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Saudi Arabia public holidays in 2026 and 2027 — what travellers need to know

Ramadan, the two four-day Eid breaks and the Hajj period have the greatest impact. Lunar dates need reconfirmation, and any trip involving Makkah requires a check of current access and permit rules.

Key takeaway: Travel outside Hajj remains possible, but plans should account for Ramadan hours and rechecked Eid dates; do not plan Makkah during the pilgrimage period without official authorisation.

Public-holiday calendar for 2026 and 2027

Calendar coverage: The calendar covers the fixed dates of 22 February and 23 September and the four-day Eid periods. Movable dates for 2027 are estimates pending official confirmation nearer the holiday.

2026

DateDayHolidayNotes
22 FebruarySundaySaudi Founding Day
20 March – 23 MarchFridayEid al-Fitrmulti-day holiday
26 May – 29 MayTuesdayEid al-Adhamulti-day holiday
23 SeptemberWednesdaySaudi National Day

2027

DateDayHolidayNotes
22 FebruaryMondaySaudi Founding Day
9 March – 12 MarchTuesdayEid al-Fitrmulti-day holiday · estimated date
15 May – 18 MaySaturdayEid al-Adhamulti-day holiday · estimated date
23 SeptemberThursdaySaudi National Day

Which periods affect travel most?

Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr

Service hours shift towards the evening, and workers receive a four-day Eid al-Fitr break. Transport and accommodation demand rises at the end of Ramadan.

Hajj and Eid al-Adha

The four-day Eid al-Adha break overlaps the key pilgrimage period. Special access rules apply around Makkah, and a tourist visa does not authorise participation in Hajj.

Founding Day and National Day

22 February and 23 September are fixed days off with public events. Expect crowds and traffic changes in Riyadh and other large cities.

Shops, transport and attractions

  • During Ramadan, public offices and local services work shorter hours and some activity shifts into the evening.
  • Government offices, banks and schools generally close; private businesses set their own hours.
  • During Hajj, Makkah and its surroundings have separate access and permit rules; use Ministry of Hajj and Nusuk notices.

Local customs and etiquette

During Ramadan be considerate towards people who are fasting, and follow dress and access rules at mosques and religious sites. Hajj is not an ordinary tourist event: rely only on official notices and Nusuk channels.

How to plan your trip

  1. Before departure, recheck the official confirmation of movable Islamic dates.
  2. Reserve accommodation and key journeys earlier than usual.
  3. If the plan involves Makkah, Umrah or the Hajj period, check Ministry of Hajj requirements and official Nusuk channels.

Combine the calendar with the weather

Check the 14-day forecast, monthly climate and best time to visit Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia weather

FebruaryMarchMaySeptember

Sources and data coverage

The calendar covers the fixed dates of 22 February and 23 September and the four-day Eid periods. Movable dates for 2027 are estimates pending official confirmation nearer the holiday. Calendar data checked: 13 July 2026.

Travel-advice sources

Other holiday calendars for travellers

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Frequently asked questions

Is it worth visiting Saudi Arabia during public holidays?
Travel outside Hajj remains possible, but plans should account for Ramadan hours and rechecked Eid dates; do not plan Makkah during the pilgrimage period without official authorisation.
Do shops and public transport operate on holidays in Saudi Arabia?
During Ramadan, public offices and local services work shorter hours and some activity shifts into the evening. Government offices, banks and schools generally close; private businesses set their own hours. During Hajj, Makkah and its surroundings have separate access and permit rules; use Ministry of Hajj and Nusuk notices.
Can religious holiday dates change?
Yes. Dates based on a lunar calendar may be confirmed or adjusted by the relevant authorities. We label such entries as estimates and recommend checking again before departure.