Saudi National Day is one of the most anticipated dates on Saudi Arabia’s holiday calendar. Each year, September 23 brings the Kingdom to a standstill in the best possible way. In 2026, the 96th National Day falls on a Wednesday, and depending on how the holiday is structured, this could mean a four-day break for a significant portion of the Kingdom’s workforce.
Here’s everything you need to know about the National Day 2026 holidays in Saudi Arabia, from official dates to long weekend possibilities and how to make the most of the break.
So, When is Saudi National Day 2026?
Saudi National Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, September 23. The date commemorates the royal decree of 1932 that unified the Kingdom under King Abdulaziz Al Saud, and has been an official public holiday since 2004.
With the Saudi weekend falling on Friday and Saturday, a Wednesday holiday creates an interesting calendar situation. Wednesday will be a day off; Friday and Saturday are the regular weekends. The gap on Thursday is where the long weekend conversation starts.
Is There a Four-Day Holiday for National Day 2026?
Possibly! Here is how it works.
In previous years, including 2020, when National Day also fell on a Wednesday, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced an extended holiday that gave public sector employees both Wednesday and Thursday off. For private sector employees, Wednesday was the only official National Day holiday.
For 2026, no additional holiday has been officially confirmed yet for September 24. The Ministry typically announces the full holiday structure closer to the date. What is confirmed: September 23 is a public holiday for both sectors.
In practical terms, this means:
- If Thursday, September 24 is declared an additional holiday: a four-day break from Wednesday to Saturday for public sector employees.
- If September 24 remains a working day: private sector employees with one official day off can use annual leave on Thursday to create their own four-day weekend.
Keep an eye out for updates to this blog. This section will be edited as soon as the dates are confirmed.
National Day Holiday for Private Sector, Government, and Schools
Government employees
September 23 is an official public holiday for government employees. Based on precedent, there is a possibility of an additional day on September 24, but this has not yet been confirmed for 2026. Watch for an official announcement from the Ministry of Human Resources closer to the date.
Private sector employees
The private sector will have an official public holiday on National Day, September 23. Private sector leave entitlements for additional days depend on individual employer policies and any ministerial announcement made ahead of the holiday.
Schools
Classes will be suspended on National Day. The Ministry of Education typically issues a holiday circular ahead of September 23. However, it’s important to keep in mind that international schools typically follow their own calendars, so parents should confirm dates directly with their institutions.
Essential services
All hospitals, airports, hotels, and other essential operations continue to function during National Day. Under Saudi Labor Law, employees in these sectors who work the holiday are entitled to compensatory leave or overtime pay.
What to Do During Saudi National Day 2026 Holiday
A mid-week holiday with a long weekend attached is one of the better configurations on the Saudi public holidays calendar, and it’s a perfect opportunity to:
Stay in the city and celebrate
National Day celebrations in Riyadh, Jeddah, and major cities across the Kingdom are among the most vibrant on the annual calendar as fireworks, concerts, cultural events, and light installations transform Saudi cities for the occasion. The atmosphere on September 23 is unlike most other nights of the year. Our full guide to Saudi National Day celebrations covers what to expect.
Travel within the Kingdom
A four-day window is long enough to explore somewhere new. AlUla, Abha, the Red Sea coast, and the Empty Quarter are all within reach depending on your base. Expect popular destinations to fill up quickly around September 23, so booking accommodation ahead of the holiday is worth doing early.
If you’re not sure where to go, the guide to the best places to visit in Saudi Arabia will help!
Take advantage of National Day offers
Retailers, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues typically release promotions tied to the National Day holiday period. Shopping malls, theme parks, and dining destinations usually run campaigns in the lead-up to and through September 23.
Plan around crowds
Saudi National Day 2026 will draw large numbers of residents and visitors to public spaces, entertainment venues, and roads in major cities. If you are planning to be out on the night of September 23, factor in traffic and arrive early to events.
Make the Last Holiday of the Year Count
After Founding Day in February, the warmth of Eid al-Fitr in March, and the extended Eid al-Adha break in May, September 23 closes the year’s holiday season in the most celebratory way possible.
Cars are wrapped in green and white, the streets are full of families, Riyadh’s skyline lights up, Jeddah’s corniche fills with people, and the sound of fireworks becomes the unofficial soundtrack of the night. The patriotism and this holiday’s contagious energy will find you, whether you planned for it or not.
If you want to understand why September 23 carries such significance, the history of Saudi National Day is worth reading before the day arrives. And for everything happening on the ground, our Saudi National Day celebrations guide has you covered.
FAQs
When is Saudi National Day 2026?
Saudi National Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, September 23. It is an official public holiday commemorating the unification of the Kingdom in 1932.
Is Saudi National Day 2026 a public holiday?
Yes. September 23 is an official public holiday in Saudi Arabia for both government and private sector employees.
How many days is the Saudi National Day holiday 2026?
The confirmed holiday is one day: Wednesday, September 23. Public sector employees may receive an additional day on September 24, based on precedent. Private sector employees can use annual leave on Thursday to extend the break to four days.
Is there a long weekend for Saudi National Day 2026?
September 23 falls on a Wednesday, with the regular weekend on Friday and Saturday. A possible additional holiday on Thursday, September 24, has not yet been officially confirmed. If declared, it would create a four-day break from Wednesday to Saturday.
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