Saudi Arabia’s workweek and public holidays are different from those in many other countries. The workweek runs from Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday as the weekend. This schedule follows Islamic traditions, as Friday is an important day for prayers. The country also follows the Hijri calendar, so holiday dates change each year. The main public holidays are Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Saudi National Day, and Founding Day. Businesses and government offices close during these times. Expats should plan work and vacations around these holidays. If you’re moving with the help of professional movers in Jeddah soon, it’s helpful to research schedules in advance.
Saudi Arabia’s Workweek Structure
Saudi Arabia’s workweek runs from Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday as the weekend. This is different from many Western countries, where people work Monday through Friday. Friday is important in Islam, so most businesses and government offices close for Friday prayers. Work starts again on Sunday.
Expats might need time to adjust to this schedule, especially when dealing with businesses in other countries that follow a different workweek. Many people plan personal errands and activities around these days. International movers in Riyadh usually recommend learning about the workweek before moving to avoid confusion. Once settled, most people find it easy to get used to the routine.
Official Working Hours in Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, most people work 40 to 48 hours a week, depending on their job. Many businesses are open from 8 AM to 6 PM, with a break in the middle of the day, especially in summer when it gets very hot. Government jobs usually have shorter hours, from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM, while private companies often expect employees to stay later. During Ramadan, Muslim workers have six-hour workdays because they fast from sunrise to sunset. Many businesses also adjust their hours, sometimes opening in the evening. If you move to Saudi Arabia, it’s important to check your company’s schedule, as working hours can vary by industry.
Aside from Saudi Arabia’s workweek and public holidays, understanding usual operating hours for businesses will help you plan your week better.
The Concept of the Weekend in Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, the weekend is Friday and Saturday. Friday is an important day for Muslims, so most businesses close for midday prayer, and some don’t open at all. Saturday is quieter, and most businesses start the workweek again on Sunday morning. Expats may need time to adjust, especially if they work with companies in other countries where the weekend is Saturday and Sunday, which can make scheduling meetings or deadlines harder. Many global companies plan around this difference. If you are moving to Riyadh, it’s good to understand how the local workweek works so you can organize your schedule and avoid confusion.
Overview of Saudi Arabia’s Public Holidays
Saudi Arabia has a limited number of public holidays, especially when compared to some Western nations. The most important holidays are based on Islamic traditions and change each year, as they follow the Hijri calendar, which is about 10 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. The country’s official public holidays include:
- Eid al-Fitr (celebrating the end of Ramadan)
- Eid al-Adha (marking the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage)
- Saudi National Day (celebrated annually on September 23)
- Founding Day (introduced in 2022 and observed on February 22)
Eid al-Fitr: The End of Ramadan
Eid al-Fitr is an important holiday in Saudi Arabia that marks the end of Ramadan. It usually lasts three to five days, and most businesses and government offices close during this time. The date changes every year because it follows the lunar calendar. Families celebrate with meals, gatherings, and gifts. Many expats travel during Eid, but flights and hotels get booked fast. Professionals from various moving companies in Jubail recommend planning ahead if you need to relocate around this time, as services may be limited due to holiday closures.
One of the most important parts of understanding Saudi Arabia’s workweek and public holidays is figuring out when you can celebrate important religious holidays with your family.
Eid al-Adha: The Feast of Sacrifice
Eid al-Adha is a major holiday in Saudi Arabia that happens about 70 days after Eid al-Fitr. It lasts four to five days, and most businesses shut down during this time. Families gather for meals, prayers, and giving to those in need. Since many people travel during this holiday, flights and hotels get booked quickly. Roads and airports are usually very busy. Experienced movers in Dammam often advise their clients to avoid scheduling moves around Eid al-Adha because many services slow down or close. If you need to travel or make big plans, it’s best to prepare early.
Saudi National Day (September 23rd)
Saudi National Day is celebrated on September 23 every year to mark the unification of the country in 1932. It is a public holiday, and most businesses close for the day. People celebrate with parades, concerts, and special events. Many stores and restaurants offer discounts and deals. If the holiday falls on a weekend, workers may get an extra day off. Since it is one of Saudi Arabia’s workweek and public holidays, it’s a busy time for travel and shopping. Some businesses may stay open, but most government offices and schools will be closed. People usually spend the day with family and friends.
Founding Day (February 22nd)
Founding Day is a new public holiday in Saudi Arabia, first introduced in 2022. It celebrates the country’s early history, starting from 1727, when the first Saudi state was established. Like National Day, there are events, cultural programs, and celebrations. Since it is now an official holiday, many businesses and government offices close for the day. Schools and some private companies may also give employees a day off. Lots of professionals from various moving companies in Yanbu highlight that Founding Day can be a busy time, so it’s best to plan moves before or after the holiday to avoid any delays or service interruptions.
What Expats Need to Know About the Difference Between the Islamic Calendar and the Gregorian Calendar
Saudi Arabia uses the Hijri calendar, which follows the lunar cycle. This means that Islamic holidays change dates every year when compared to the Gregorian calendar, which is used in most of the world. The Hijri year is shorter, so holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha happen 10 to 12 days earlier each year. Because of this, holiday dates are not fixed, and businesses announce them based on moon sightings. Expats should always check official announcements to know the exact dates.
When planning your year, keep in mind that Saudi Arabia uses the Hijri calendar, which follows the lunar cycle.
Long Weekends in Saudi Arabia
Long weekends in Saudi Arabia usually happen during Eid holidays and National Day, depending on when they fall in the workweek. Sometimes, the government adds extra days off, especially for public sector workers. This gives people more time to rest or travel. Expats who plan to travel during holidays should book early because flights, hotels, and transportation get expensive and sell out fast. Many families use this time for trips inside and outside the country. Since Saudi Arabia’s workweek and public holidays affect travel demand, it’s important to check dates in advance to avoid last-minute issues with booking or availability.
Taking Vacation Leave in Saudi Arabia
Most companies in Saudi Arabia give employees 21 to 30 days of paid leave each year. Workers who stay with the same company for many years may get extra days off. Public holidays do not count as part of this leave, so employees get those days off separately. Many people take longer vacations during Eid holidays because these are the longest public holidays of the year. Some employees combine their vacation days with Eid to get an extended break.
Overtime and Work on Public Holidays
Employees who work on public holidays usually get extra pay or a day off later. The amount they get depends on their company and industry. Some jobs, like healthcare, hospitality, and security, often require employees to work during holidays because these services must always be available. If you work in one of these fields, it’s a good idea to check company rules ahead of time to know what to expect. Some companies offer bonuses instead of extra leave.
In Saudi Arabia, employees who work on public holidays sometimes get extra pay or a day off later.
Travel and Tourism During Holidays
Many expats travel during public holidays, either inside Saudi Arabia or to other countries. Popular places to visit include Dubai, Egypt, and Turkey. Some people prefer to stay in Saudi Arabia and travel to Riyadh, Jeddah, or AlUla. Since Saudi Arabia’s workweek and public holidays affect travel demand, flights and hotels get expensive during busy times like Eid. Many people book their trips months in advance to get better prices. If you wait too long, tickets sell out quickly and prices go up. If you plan to travel during a holiday, it’s best to check dates early and make reservations as soon as possible.
How Schools and Family Life Are Affected
Schools in Saudi Arabia close for Eid and National Day, just like workplaces. International schools may have different schedules, but they still give time off for major national holidays. Families should plan vacations around these school breaks because flights and hotels get busy during holiday periods. Many parents book trips early to avoid high prices. Some families also move to new homes during long breaks, which means moving services can be in high demand. Packaging companies in Jeddah often get more customers during these times, so booking in advance is a good idea. If you have kids, always check school calendars before making travel plans.
Religious and Cultural Considerations for Saudi Arabia’s Workweek and Public Holidays
Saudi Arabia’s work culture follows Islamic traditions. Many businesses change their hours for prayer times and completely close on Fridays for Friday prayers. During Ramadan, most restaurants don’t serve food during the day, and people should not eat in public out of respect for those who are fasting. Some workplaces reduce working hours in Ramadan, especially for Muslim employees. Expats should also know that public celebrations for Islamic holidays can affect business hours and traffic. It’s important to check schedules ahead of time to avoid confusion. Understanding these customs will help expats adjust more easily to daily life and work in Saudi Arabia.
One of the most important aspects of holidays in Saudi Arabia is their cultural and religious value.
Public vs. Private Sector Differences
In Saudi Arabia, government workers get more time off than private sector employees, especially during Eid holidays. Private companies must follow labor laws that set a minimum number of holidays, but some businesses give extra days off depending on company policy. Government offices usually close for longer breaks, while private companies may only close for a few days. Employees in different industries may have different holiday schedules. Since Saudi Arabia’s workweek and public holidays affect business hours, it’s good to check with your employer to know how much time off you will get and plan vacations or personal activities accordingly.
Tips for Adjusting to Saudi Arabia’s Workweek and Holidays
Getting used to the Sunday-to-Thursday workweek in Saudi Arabia can take time. Expats should plan their work and personal activities around this schedule. Since weekends are Friday and Saturday, things like bank visits and business meetings need to be planned accordingly. It’s also important to keep track of public holidays, especially Eid, because travel demand goes up. Flights, hotels, and transportation get booked quickly, and prices rise. Booking early helps avoid last-minute problems. Many people also take extra days off around holidays, making businesses and services less available.
Top Resources for Staying Updated on Holidays
The Saudi government announces holiday dates each year. These dates are based on the Islamic calendar, so they change every year. People can check holiday schedules on the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources website and other official sites. Many businesses also share holiday dates with their employees in advance. Since public holidays affect work and travel, it’s a good idea to check schedules early. Schools, offices, and shops may have different hours during holidays. Expats should stay updated so they can plan vacations, appointments, or personal activities without issues. Knowing the holiday calendar helps people avoid confusion and manage their time better.
Following official government schedules will help you stay updated on public holiday plans.
Understanding Saudi Arabia’s Workweek and Public Holidays Is Very Important
Anyone moving to Saudi Arabia for work should understand Saudi Arabia’s workweek and public holidays. The workweek is Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday as the weekend. Public holidays like Eid and National Day happen every year, but the dates for Eid change because they follow the Islamic calendar. Many businesses close during holidays, and travel becomes very busy, so it’s important to plan ahead. Booking flights and hotels early can help avoid high prices and sold-out tickets. Knowing when holidays happen makes it easier to plan work, travel, and personal time without problems. It’s also an important part of learning more about Saudi Arabian culture. This helps expats adjust faster to life in Saudi Arabia.