Saudi Arabia has confirmed Wednesday, September 23, 2026 as the official paid holiday for private and non-profit sector employees on the occasion of the 96th Saudi National Day.
Saudi National Day Holiday 2026
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has confirmed the date of the Saudi National Day 2026 holiday for employees in the private and non-profit sectors.
- Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2026
- Hijri date: 12 Rabi’ Al-Thani 1448 AH
- Occasion: 96th Saudi National Day
- Applies to: Private-sector and non-profit-sector employees
- Holiday status: Official paid holiday
The Ministry's official events calendar lists Saudi National Day 2026 on September 23, corresponding to 12 Rabi’ Al-Thani 1448 AH.
September 23 Is a Paid Holiday for Private Sector Employees
Employees working in Saudi Arabia's private sector and non-profit sector will receive the National Day holiday according to the applicable labor regulations.
Employers are required to apply the official holiday in accordance with the provisions governing holidays under Saudi labor regulations.
Arab Local's Saudi Arabia public holidays 2026 guide also lists September 23 as the Saudi National Day holiday.
Employers Must Follow Saudi Labor Regulations
The National Day holiday is governed by Article 24 of the Executive Regulations of the Saudi Labor Law. Employers must follow the mechanism specified in the relevant provisions when applying the official holiday.
This means companies and non-profit organizations should ensure that employees receive the holiday entitlement according to the applicable labor regulations.
The Ministry has previously emphasized that employers must comply with the provisions of Article 24 when implementing Saudi National Day holidays. Arab Local's previous coverage also reported the ministry's guidance on applying Article 24 for private and non-profit sector employees.
Why Does Saudi Arabia Celebrate National Day?
Saudi National Day is celebrated every year on September 23. The occasion commemorates the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932 under the leadership of its founder, King Abdulaziz.
The National Day marks the historic unification of the regions that became the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is celebrated throughout the country with cultural, entertainment and national events.
96th Saudi National Day in 2026
The 2026 celebration marks the 96th Saudi National Day. The occasion will take place on Wednesday, September 23, corresponding to 12 Rabi’ Al-Thani 1448 AH.
Saudi National Day is observed annually on September 23. Arab Local has previously reported on National Day celebrations, official holidays and related events across the Kingdom.
Key Details About the Saudi National Day Holiday
- September 23, 2026: Saudi National Day will be observed on Wednesday.
- 96th National Day: The 2026 celebration marks the Kingdom's 96th National Day.
- Private sector: Employees are entitled to the official National Day holiday.
- Non-profit sector: The holiday also applies to employees in the non-profit sector.
- Paid holiday: The National Day holiday is an official paid holiday under the applicable labor regulations.
- Article 24: Employers must follow the relevant provisions of the Executive Regulations of the Saudi Labor Law.
What Should Employers Know?
Employers in Saudi Arabia should make the necessary arrangements for the September 23 National Day holiday and ensure that employee leave is handled according to the Saudi Labor Law and its Executive Regulations.
Companies should also review their work schedules and payroll procedures to ensure that the official holiday is correctly reflected for eligible employees.
Conclusion
Saudi National Day 2026 will be observed on Wednesday, September 23, with the official paid holiday applying to employees in the private and non-profit sectors. Employers must follow the relevant provisions of Article 24 of the Executive Regulations of the Saudi Labor Law when implementing the holiday.
