According to official and government-linked holiday schedules, Eid Al Fitr in 2026 is expected to fall on Friday, March 20, corresponding to 1 Shawwal 1447 in the Islamic calendar, marking the end of Ramadan. Eid Al Adha, which follows the Day of Arafat, is listed for Wednesday, May 27, 2026, aligning with 10 Dhul Hijjah 1447.
As with every year, authorities stress that these dates remain tentative until the official moon sighting committees confirm the start of Shawwal and Dhul Hijjah, but the Gregorian dates now serve as the working reference for 2026.
Public holiday periods around Eid Al Fitr
The Eid Al Fitr break in Saudi Arabia will span several days, creating one of the longest early-year pauses in the national calendar. Public-holiday listings show Eid Al Fitr itself on Friday, March 20, with additional holidays extending from at least Friday through Monday, March 23, effectively offering a four‑day long weekend for many workers.
Some guides for employers and HR teams indicate that the practical break in the public and private sectors may begin as early as Thursday, March 19, depending on sector-specific regulations and internal policies, giving residents time to prepare for travel and family gatherings.
Public holiday periods around Eid Al Adha
The Eid Al Adha holidays will come a little over two months after Eid Al Fitr and are clustered around the peak of the Hajj season. Current calendars show Arafat Day expected on Tuesday, May 26, followed by Eid Al Adha on Wednesday, May 27, with at least one additional public holiday on Thursday, May 28.
In practice, this creates a mid‑week festive stretch from Tuesday to Thursday, which many residents are likely to extend into a longer break by combining with weekends on either side, particularly for domestic and regional travel.
What the dates mean for residents and employers
For families, the early confirmation of both Eid windows in March and late May allows school communities, expatriates and Saudi nationals to lock in travel bookings and manage reunion plans well ahead of peak pricing. For businesses, especially in retail, hospitality, aviation and entertainment, the two clusters of holidays form anchor points for Ramadan‑end promotions and summer‑adjacent campaigns around Eid Al Adha.
HR consultants are already advising companies to update internal holiday calendars, adjust project timelines and prepare staffing rosters for high-demand periods in malls, airports, hotels and leisure venues. With 2026 also bringing other key dates such as Saudi Founding Day on February 22 and National Day on September 23, the confirmed Eid holidays further define the rhythm of the Kingdom’s working and festive year.