Eid Al Fitr Holiday in Saudi Arabia — Rules, Days & Expat Rights

Eid Al Fitr 2026 — Official Dates in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia officially confirmed that Eid Al Fitr 2026 falls on Friday, March 20, 2026 — the first day of Shawwal 1447 AH — after the crescent moon was sighted on the evening of March 19.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) announced the Eid holiday for private and non-profit sector employees well in advance, confirming a 4-day paid holiday starting after the end of the workday on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

How Many Days is Eid Al Fitr Holiday in Saudi Arabia?

Under Saudi Labour Law, private sector employees are entitled to 4 days of paid holiday for Eid Al Fitr. This is a legal right — not optional — and applies to all expat and Saudi employees working in the private sector.

The 4-day holiday starts from the day following the 29th of Ramadan according to the Umm Al-Qura calendar. This is confirmed annually by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD).

Is Eid Holiday Paid in Saudi Arabia?

Yes — Eid holiday is fully paid. Employees receive their normal salary for all 4 Eid holiday days. Your employer cannot deduct salary for Eid days or mark them as unpaid leave.

If you are on a monthly salary, your pay is not affected. If you are on a daily or hourly wage, you are entitled to your normal daily rate for each Eid holiday day.

Can My Employer Make Me Work During Eid?

In most cases, no. Eid Al Fitr is a statutory public holiday under Saudi Labour Law. Your employer cannot force you to work during the Eid holiday period.

However, there are exceptions for essential services — healthcare workers, security, utilities and similar sectors may be required to work during Eid. If you are asked to work during Eid:

What If Eid Falls During My Annual Leave?

Under Saudi Labour Law, if Eid Al Fitr falls during your annual leave, your annual leave is extended by the number of Eid holiday days. The Eid days do not count as part of your annual leave — they are additional paid days.

For example: if you take 10 days annual leave and Eid falls within that period, you actually get 14 days off — the 10 days annual leave plus the 4 Eid holiday days.

Is There an Eid Bonus in Saudi Arabia?

There is no legal requirement under Saudi Labour Law for employers to pay an Eid bonus. However, many companies — especially larger Saudi and multinational firms — pay a discretionary Eid bonus as a goodwill gesture.

If your employment contract or company policy mentions an Eid bonus, your employer is legally bound to pay it. If it is not written in your contract, it is at the employer's discretion.

Ramadan Working Hours — What Changed Before Eid

During Ramadan, Saudi Labour Law reduces working hours for all employees by 2 hours per day. This applies to both Muslims and non-Muslims working in Saudi Arabia. The standard working day during Ramadan is 6 hours instead of 8 hours.

This reduction applies automatically — your employer cannot require you to work the full 8 hours during Ramadan without additional compensation.

Eid Al Fitr Holiday — Future Years

Eid Al Fitr moves approximately 10–11 days earlier each year because it follows the Islamic lunar calendar. Here are the approximate dates for upcoming years:

What If My Employer Denies My Eid Holiday?

If your employer refuses to give you the legally entitled Eid holiday or withholds pay for Eid days, you have the right to file a complaint through official channels.

Read our full guide: How to File a Labour Complaint in Saudi Arabia →