Saudi Arabia Public Holidays 2025-2026: Dates, Events, and Travel Impact

Saudi Arabia Public Holidays: What Visitors Need to Know

Saudi Arabia observes a mix of Islamic and national holidays that directly affect visiting hours at attractions, restaurant availability, hotel pricing, and the general rhythm of daily life in Riyadh. Understanding the holiday calendar is essential for travel planning, as some holidays create extended closures while others — particularly the Eid celebrations — transform the city into a festive destination that is itself a reason to visit. Saudi Arabia welcomed 122 million visitors in 2025, and holiday periods account for some of the highest domestic tourism demand of the year.

The key distinction for visitors: Islamic holidays follow the Hijri (lunar) calendar and shift approximately 10-11 days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar. This means Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr, and Eid Al Adha fall on different dates annually, and exact dates are confirmed only shortly before the holiday based on moon sighting by religious authorities. National holidays (Founding Day and Saudi National Day) follow fixed Gregorian dates and are predictable years in advance.

Major Public Holidays

Founding Day — February 22

Established in 2022, Founding Day commemorates the founding of the First Saudi State by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727 in Diriyah. The holiday celebrates the deep historical roots of the Saudi nation, predating the modern kingdom’s unification by over two centuries and connecting contemporary Saudi Arabia to the Najdi traditions visible at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif.

What Happens: Public celebrations, cultural events, traditional dress displays (many Saudis wear historical Najdi garments), and festivities centred on Saudi heritage. Diriyah and Al Bujairi Heritage Quarter typically host special programming — the historical connection makes Diriyah the natural focal point of the celebration. Government offices and many businesses close. Attractions may have modified hours. Schools and universities close.

Travel Impact: A single-day holiday (with potential for a long weekend if it falls near the Thursday-Friday weekend). Hotels may see slightly elevated demand but the impact is less dramatic than Eid periods. Restaurants in tourist areas typically remain open. The celebrations at Diriyah provide a compelling reason to visit during this period — the heritage programming offers cultural depth unavailable at other times of year.

Visitor Experience: Founding Day provides insight into Saudi national identity and historical consciousness. The traditional dress, heritage performances, and Diriyah-centred celebrations create photography opportunities and cultural immersion. For visitors interested in Saudi culture, timing a visit to include February 22 adds significant value.

Ramadan — Approximately 30 Days (Lunar Calendar)

Ramadan is the Islamic holy month of fasting, during which Muslims abstain from food, drink, and smoking from dawn to sunset. While not a public holiday per se, Ramadan fundamentally changes daily life and affects every aspect of a visitor’s experience in Riyadh.

2026 Dates: Approximately February 18 to March 19 (subject to moon sighting confirmation). 2027 Dates: Approximately February 7 to March 8 (approximate, subject to confirmation).

What Changes During Ramadan:

• Restaurants: Establishments that serve food during daylight hours typically close or operate behind screens during fasting hours. This is the most visible impact for visitors. Fast-food chains and some casual restaurants close entirely during the day. Hotel restaurants typically provide screened dining areas where guests can eat during fasting hours — this is the standard accommodation for non-Muslim visitors and is widely available at all hotel tiers.
• Attractions: Many attractions reduce operating hours, with later opening times and earlier closures during the day. Some government-operated museums may shift to afternoon-only schedules. Private entertainment venues may close entirely during Ramadan or operate with reduced programming.
• Business hours: Many offices operate from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Government services may have reduced hours. Shopping malls typically maintain regular hours but may close during prayer times.
• Evening transformation: The city comes alive after sunset, when the iftar (breaking of fast) meal transforms restaurants and public spaces into festive gathering points. After iftar, malls extend their hours (often until 1-2 AM), streets fill with activity, and a celebratory atmosphere prevails. Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) extends social activity further, with some restaurants and cafes open until 3-4 AM.
• The Riyadh Metro: Continues to operate during Ramadan, potentially with modified schedules. The metro provides essential connectivity during a period when traffic patterns shift significantly.

For Visitors: Non-Muslim visitors are not required to fast but should avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours as a sign of respect. This is both a cultural expectation and, in some contexts, legally enforceable. Hotels provide the primary solution — eat in your hotel before venturing out. See our Saudi etiquette guide for detailed Ramadan behaviour guidance.

Should You Visit During Ramadan? Ramadan offers a unique cultural experience that rewards flexibility. The evening atmosphere after iftar is vibrant and celebratory — one of the most authentic cultural experiences available in Saudi Arabia. The spiritual dimension adds depth to visits to historical and religious sites. However, reduced daytime services and modified attraction hours require flexible itinerary planning. For first-time visitors, a non-Ramadan trip may be easier to navigate. For returning visitors seeking cultural depth, Ramadan provides an experience unavailable at any other time.

Eid Al Fitr — 3-4 Days (End of Ramadan)

Eid Al Fitr (“Festival of Breaking the Fast”) marks the end of Ramadan and is one of Saudi Arabia’s most important celebrations. The official holiday is typically 3-4 days, though many businesses and government offices extend closures to a full week.

2026 Dates: Approximately March 20-22 (subject to moon sighting).

What Happens: Joyous celebrations mark the transition from the discipline of fasting to festivity. Special Eid prayers in the morning. Family gatherings — extended families convene, often traveling across the kingdom. New clothing — Saudis traditionally wear new garments for Eid. Gift-giving, particularly to children. Feasting after a month of fasting. Riyadh’s parks, malls, and entertainment zones fill with families. Boulevard City and Boulevard World host special events and extended programming. Shopping malls run extended hours and promotions. The atmosphere is genuinely festive — comparable to Christmas celebrations in Western countries in terms of social energy and public joy.

Travel Impact: Hotels book up quickly and rates increase significantly — Eid is one of the two highest-demand periods in the Saudi calendar (alongside Eid Al Adha). Domestic tourism surges as Saudi families travel within the kingdom. Restaurants are extremely busy, particularly during the first two days. Book accommodation and dining reservations well in advance — 6-8 weeks minimum for popular properties. The Riyadh Metro operates during Eid, potentially with modified schedules, and stations near entertainment venues experience heavy traffic.

Eid Al Adha — 4-5 Days (Lunar Calendar)

Eid Al Adha (“Festival of Sacrifice”) is the most significant Islamic holiday, coinciding with the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. The official holiday is typically 4-5 days, with many businesses closed for a full week.

2026 Dates: Approximately May 27-31 (subject to moon sighting).

What Happens: Commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Families share meat from sacrificial animals with neighbours and the less fortunate — a tradition of generosity that defines the holiday. Like Eid Al Fitr, the city is festive with family gatherings, special events, and celebrations at entertainment venues. Eid prayers in the morning. Traditional hospitality — visitors may be invited to share meals with Saudi families.

Travel Impact: Similar to Eid Al Fitr — hotel demand peaks, prices increase, and popular attractions are crowded with domestic tourists. The overlap with Hajj means that Mecca and Medina are particularly busy (millions of pilgrims converge), though Riyadh itself is less affected by Hajj-related congestion. Some Riyadh residents travel for Hajj, temporarily reducing the city’s population, while others travel domestically for family visits. The net effect on hotel demand in Riyadh is elevated pricing and high occupancy.

Saudi National Day — September 23

Saudi National Day commemorates the unification of the kingdom by King Abdulaziz ibn Saud in 1932. It is the most visible national celebration and the closest equivalent to Independence Day in other countries.

What Happens: Major celebrations across Riyadh including fireworks displays, military air shows, parades, concerts, cultural events, and building illuminations. Government buildings, Kingdom Centre Tower, KAFD, and landmarks across the city are decorated with green lighting (green being the national colour). Special events at Riyadh Season venues if the season is active. Live music, traditional Saudi sword dance (ardah), poetry readings, and public festivities throughout the city. National Day falls in September when temperatures remain high (40 degrees Celsius average), so celebrations concentrate in the evening hours.

Travel Impact: A major celebration day. Hotels are busy, entertainment venues are packed, and the festive atmosphere makes it an exciting time to visit despite the heat and crowds. Book accommodation well in advance. The combination of heat and crowds makes the evening celebrations the focal point — daytime activities are limited by temperature.

Holiday Calendar Summary

Islamic holiday dates are approximate and subject to moon sighting confirmation. Dates may vary by 1-2 days from projections.

How Holidays Affect Your Visit

Attractions: Masmak Fortress, the National Museum, and government-operated sites may close or reduce hours during Eid and Founding Day. Private attractions like Boulevard City and Kingdom Centre Tower observation deck typically remain open with special programming. Diriyah often has enhanced programming during Founding Day and Eid.

Dining: Restaurants are extremely busy during Eid celebrations. Fine dining venues and hotel restaurants require advance reservations — walk-ins during Eid are largely futile at popular restaurants. Street food vendors and casual restaurants may have long queues. During Ramadan, daytime dining options are limited to hotel restaurants serving guests behind screens.

Shopping: Malls typically extend hours during Eid and National Day, with major sales and promotions. Eid is one of the biggest retail periods in the Saudi calendar, comparable to Black Friday or Christmas sales in Western markets. Expect crowds but also deals.

Transportation: The Riyadh Metro operates during holidays, sometimes with modified schedules. Traffic congestion increases significantly during Eid as families travel across the city for gatherings. Ride-hailing prices may surge, particularly during peak celebration hours. The metro becomes especially valuable during holidays as it bypasses road congestion entirely.

Currency and Banking: Banks close during public holidays. ATMs remain operational and are widely distributed across the city. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere. See our currency guide for advice on ensuring access to cash during holiday periods.

Planning Around Holidays

For visitors who want to experience Saudi culture at its most vibrant, timing a visit to coincide with Eid Al Fitr, Saudi National Day, or Founding Day provides an immersive cultural experience unavailable at other times. The festive atmosphere, traditional celebrations, and public joy during these periods offer genuine cultural engagement that enriches any trip.

For visitors who prefer fewer crowds and normal operating schedules, avoiding the Eid periods and planning around the best time to visit based on weather is the better strategy. The October-March Riyadh Season provides abundant entertainment without the service disruptions that accompany major holidays.

Regardless of timing, checking the holiday calendar before finalizing your hotel booking ensures you are not surprised by reduced services or elevated pricing. During Eid periods especially, booking accommodation and dining 6-8 weeks in advance is prudent.

For questions about holiday schedules or travel planning around Saudi Arabia’s public holidays, contact us at info@discoverriyadh.ai.

Sources: Saudi Press Agency, Visit Saudi, Saudi Ministry of Human Resources.