Renowned for its abundant cultural heritage and profound religious practices, Saudi Arabia observes numerous public holidays annually. These holidays offer a glimpse into the Kingdom’s rich cultural and religious heritage.
From the solemn observances of Ramadan to the joyous celebrations of Eid and National Day, these holidays provide a chance for reflection, unity, and celebration.
Read on as Wego takes you through a detailed overview of Saudi public holidays in 2025, their significance and cultural importance.
New Year’s Day (1 January)
New Year’s Day will be celebrated on Wednesday, 1 January 2025. While not traditionally observed in Islamic culture, it has become a recognized holiday in many parts of the world, including Saudi Arabia.
It marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and is often a time for personal reflection, celebration of the past year’s achievements, and new resolutions.
Saudi Founding Day (22 February)
The Saudi Founding Day will be celebrated on Saturday, 22 February 2025. This day commemorates the establishment of the first Saudi state by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727.
It celebrates the Kingdom’s historical and cultural heritage, marking three centuries since Diriyah became the capital of the first Saudi State.
Eid al-Fitr (31 March – 3 April)
Ramadan begins on 1 March 2025, and Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on 31 March 2025. The Eid al-Fitr holidays for the year 2025 will tentatively be observed from 31 March to 3 April 2025. Ramadan is a holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims. During this time, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, engage in increased prayer and recitation of the Quran, and perform acts of charity.
The month culminates in Eid al-Fitr, a festival marking the end of fasting, celebrated with communal prayers, feasts, giving of gifts, and charity to the less fortunate. The exact dates are determined by the lunar calendar and may vary.
Saudi Flag Day (11 March)
Saudi Flag Day will be observed on Tuesday, 11 March 2025. This day honors the national flag of Saudi Arabia, symbolizing the country’s unity and pride.
The green flag, with its Scimitar and Islamic creed, was officially adopted by Ibn Saud on 11 March 1937. This day is celebrated with flag-raising ceremonies, patriotic speeches, and educational activities emphasizing national symbols and unity.
Arafat Day and Eid al-Adha (5 – 8 June)
Arafat Day falls on 5 June 2025, and Eid al-Adha will be celebrated on 6 June 2025. The Eid al-Adha holidays for the year 2025 will tentatively be observed from 5 June to 8 June 2025. Arafat Day is observed during the Hajj pilgrimage, and Eid al-Adha, known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.
On Arafat Day, Muslims around the world fast and pray. Eid al-Adha is marked by the sacrifice of an animal, with the meat distributed among family, friends, and the needy. The holiday also includes communal prayers, feasts, and giving gifts.
Islamic New Year (26 June)
The Islamic New Year, also known as the Hijri New Year, will be observed on Thursday, 26 June 2025. This day marks the beginning of the new lunar Hijri year and is observed on the first day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.
The Islamic calendar is lunar, meaning it is based on the cycles of the moon and is approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.
Saudi National Day (23 September)
Saudi National Day will be celebrated on Tuesday, 23 September 2025. This day commemorates the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by King Abdulaziz in 1932.
It is a day of national pride and celebration, featuring folk dances, songs, and traditional festivities. Roads and buildings are adorned with Saudi flags, and people wear the national colors of green and white. The day is marked by fireworks, parades, cultural events, and public speeches, creating a vibrant and patriotic atmosphere.
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