Social insurance officials in Saudi Arabia have clarified that the retirement age is still determined using the Islamic lunar calendar, despite the government's adoption of the Gregorian calendar for official purposes.

The Saudi General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) stated that they continue to calculate retirement age based on the Islamic Hijri calendar, and any changes will be communicated through official channels.

In the Hijri calendar, the new month is marked by the crescent, and it is approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year.

While Saudi Arabia transitions to the Gregorian calendar for most official business, some exceptions are made when Islamic Sharia mandates the use of the Hijri calendar.

This development aligns with Saudi Arabia's growing global openness, as it aims to harmonize with international standards.

Understanding the retirement age is crucial, and Saudi Labor Law sets it at 55 for women and 60 for men, with provisions for extension upon mutual agreement.

In August 2019, the GOSI amended the social insurance system, standardizing the retirement age at 60 for both men and women, formerly 55 for women.

As Saudi Arabia evolves economically and culturally, it embraces diversity and change.