Saudi Arabia's tourism authority has confirmed the official dates for four major public holidays spanning 2026 and 2027, providing workers, residents, and international visitors with a clear schedule for upcoming national and religious celebrations. The holidays include Saudi National Day in September 2026, Founding Day in February 2027, and two Islamic celebrations—Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha—in 2027.
Saudi National Day: September 23, 2026
Saudi National Day falls on September 23, 2026, marking the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932 under King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud. The day is observed as a public holiday and is characterized by fireworks displays, cultural performances, flag-waving, and nationwide festivities. Both citizens and foreign visitors typically participate in the celebrations, which span major cities including Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
Saudi Founding Day: February 22, 2027
Founding Day, observed on February 22, 2027, commemorates the establishment of the first Saudi state in 1727 by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in the historic city of Diriyah. Introduced as an official public holiday in 2022, the occasion has grown into a celebration of Saudi heritage, tradition, and cultural pride, featuring events that highlight the Kingdom's historical roots and early identity.
Eid al-Fitr: March 27, 2027
Eid al-Fitr is expected to fall on or around March 27, 2027, subject to moon sighting confirmation. The holiday marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, and is one of the most widely observed celebrations in the Muslim world. In Saudi Arabia, the period involves communal prayers, family gatherings, acts of charity, and festive meals, with businesses and government offices typically closed for several days.
Eid al-Adha: June 6 to June 10, 2027
Eid al-Adha is scheduled to run from June 6 to June 10, 2027, coinciding with the annual Hajj pilgrimage season. Known as the Feast of Sacrifice, the holiday commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Across Saudi Arabia, the occasion is marked by the ritual slaughter of livestock, distribution of meat to those in need, and extended family celebrations. For the millions of Muslims converging on Mecca during Hajj, the dates align with some of the most spiritually significant days of the Islamic calendar.
Travellers planning visits to the Kingdom are advised to book accommodation and transport well in advance of these dates, as demand typically rises sharply around each holiday period.
In a related development, Legit.ng previously reported that the Saudi Arabian government had released a list of 17 items prohibited from entering the country in 2026. The list, issued by the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA), covers a broad range of products, including food items, publications, medical products, and surveillance equipment. Among the items explicitly banned are guru fruits and nutmeg fruit, including its powder form. Travellers are also prohibited from bringing in books, magazines, or any other publications that contravene the regulations set by the Saudi Ministry of Media. Pharmaceutical products not registered with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority are likewise forbidden.
