Saudi Arabia has confirmed 23 September 2026 as a public holiday for workers in the private and non-profit sectors. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced the holiday ahead of the Kingdom’s 96th National Day.
The holiday will apply to workers across both sectors. The ministry confirmed the date in a post on its official X account.
Saudi National Day holiday confirmed for 23 September
Saudi Arabia celebrates National Day on 23 September each year. In 2026, the occasion falls on Rabi Al Thani 12, 1448 AH.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development said the holiday follows Article 24 of the Executive Regulations of the Labour Law. The ministry also called on employers to follow the mechanism set out in the second paragraph of the article.
As a result, employers in the private and non-profit sectors must observe the National Day holiday in line with the applicable labour regulations.
What the Saudi National Day holiday means for employers
The announcement provides employers with the official date for this year’s National Day holiday. It also confirms that workers in private companies and non-profit organisations are covered by the holiday.
The ministry’s announcement is therefore relevant to employers planning workforce operations around 23 September. It also gives HR teams a clear date to consider when organising staffing and workplace schedules.
According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, employers must comply with the mechanism specified under Article 24 of the Executive Regulations of the Labour Law.
Saudi Arabia’s 96th National Day
Saudi Arabia’s National Day is held every year on 23 September. The national occasion commemorates the unification of the Kingdom by its founder, King Abdulaziz Al Saud, in 1932.
This year’s National Day will be the Kingdom’s 96th.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development’s announcement confirms the holiday arrangements for workers in the private and non-profit sectors for 2026.
For employers, the immediate requirement is to follow the holiday mechanism set out in the labour regulations.
