Public Holidays in Saudi Arabia

These celebrations of national pride, honoring customs, and strengthening of community ties bring people together. From national benchmarks to Islamic celebrations, these events capture the ideals of the Kingdom.

New Year's Day

Celebrated on January 1, New Year's Day is observed in Saudi Arabia like in many other countries. Though it is not anchored in Islamic practice, New Year's Day has been known as a day for introspection and celebration. Starting the Gregorian calendar year, it gives people a chance to think over past successes and create goals for the next one.

Saudi Foundation Day

Celebrated yearly on February 22, Saudi Founding Day honors the founding of the first Saudi state by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727. Today marks the celebration of the historical roots of the Kingdom and considers three centuries of Saudi legacy and culture. The event honors Diriyah's significance as the founding Saudi state's birthplace, therefore reflecting Saudi Arabia's unity and identity.

Eid al-Fitr

The completion of Ramadan will be marked by Eid al-Fitr, sometimes called the "Festival of Breaking the Fast,," from March 31 to April 3, 2025. Beginning on March 1, 2025, Ramadan is a holy month observed by Muslims marked by prayer, fasting, and charitable deeds, Muslims fast from dawn till sunset, practice spiritual meditation, and work to develop empathy for people in need across the month.

Celebrated with feasting, prayers, and family get--togethers, Eid al-Fitr marks the conclusion of fasting. It's also an opportunity for philanthropy as people help the less fortunate. Given the festival falls on the lunar calendar, precise dates could vary to coincide with moon sighting.

Saudi Flag Day

Celebrating Flag Day on March 11, Saudi Arabia honors the national flag as a representation of Islamic principles and Kingdom unity, Under Ibn Saud's direction, the green flag which included the Islamic creed and a Scimitar was approved in 1937 With educational events and flag-raising activities all throughout the nation, Flag Day celebrations stress the value of national pride, unity, and patriotism.

Eid al-Adha and Arafat Day

Important Islamic calendar dates Arafat Day and Eid al-Adha will fall from June 5 to June 8, 2025. Observed during the yearly Hajj trip, Arafat Day is a day of fervent prayer and fasting for Muslims all around. Following Arafat Day, the "Festival of Sacrifice," Eid al-Adha honors the Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to offer his son in compliance to God's will.

Animal sacrifices are part of Eid al-Adha celebrations; the meat is donated to family, friends, and those in need, therefore promoting solidarity and generosity, Additionally marking the event are prayers, feasts, and gift-giving, so fostering communal spirit and introspection.

Islamic New Year

Observed on June 26, 2025, the Islamic New Year, sometimes known as the Hijri New Year, Based on the Islamic calendar about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar this event marks the start of the new lunar Hijri year, Beginning the first month in the Islamic calendar, Muharram, the Hijri New Year marks a fresh spiritual beginning.

National Day

Celebrated on September 23, Saudi National Day honors King Abdulaziz's 1932 Kingdom unification. This festival is a celebration of national pride as people all throughout Saudi Arabia participate in events stressing their country's history and achievements. Green and white, the national colors, abound on streets; celebrations call for parades, fireworks, and traditional dances.

National Day presents Saudi Arabia's chance to show their love for their country and respect of the Kingdom's unity and development. Participating in different cultural events, schools, businesses, and communities help to create a strong patriotic mood.

Saudi Heritage

In Saudi Arabia, these public holidays are times of celebration, introspection, and thankfulness. Combining serious observance with joyful celebration, they build relationships between generations and offer insights into the cultural and religious roots of the Kingdom. These holidays keep representing Saudi Arabia's ideals as the nation develops, therefore honoring its legacy and bringing its people together.

Saudi Arabia Public Holidays & Long Weekends in 2025

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