| Day | Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | Feb 22,2023 | Founding Day | National holiday |
| Thursday | Feb 23,2023 | Founding Day Public Sector Holiday | Public Sector Holiday |
| Saturday | Mar 11,2023 | Flag Day | Observance |
| Thursday | Mar 23,2023 | Ramadan begins | Observance |
| Friday | Apr 21,2023 | Eid al-Fitr | National holiday |
| Saturday | Apr 22,2023 | Eid al-Fitr Holiday | National holiday |
| Sunday | Apr 23,2023 | Eid al-Fitr Holiday | National holiday |
| Monday | Apr 24,2023 | Eid al-Fitr Holiday | National holiday |
| Tuesday | Apr 25,2023 | Eid al-Fitr Holiday | National holiday |
| Wednesday | Apr 26,2023 | Eid al-Fitr Holiday | National holiday |
| Tuesday | Jun 27,2023 | Arafat Day | National holiday |
| Wednesday | Jun 28,2023 | Eid al-Adha | National holiday |
| Thursday | Jun 29,2023 | Eid al-Adha Holiday | National holiday |
| Friday | Jun 30,2023 | Eid al-Adha Holiday | National holiday |
| Wednesday | Jul 19,2023 | Muharram (Muslim New Year) | Observance |
| Saturday | Sep 23,2023 | Saudi National Day | National holiday |
| Sunday | Sep 24,2023 | Day off for Saudi National Day | National holiday |
Founding Day, also known as "Saudi Arabia National Day," is celebrated on September 23rd each year. It commemorates the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932 by King Abdulaziz. This significant holiday is a symbol of unity and pride for all Saudis, as it marks the beginning of the modern Saudi state. People across the country come together to celebrate with parades, fireworks, and cultural events. It's a time when Saudi citizens express their patriotism and love for their nation, reflecting on the progress and achievements of the country. The green Saudi flag waves proudly, and the atmosphere is filled with joy and nationalistic fervor.
This holiday, coinciding with Founding Day, allows public sector employees in Saudi Arabia to enjoy a day off work to celebrate the nation's founding. It's an opportunity for them to participate in various national events, attend celebrations, and spend time with family and friends. The holiday underscores the importance of Founding Day for all segments of society, reinforcing the sense of belonging and loyalty to the kingdom.
Flag Day is a special occasion celebrated on September 23rd in Saudi Arabia. It is dedicated to honoring the national flag, which represents the unity and strength of the nation. The Saudi flag consists of a green field with the Shahada (the Islamic declaration of faith) and a sword. On this day, people raise the flag at their homes and public places, emphasizing the country's cultural and national identity. The holiday serves as a reminder of the nation's history and the values it upholds.
Ramadan is a significant Islamic holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide, including Saudi Arabia. It is a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. Muslims observe daily fasts from dawn to sunset, refraining from eating or drinking. Ramadan is a time for self-purification, spiritual growth, and empathy for the less fortunate. In Saudi Arabia, the holiday is marked by special prayers at mosques, family gatherings, and the sharing of Iftar (the evening meal to break the fast) with loved ones. The cultural importance lies in the devotion to Islam and the strengthening of community bonds during this sacred month.
Eid al-Fitr, also known as "Festival of Breaking the Fast," is celebrated at the end of Ramadan. It is one of the most joyous holidays in Saudi Arabia. Muslims come together for communal prayers, exchange gifts, and share festive meals. It is a time of forgiveness, gratitude, and happiness. People dress in their finest attire, decorate their homes, and give to charity. The cultural significance lies in the spirit of unity and generosity, as well as the expression of gratitude for the blessings of Ramadan.
Arafat Day is a significant day in Islam and falls on the 9th day of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah. It is the day when pilgrims on Hajj (the annual Islamic pilgrimage) gather at the plain of Arafat to stand in prayer and supplication. In Saudi Arabia, Arafat Day is a public holiday, and even those not on Hajj participate in fasting and prayer. It symbolizes humility, repentance, and seeking forgiveness from Allah. It holds immense cultural importance as it reminds Muslims of the importance of spiritual reflection and devotion.
Eid al-Adha, also known as "Festival of Sacrifice," is another important Islamic holiday in Saudi Arabia. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God's command. Muslims around the world sacrifice an animal (usually a sheep, goat, or cow) and distribute the meat to the needy. It is a time of spiritual reflection, community, and sharing. Families come together to celebrate and express gratitude for God's blessings. This holiday underscores the cultural values of sacrifice, charity, and compassion.
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year. While it's not a major holiday with elaborate celebrations, it holds cultural and religious significance in Saudi Arabia. Muslims may fast on the 10th day, known as Ashura, to commemorate various events in Islamic history, including the rescue of Prophet Moses from Pharaoh's tyranny. It's a time for reflection and renewal, signifying a fresh start in the lunar calendar.
Saudi National Day, celebrated on September 23rd, is a patriotic holiday that commemorates the founding of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932. It is a day of national pride, unity, and festivity. Saudis express their love for their country by decorating their homes, streets, and cars with the national flag. There are parades, fireworks, and cultural events across the nation. It's a time when citizens come together to celebrate their heritage and the progress of their nation. Saudi National Day is a testament to the enduring cultural importance of the kingdom and its achievements.
