While we’re fresh out of the Eid Al Fitr break, we’re definitely already looking into when the next public holiday will begin in Saudi Arabia.
With the extended holiday marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, those living in the Kingdom enjoyed some much-deserved time off.
But, of course, at GRAZIA we’re always looking to plan ahead, particularly when it comes to bucket list travel. Below, we outline all of the remaining public holidays to look forward to in Saudi Arabia in 2024.
2024 public holidays in Saudi Arabia
Day of Arafat & Eid Al Adha
In less than two months’ time, the Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha holidays are in store for residents of the Kingdom. Arafat Day marks the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage, the Islamic holiday falls on the ninth day of the Islamic month of Dhuʻl-Hijjah. During the occasion, pilgrims visiting Mecca flock to Mount Arafat to pray. While the exact date will be announced closer to the time by a moon sighting committee, Arafat Day is expected to be marked around Saturday, June 15 or Sunday, June 16.
Just after Arafat Day, Eid Al Adha is observed by Muslims around the world. The occasion known as the “Festival of Sacrifice” is marked on the 10th day of Dhuʻl-Hijjah. Muslims celebrate by sharing a meal with their family, friends and those less fortunate. It’s an overall time for prayer, feasting, and fostering a community spirit. This year, Eid Al Adha is expected to start on the evening of Sunday, June 16, or Monday, June 17, depending on the Islamic calendar. It will likely last three days.
Saudi National Day
The final public holiday of 2024 for residents in Saudi Arabia is Saudi National Day. The day marks the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, previously the Kingdom of Nejd and Hejaz, by King Abdulaziz Ibn Al Saud under royal decree in 1932. The occasion is marked on September 23, which falls on a Monday this year.
Earlier this year, Saudi citizens and residents also enjoyed a public holiday for Saudi Founding Day on February 22.
