijri)Duration
Founding DaySaturday, February 221 Day
Eid al-FitrMarch 30 – April 11–4 Shawwal4 Days
Eid al-AdhaJune 5 – June 910–13 Dhu al-Hijjah4 Days
National DayTuesday, September 231 Day

 

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Tsisem Molla
210 Article
After graduating from Political Science and International Relations she volunteered at NGOs and is ambitious about advocacy.