Key Public Holidays in Saudi Arabia for 2025
Saudi Arabia’s official public holidays for 2025 include both religious and national holidays. Below is an overview of the key public holidays:
| Date | Holiday | Description |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year’s Day | While not a public holiday in Saudi Arabia, many businesses in the region observe this day for international clients. |
| May 1 | Labor Day | Not officially recognized as a holiday in Saudi Arabia, but some companies may observe it informally as a mark of global solidarity with workers. |
| June 29 | Eid al-Fitr (1st Day) | A significant religious celebration marking the end of Ramadan. Families gather for prayers, feasts, and community events. |
| June 30 | Eid al-Fitr (2nd Day) | Continued celebrations of Eid al-Fitr, often featuring visits to relatives, public festivals, and communal prayers. |
| July 18 | Arafat Day | The second day of Hajj pilgrimage. It is a day of spiritual reflection for Muslims, and some businesses may close in observance of this sacred day. |
| July 19 | Eid al-Adha (1st Day) | A major Islamic holiday commemorating Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son. It involves prayers, feasts, and the sharing of meat. |
| July 20 | Eid al-Adha (2nd Day) | Continued festivities for Eid al-Adha with family gatherings and charitable acts. |
| August 17 | Islamic New Year | Marks the beginning of the new Islamic lunar year, commemorated with prayers, quiet reflection, and family observances. |
| September 1 | Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | Known as Mawlid al-Nabi, it celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. It is observed with prayers, community gatherings, and acts of charity. |
| December 12 | National Day | A national celebration of Saudi Arabia’s founding, featuring parades, festivals, and events that highlight the country’s cultural heritage. |
Additional Regional and Cultural Observances in Saudi Arabia
While the holidays listed above are officially recognized, Saudi Arabia may also observe local events and special commemorations based on cultural traditions. Employers should be mindful of these dates for their employees.
| Date | Observance | Description |
|---|---|---|
| March 21 | Mother’s Day | An unofficial, but widely celebrated day in Saudi Arabia to honor mothers with gifts, meals, and family time. |
Employer Considerations for Managing Public Holidays in Saudi Arabia
National vs. Religious Observances
Employers should be mindful of the difference between national holidays (such as National Day) and religious holidays (like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha). It’s important to recognize both types of observances, as they are key to fostering employee satisfaction and maintaining positive workplace relations.
Managing Public Holidays with EOR/PEO Services
For businesses expanding into Saudi Arabia, partnering with an Employer of Record (EOR) or Professional Employer Organization (PEO) can help manage public holidays by:
- Ensuring Compliance: EOR/PEO services ensure that your business is compliant with Saudi labor laws related to holiday pay and employee entitlements.
- Payroll Adjustments: EOR/PEO services help manage holiday pay, overtime, and leave adjustments, ensuring employees are compensated properly.
- Efficient Leave Tracking: EOR/PEO providers assist with managing leave, holiday requests, and scheduling around public holidays to minimize disruptions to business operations.
Holiday Pay and Compliance in Saudi Arabia
Saudi labor laws entitle employees to paid leave on official public holidays. Employees who work during these holidays are usually entitled to premium pay, often at an overtime rate of 1.5 times their normal hourly wage.
- Paid Leave: Employees are generally entitled to paid leave for official public holidays.
- Overtime on Holidays: Employees working on public holidays are entitled to overtime pay, which must be defined in the employment contract.
- Substitute Holidays: In some cases, if a public holiday falls on a weekend, companies may offer substitute holidays, depending on the terms of the employment contract.
Productivity and Holiday Planning Tips
To ensure your business operates smoothly during public holidays, consider the following strategies:
- Advance Communication: Notify employees about the holiday schedule well in advance to facilitate planning and manage workload expectations.
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Offering flexible hours or remote work options during extended holiday periods can help maintain productivity without causing disruption.
- Project Scheduling: Align project deadlines with the holiday calendar to ensure that key deliverables are not impacted by holiday observances.
Final Thoughts
Saudi Arabia’s public holiday calendar for 2025 provides a mix of national celebrations and religious observances. Understanding and respecting these holidays is critical for international employers to ensure compliance, foster a positive work environment, and improve employee engagement. Proper planning and recognition of public holidays can also help streamline operations and minimize disruptions, contributing to a smoother and more productive work environment.