Planning your life around the Saudi Arabia public holidays 2025 is basically a national pastime at this point. If you’ve lived in the Kingdom for even a week, you know the drill. One day everything is buzzing, and the next, the streets are quiet, the malls are packed, and everyone is suddenly in a "vacation mode" that feels both chaotic and wonderful.
Honestly, 2025 is shaping up to be a pretty interesting year for long weekends. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar-based, dates shift about 10 to 12 days every year. This means we aren't just looking at fixed dates like the National Day; we’re playing a bit of a guessing game with the moon for the big ones like Eid.
The Major Hits: Saudi Arabia Public Holidays 2025
Let's dive into the specifics. You’ve got the usual suspects, but the timing is what matters for your travel plans or just catching up on sleep.
Founding Day (February 22)
This is a relatively new one, but it has quickly become a massive deal. It commemorates the start of the first Saudi state back in 1727. In 2025, February 22 falls on a Saturday. Now, usually, when a holiday hits the weekend, there’s some talk about a bridge day or a substitute day off, but you’ll want to keep an eye on the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) announcements for that. People usually celebrate by wearing traditional clothes—think heavy embroidery and those distinct regional patterns—and heading to events in Diriyah or the Boulevard.
Ramadan 2025 (Expected February 28)
Okay, so Ramadan isn't a "public holiday" in the sense that offices close for the whole month, but it fundamentally changes how life works. Working hours get slashed. Typically, you're looking at a 6-hour workday for Muslims. The vibe shifts entirely to the night. You'll find yourself eating suhoor at 3 AM and realizing that the grocery store is somehow more crowded at midnight than at noon.
Eid al-Fitr (Expected March 30)
This is the big one that follows Ramadan. In 2025, it’s looking like Sunday, March 30. For the private sector, the MHRSD usually grants a four-day break. For government employees? They often get a lot longer—sometimes up to 10 days if the calendar aligns right. If you're planning to fly out of Riyadh or Jeddah during this time, book your tickets yesterday. Prices skyrocket because everyone has the same idea.
Eid al-Adha (Expected June 6)
Often called the "Big Eid," this one is tied to the Hajj pilgrimage. Arafat Day—the most important day of Hajj—should fall on Thursday, June 5. That means the actual Eid starts on Friday, June 6. This creates a massive potential for a long weekend that stretches into the following week. It’s hot. It’s really hot. Most people head to the mountains in Abha or just stay indoors under the AC and eat way too much lamb.
Saudi National Day (September 23)
Unlike the Eids, this one stays put. September 23. In 2025, that’s a Tuesday. This is the 95th National Day, and the theme is "Pride in Our Nature." Expect green everywhere. Green cars, green shirts, green lights on the Kingdom Centre. It’s the one day where everyone turns into a street performer with their car and a flag.
The "Hidden" Rules of Saudi Holidays
You’ve probably noticed that sometimes a holiday is announced, and then two days later, the government says, "Actually, have another day." This happens a lot with Saudi Arabia public holidays 2025.
There is a big difference between public and private sector breaks. Public sector workers (government) almost always get more time off. If you’re in a private company, you’re usually tied to the 4-day minimum for the Eids. Also, if a holiday falls on a Friday, the law generally says you should get a day in lieu (usually the Thursday before or the Sunday after).
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What most people get wrong
People often assume that because it's a holiday, everything shuts down. Not true. The retail sector in Saudi thrives during holidays. Malls stay open even later, restaurants have "Eid menus," and entertainment zones like those managed by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) go into overdrive. If you're looking for peace and quiet, the city isn't the place to be.
Travel Strategy for 2025
If you are looking to maximize your time off, here is a pro tip: look at the gap between the weekend and the holiday. For the National Day on Tuesday, September 23, taking Monday the 22nd off as a personal day gives you a four-day stretch.
- February: Stick to local trips. AlUla is stunning this time of year and perfect for Founding Day.
- March/April: This is the sweet spot for international travel if you can get away during Eid al-Fitr.
- June: Unless you like 45°C heat, maybe look at a quick flight to Europe or the cooler parts of Jordan.
Actionable Steps for Your Calendar
Don't wait for the official HR email to land on your desk.
- Check your contract: Some private firms are more generous than others with "bridge days."
- Book travel early: For Eid al-Fitr 2025, start looking at flights in January.
- Follow the MHRSD on X (formerly Twitter): They are the final word on when the holiday actually starts.
- Confirm the moon sighting: Remember, for the religious holidays, the date isn't 100% final until the moon is spotted. Always have a "Plan B" date for your bookings.
Staying ahead of the Saudi Arabia public holidays 2025 is mostly about being flexible. The dates might wiggle by 24 hours, but the opportunity for a break is definitely there. Mark your calendar, get your leave requests ready, and maybe buy some extra green gear for September.