Planning a trip or staycation in Saudi Arabia? Knowing the Saudi Arabia public holidays 2025 can help you maximize your time, book smarter, and catch the Kingdom’s most meaningful moments. Whether you’re a resident looking to plan family time or a traveler aiming to align with national holidays, this blog gives you the full picture, plus a downloadable calendar by Soul of Saudi (your Saudi travel buddy) to keep handy all year long.

Why Knowing the Holiday Calendar Matters?

In Saudi Arabia, public holidays are deeply tied to religion, heritage, and national identity. They aren’t just days off as they’re windows into the Kingdom’s cultural soul.

For travelers, understanding when public holidays fall can help you avoid peak travel prices, plan better for site closures or events, and experience authentic moments like Eid festivities or Saudi National Day celebrations. For residents, it’s about maximizing long weekends, knowing when schools or government offices close, and aligning personal plans with the national rhythm.

And in 2025? Several long weekends are waiting to be claimed — if you plan early.

A Brief List of Saudi Arabia Public Holidays 2025

Here’s a look at the official Saudi Arabia public holidays 2025, as per the government calendar. Note that Islamic holidays are based on the Hijri lunar calendar and may shift by 1–2 days depending on moon sightings.

Download the full holiday calendar at the end of this blog post with Hijri/Gregorian conversions, weekdays, and notes on school closures and public/private sector differences.

Holiday Travel Tips for Visitors and Expats

If you’re planning to travel during Saudi Arabia’s public holidays in 2025, keep a few things in mind:

• Eid periods are peak travel times both in and out of the Kingdom. Expect crowded airports and booked-out resorts.
• Religious holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha include special public prayers, family gatherings, and traditional sweets like maamoul and qahwa—it’s a magical time to witness local customs.
• National Day (September 23) is when the streets light up green, fireworks burst across city skies, and a celebratory energy fills the air.
• Some museums, restaurants, or offices may close during these periods, especially in smaller towns. Always double-check.

Top Getaways to Plan Around Saudi Holidays

If you’re eyeing a long weekend, here are a few places to escape to:

• AlUla for adventure and serenity during cooler Eid days.
• Jeddah Corniche for a beach break over National Day.
• Asir Highlands in the summer months, like Eid al-Adha, are cooler and lush.
• Riyadh Season might overlap with the Prophet’s Birthday, offering entertainment and festivals.

Long weekends are your best bet for domestic travel. Make use of the Founding Day–weekend combo in February or Eid breaks for longer stays.

Public and Private Holidays

Not all holidays are treated equally across the Kingdom:

• Government and public sector employees typically get the full stretch of Eid holidays and Founding Day.
• Private sector workers may receive slightly fewer days, depending on their employer and company policies.
• Schools follow the Ministry of Education calendar, which often extends Eid and National Day breaks. And for the parents, please note that some school holidays overlap with national ones, especially Eid breaks. This is the perfect opportunity for family travel inside the Kingdom from beach resorts in Umluj to nature escapes in Al-Baha.

So if you’re working in Saudi Arabia, double-check your contract or HR announcement closer to the date. 

Digital Tools to Stay Ahead

Don’t want to miss a date? Here’s how to stay on top of things:

• Subscribe to official Saudi government channels on SPA and MOE.
• Use the Nusuk platform if you’re planning religious travel during holidays.
• Download our FREE Saudi Arabia Public Holidays 2025 Calendar 

A Window into Tradition and Togetherness

Behind every public holiday in Saudi Arabia lies a story of faith, heritage, and deep-rooted tradition. Whether it’s the spiritual rhythm of Eid, the historic pride of Founding Day, or the national unity of September 23, these dates offer far more than time off. They offer connection.

In 2025, as Saudi Arabia continues its transformation under Vision 2030, holidays are also evolving with more accessible domestic destinations, elevated tourism infrastructure, and opportunities for travelers and residents alike to see the Kingdom in motion.

For newcomers, it’s a chance to align travel with cultural depth. For residents, it’s a reminder to look closer at what each holiday truly celebrates. And for families, it’s a calendar of bonding moments, both planned and spontaneous.

Your 2025 Saudi Holidays Calendar

To help you make the most of it all, we’ve created a comprehensive, color-coded PDF:
“Saudi Arabia Public Holidays 2025 – Downloadable Travel & Planning Sheet”

This downloadable includes:

• All public holidays for 2025
• Hijri & Gregorian date conversions
• Notable weekends and school breaks overlap
• Notes for private/public sector employees 

Because the more you plan with the soul of the place in mind, the more meaningful every moment becomes.

FAQs.

When are the main public holidays in Saudi Arabia in 2025?
The key public holidays in Saudi Arabia in 2025 include Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, the Islamic New Year, and the Saudi National Day on September 23. These dates follow the Islamic Hijri calendar, so some are subject to moon sightings. Download the official calendar PDF for the most up-to-date info.

Will private and public sector employees have the same holidays?
Not always. While Eid holidays and Saudi National Day are celebrated across sectors, the number of days off can vary. Public sector employees often receive longer holidays, especially during Eid, compared to the private sector. Always check with your HR department for company-specific schedules.

Are school holidays in Saudi Arabia aligned with public holidays?
Partially. Schools typically break during Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, but they also follow a separate academic calendar set by the Ministry of Education. These holidays are not always the same as public sector holidays. Parents should consult the MOE school calendar for accurate planning.

Can I travel during Saudi public holidays?
Yes, public holidays are prime time for domestic and regional travel. Cities like Abha, AlUla, Jeddah, and Riyadh offer special events and cultural festivals during Eid and National Day. But book early—hotels and flights tend to sell out fast, especially during long weekends.

Where can I find the full list of Saudi Arabia holidays for 2025?
You can download our free, updated PDF calendar with all confirmed and tentative holiday dates, perfect for both residents and travelers. The downloadable version includes Hijri and Gregorian references, long weekend suggestions, and planning tips for each major holiday.

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This article is brought to you by Soul of Saudi — a Saudi travel blog dedicated to uncovering the heart and soul of the Kingdom.