Saudi Arabia Confirms September 23 National Day Holiday

Employees across Saudi Arabia's private and non-profit sectors will receive an official holiday on September 23, 2026, as the Kingdom marks its 96th National Day.         

 Image Courtesy: Caterer Middle East

A midweek break is officially on the calendar for employees across Saudi Arabia's private and non-profit sectors.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has confirmed Wednesday, September 23, 2026, as an official holiday, as the Kingdom marks its 96th National Day.

For employees, the announcement means a confirmed day away from work to participate in the national celebrations. For HR teams and employers, early confirmation provides something equally useful: time to organise schedules, staffing and employee communication before the holiday arrives.

Giving Workplaces Time to Plan

The ministry said the holiday is being implemented in accordance with Article 24 of the Executive Regulations of the Labour Law, with employers expected to follow the applicable provisions.

National Day is celebrated annually on September 23 and commemorates the unification of the Kingdom by King Abdulaziz in 1932.

While confirming a public holiday may appear straightforward, advance notice plays an important role in workplace planning.

Employees can organise family time, travel and celebrations without uncertainty around their schedules. Businesses that need to maintain operations during public holidays can prepare staffing arrangements earlier, while HR teams can ensure employees understand how the holiday will be managed within their organisation.

Clear communication becomes particularly important for workplaces operating across different shifts, locations or customer-facing functions.

It is also an opportunity for organisations to think beyond scheduling. National occasions can strengthen workplace connection, particularly in organisations where employees from different backgrounds work together. Internal celebrations and employee activities can create space for colleagues to learn more about the country in which they live and work.

For managers, the priority is relatively simple: communicate arrangements early and make sure employees understand what applies to them.

With September 23 now officially confirmed for the private and non-profit sectors, organisations have time to prepare; while employees can look forward to joining celebrations taking place across the Kingdom.

Sources: Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development; Saudi Gazette.