
Throughout the year, there are several official holidays observed in Saudi Arabia. The Gregorian calendar, the Islamic calendar, or historical occurrences in the Kingdom are all used to base these celebrations. The Saudi people value public holidays and celebrate them with social gatherings, cultural events, and religious rites.
We’ll give you a detailed rundown of all the Saudi Arabia public holidays in 2023, including their dates, reasons for being, and appropriate ways to celebrate them.
The following national holidays will be observed in Saudi Arabia in 2023:
The founding of the kingdom 2023 Saudi Arabia, the Emirate of Diriyah, by Imam Mohammad Bin Saud in 1727 is commemorated on Founding Day, a national holiday in Saudi Arabia. It was established in 2022 by a royal proclamation given by King Salman, and it is celebrated every year on February 22. Along with National Day and Flag Day, it is one of the three non-religious national holidays of the nation.
This Islamic celebration signifies the conclusion of Ramadan, the holiest month for fasting. For Muslims, who observe it with prayers, almsgiving, and celebrations, it is a time of pleasure and appreciation. Starting on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar, the holiday lasts for three days. Eid Al-Fitr 2023 Saudi Arabia is anticipated to fall in 2023 between Sunday, April 23, and Tuesday, April 25.
This religious celebration honors Prophet Ibrahim’s readiness to sacrifice his son Ismail for God. It is also referred to as the Festival of Sacrifice because Muslims kill an animal and give its meat to the needy and underprivileged. Starting on the tenth day of Dhul Hijjah, the twelveth month of the Islamic calendar, the holiday lasts for four days. Eid Al-Adha 2023 Saudi Arabia is anticipated to happen in 2023 between Wednesday, June 28, and Saturday, July 2.
It is one of the most important Saudi Arabia Official Holidays 2023, a national holiday that commemorates King Abdulaziz Al Saud’s 1932 unification of Saudi Arabia. For the Saudi people, it is a day of pride and patriotism, and they show their love and devotion to their country by participating in a variety of activities and festivities. Every year on September 23, people commemorate the occasion. It will fall on Saturday, September 23, in 2023.
These are the major Saudi Arabia Public Holidays in 2023 that both the government and commercial sectors will celebrate in the country. There are, however, several additional holidays that are solely observed by members of the public sector (such as government workers) or by particular areas or communities. These are as follows:
This national holiday commemorates the establishment of Saudi Arabia’s present flag in 1973. The Shahada (the Islamic statement of faith) is written in white Arabic writing on a green backdrop, and a white sword is positioned to the left. Islam is represented by the color green, justice and power are represented by the sword, and the Shahada represents the monotheistic and faith of the Saudi people. In addition to flying the flag on streets, houses, and public structures, individuals frequently don red-and-green accessories or attire to display their patriotism. The holiday is observed annually on March 11. It will fall on Saturday, March 11 in 2023.
This religious holiday commemorates the anniversary of the birth of the Muslim religion’s founder, Prophet Muhammad. It occurs on the twelfth day of Rabi al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar, and is also known as Mawlid or Milad un Nabi. The birthday of the Prophet Muhammad is anticipated to happen on Monday, May 1 in 2023.
This global holiday celebrates the accomplishments and efforts of labor movements all across the world. It occurs on May 1 every year and is sometimes referred to as International Workers’ Day or May Day. Only public sector (government employees) in Saudi Arabia celebrate Labor Day, which falls on the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday in 2023.
This religious celebration ushers in a new year according to the Islamic calendar. It occurs on the first day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar, and is also known as the Hijri New Year or Ra’s as-Sanah al-Hijriyah. The Islamic New Year is anticipated to occur on Wednesday, July 19 in 2023.
It is a religious feast that commemorates the second day of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which Muslims make to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. It occurs on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, and is also referred to as Yawm al-Arafah or the Day of Arafah. On this day, pilgrims congregate on the Arafat plain, close to Mecca, to pray and atone for their transgressions. Muslims who are not doing the Hajj are also said to observe a day of fasting and forgiveness on this day. Arafat Day 2023 Saudi Arabia is anticipated to happen on Tuesday, June 27, in 2023.
This religious celebration honors Imam Hussein, the third Shia Imam and great-grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was martyred in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. It occurs on the tenth day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar, and is also referred to as Yawm al-Ashura or the Day of Ashura. Shia Muslims perform rituals like self-flagellation and chest-beating on this day of mourning to show their sorrow and support for Imam Hussein and his family. Sunni Muslims fast on this day in remembrance of the Prophet Moses’ and his disciples’ deliverance from the Pharaoh. Ashura 2023 Saudi Arabia is anticipated to fall on Thursday, July 20, in 2023.
These are a few additional Saudi Arabia public holidays in 2023 that the government, as well as certain areas or organizations, will observe. There are certain additional occasions, meanwhile, that are not recognized as national holidays but are still widely observed in Saudi Arabia. These are as follows:
This cultural celebration commemorates the year King Abdulaziz Al Saud founded the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932. Every year on September 23, it is also known as Kingdom Day, the Founding of the Kingdom, the Unification of the Kingdom, or the Green March. People enjoy fireworks, parades, concerts, exhibitions, and other festivities on this day. Hijri New Year 2023 Saudi Arabia will fall on the same day as Saudi National Day.
This private holiday commemorates the birth anniversary of Saudi Arabia’s heir apparent, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He is the deputy prime minister and the minister of defense. He was born on August 31, 1985. Largely recognized as Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader and the primary force behind the country’s economic and social changes. On his birthday, he receives congratulatory messages and wishes on social media and other websites. His birthdate is on Thursday, August 31, 2023.
This is a seasonal celebration that highlights the Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, and its culture, entertainment, and tourism. It is a component of the Saudi Seasons programme, a campaign to advertise Saudi Arabia as a top travel destination worldwide. The Riyadh Season offers a variety of performances, plays, sporting events, exhibits, marketplaces, and other activities. Every year, it typically occurs between October and December. The Riyadh Season 2023 Saudi Arabia schedule and specifics for 2023 have not yet been released.
This is a different seasonal celebration that highlights the culture, entertainment, and tourism of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s second-biggest city and major port. It includes a variety of events and activities, including concerts, plays, sporting competitions, exhibits, marketplaces, and more. It is also a component of the Saudi Seasons project. Every year, it typically takes place between June and July. The schedule for Jeddah Season 2023 Saudi Arabia has not yet been released.
This is a different seasonal celebration that highlights the Taif region’s culture, entertainment, and tourism. Taif is a city in the Mecca province that is renowned for its pleasant climate and scenic surroundings. It includes a variety of events and activities, including concerts, plays, sporting competitions, exhibits, marketplaces, and more. It is also a component of the Saudi Seasons project. Every year, it typically happens between August and September. The schedule for Taif Season 2023 Saudi Arabia has not yet been released.
In the mediaeval city of Diriyah, a UNESCO World legacy Site, this event highlights the rich Saudi culture and legacy. It offers a variety of occasions and pursuits, including sports, music, art, cuisine, and entertainment. Under such theme, it takes place from October 20, 2022, until February 22, 2023. It is a component of the Saudi Seasons project, which promotes travel and business growth in the Kingdom.
Public holidays in Saudi Arabia represent the country’s rich and varied cultural heritage. There will be 11 Saudi Arabia Public Holidays in 2023, which will include religious events like Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, national holidays like Founding Day and National Day, and cultural holidays like Flag Day. These occasions provide a chance for Saudis and guests to both appreciate the culture, customs, and values of the Kingdom.
You will require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia if you are a resident of the United Kingdom. A tourist visa may be obtained online or by applying at the nearest consulate or embassy. The tourist visa is good for 90 days of stay and is valid for 360 days from the date of issuance. A separate visa is required for Hajj, although you may undertake Umrah on a tourist visa. You will need to apply for a visa through visa companies authorized to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia if you require one for any other reasons, such as business or employment.
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