Already planning your next holiday? Trust us, you’re not alone.
We all love a break from our daily routines. Make sure you have these Saudi Arabia public holidays 2023 in your diary so you can get planning for your days off.
Use your days off to check out all of the city’s best restaurants, explore the different neighbourhoods, or work your way through the 101 must-see things to see and do in Riyadh. You could also book a staycation at the newest Saudi hotels or travel further ahead at a new GCC eco-lodge or explore these new GCC attractions.
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Here’s your full guide to Saudi Arabia public holidays 2023:
Saudi Arabia public holidays 2023: When are they?
The very first public holiday in 2023 fell on Wednesday February 22. Known as Founding Day, the day officially became one of the Saudi’s public holidays in 2021 after High Highness King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud issued a royal decree declaring February 22 an official holiday across all sectors. That continued into 2023.
Saudi Founding Day celebrates the rich history of the Kingdom, and like many Saudi public holidays, it is a day filled with incredible fireworks, drone shows, family gatherings and celebrations.
Following this, there will be three more confirmed Saudi Arabia public holidays 2023.
The first is Eid al-Fitr. In 2023, Eid is expected to fall on Thursday April 20. We’ll be enjoying days off starting Sunday April 23 until Tuesday April 25.
It marks the beginning of the Islamic month Shawwal, and the first day after the month-long fasting and prayer during Ramadan.
Depending on the dates, there could potentially be a four-day off (including the weekend of course) for.
Following Eid al-Fitr, we can expect Arafat Day, which falls on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah of the lunar Islamic Calendar and Wednesday June 28 of the Gregorian calendar.
The Day of Arafah marks one of the holiest days in the Islamic calendar.
Directly after is the Eid al-Adha holiday, which is expected to fall on Thursday June 29 to Saturday, July 1. Days off for the Saudi Arabia public holidays 2023 will likely be enjoyed until Sunday July 2.
The exact date of each Eid is always determined by the moon sighting committee in Saudi Arabia.
The last of the Saudi Arabia public holidays 2023 will be on the National Day on September 23.
Stay tuned to Time Out for further details about any new public holidays.
Saudi Arabia public holidays in 2023: List in full
- Eid al-Fitr: April 23-25
- Arafat Day: June 28
- Eid al-Adha: June 29-30, July 1
- National Day: September 23
Saudi Arabia public holidays 2023: Options for travel
Want to travel over Saudi Arabia public holidays 2023? Whether you want to stay within the greater Riyadh area, explore different regions of the Kingdom, or go abroad, there are plenty of options.
Diriyah Season will be on until February 2023, and has new activities and events to explore.
If you’re looking to explore the Kingdom, you could head to Jeddah or AlUla. Check into the newly opened Banyan Tree or Habitas AlUla.
You could also explore the Kingdom with a staycation at one of these new hotels.
Don’t forget about these epic upcoming Saudi attractions and giga-projects launching.
2023.
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