Public Holidays in Saudi Arabia 2024 Official List

Whether you live in Saudi Arabia or are simply visiting, it's crucial to remember these days since certain local businesses may be closed. Our guide compiles a list of official public holidays in Saudi Arabia 2024 and key dates for your calendar to guarantee you don't miss anything crucial.

Public Holidays in Saudi Arabia during 2024: List in full

This is a list of public holidays in Saudi Arabia during 2024. Please note that this list is subject to change.

• Founding Day: 22 February (Thursday)
• Eid al-Fitr: 10 April (Wednesday)
• Eid al-Fitr holiday: 11 – 13 April (Thursday through Saturday)
• Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice): 16 June (Sunday)
• Eid al-Adha holiday: 16-18 June (Sunday, Monday and Tuesday)
• National Day: 23 September (Monday)
• Start of Ramadan: 11 March (Monday)
• Muharram (Islamic New Year): 07 July (Sunday)

Important dates in Saudi Arabia 2024

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia only has three official holidays each year, but they are always celebrated in style: National Day, Eid Al Fitr, and Eid Al Adha. While National Day has a set yearly date based on the solar, Gregorian calendar, the other two fall on various days each year according to the Islamic lunar calendar, Hijri.

1. Saudi National Day

Saudi Arabia's National Day, September 23, commemorates the union of Najd and Hijaz. The combined states were renamed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932 after King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud's dynasty, the House of Saud.

Saudi National Day, or Al Yom Al Watany in Arabic, is observed on a specified date on the solar calendar.

Saudi National Day

How is Saudi National Day celebrated?

Fireworks, parades with floats showing the attractions of each area, music and traditional attire, and Saudi flags filling the streets honor the event. Special cultural activities are conducted, and there is a strong sense of national pride everywhere, from individuals adorning their vehicles and houses to buildings turning green for the day.

Let's visit Saudi National Day 2024 on Monday, September 23, 2024.

2. Eid Al Fitr

The ninth month of the Hijri is Ramadan, which culminates in a three-day celebration to break the fast for another year. While iftar, or breaking the fast, is celebrated every day after sunset throughout Ramadan, today marks the conclusion of the holy month's intermittent fasting. Eid Al Fitr is the name given to this celebratory event.

This Eid celebration, after a month of fasting and introspection, is about sharing what you have with others, including donating Zakat Al Fitr, a specific donation to charity.

Eid Mubarak: Eid Al Fitr (Blessed Feast)

Following special Eid prayers, family and friends usually congregate with the children, who are given Eidia presents like money, new clothes, and toys. Then everyone sits down to a traditional feast of delights including mugalgal, spicy chopped lamb served with tomatoes; jareesh, ground wheat combined with meat and spices; and a variety of sweet desserts. Because of the various traditional honey- and date-infused pastries and meals connected with the celebration, Eid Al Fitr is also known as Sweet Eid.

On the first evening of Eid Al Fitr, people dress up in their best clothing — typically new garments bought for the occasion — to watch fireworks and wish each other "Eid Mubarak," which translates to "Happy Eid." During this festival, it is not uncommon to see ladies with henna on their hands and feet.

Visitors should be aware that, despite the early frenzy, the bulk of stores and venues will be closed for three days as people assemble in their homes and remain within their family circles.

Eid Al Fitr in Saudi Arabia

3. Eid Al Adha

Eid Al Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice, occurs on the tenth day of the Islamic calendar's last month, Dhu al-Hijjah, and occurs around two months after Eid Al Fitr, which marks the culmination of the Hajj trip to the holy city of Makkah. This second Eid remembers Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his eldest son, Ismail, at God's behest. God gave a lamb in his place before Ismail was slaughtered. Many Saudi households still sacrifice a sheep—or a goat, a cow, or even a camel—today. The meat is divided into three pieces and then distributed to family, friends, neighbors, and those in need.

Eid Al Adha in Saudi Arabia

Is Saudi Arabia and its holidays appealing to you?

In Saudi Arabia, there are no daylight saving time modifications; unlike in several other nations, the clock remains the same all year (Arabia Standard Time). But, you‘ll love Saudi if:

• You yearn for adventure and fantasize about visiting breathtaking natural settings.
• You appreciate learning about exotic civilizations, unusual customs, and different food.
• You are looking for unique sights, elegant architecture, and amazing activities.

The specific religious public holidays in Saudi Arabia will undoubtedly assist you in fulfilling the aforesaid "what if" aspirations. This article will offer you a general overview of the features of the major holidays of the year, allowing you to fully enjoy the festive season.

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Furthermore, safety concerns when traveling in a foreign nation should be prioritized. And you can relax knowing that Saudi Arabia Immigration Service provides a wide range of trustworthy and diversified travel insurance services, allowing you to thoroughly enjoy your vacation while feeling secure and escorted. Put your faith in us, and you will have a great time!