Employees in Saudi Arabia can look forward to an official holiday on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, as the Kingdom marks its 96th Saudi National Day.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development confirms that National Day falls on September 23 each year. The holiday is part of the official leave entitlements recognized under Saudi labor rules.
Public and Private Sector Workers Covered
The announced holiday applies to employees in both the public and private sectors.
For private-sector workers, Saudi labor guidance states that employees are entitled to one day of paid leave for National Day.
This means many OFWs working in Saudi companies should be able to observe the holiday without using their annual leave.
What If You Are Asked to Work?
Some businesses may still need employees to report for duty because of operational needs.
Under Saudi labor rules, all hours worked during official holidays are treated as overtime hours. HRSD guidance states that overtime must be compensated according to the Labor Law, which generally means the regular hourly wage plus an additional 50% of the basic hourly wage.
Workers may also receive compensatory paid leave instead of overtime pay when this is allowed under the rules and agreed with the employee.
If the Holiday Falls During Other Leave
Saudi labor guidance also explains how official holidays interact with other leave.
If a public holiday overlaps with a worker’s weekly rest day, the employee should receive an equivalent day off before or after the holiday.
If it overlaps with annual leave, the annual leave should be extended by the number of overlapping holiday days.
What OFWs Should Know
For OFWs in Saudi Arabia, September 23 is more than a national celebration.
It is also an official labor holiday, so workers should check their company schedule, especially if they work in sectors such as retail, hospitality, healthcare, transport, or other services that may continue operating during public holidays.
If you are required to work, your hours should be handled under Saudi Arabia’s official holiday and overtime rules.