"When does the Eid holiday start for the private sector, and how many days?" is asked before every Eid. The Implementing Regulations of the Labor Law set the Eid al-Fitr holiday and the Eid al-Adha holiday at four fully paid days each, and the Ministry of Human Resources announces the dates every year. Here is the rule and your rights.
The two Eid holidays for the private sector
| Eid | Length | Starts | Expected 1448 date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eid al-Fitr | 4 days | The day after 29 Ramadan | Around 9 March 2027, subject to the moon sighting |
| Eid al-Adha | 4 days | The Day of Arafah | Around mid-May 2027 |
The dates follow the moon sighting and the Ministry's official announcement, which prevails for the start and end.
Private sector and government sector
The Eid holiday in the government sector is set under the civil service rules and announced each year, and it is often longer than in the private sector. So a private-sector employee cannot claim the government holiday length, and an employer may not give less than the four days set by law.
Your rights during Eid
- Four fully paid days for each Eid, not deducted from annual leave.
- If the holiday overlaps the weekend, the Ministry's announcement on how it is counted prevails.
- If you work during Eid, your hours are overtime with extra pay. Read working on an official holiday.
- An employer may give a longer holiday than required, but not a shorter one.
Frequently asked questions
How many days is the Eid al-Adha holiday in the private sector?
Four fully paid days starting on the Day of Arafah.
Can an employer count the Eid holiday as annual leave?
No, the Eid holiday is separate and is not deducted from annual leave. Read employee leave.
My workplace does not close for Eid. What are my rights?
Overtime pay for the hours worked during Eid, or whatever is agreed, as long as it is not less than your legal right.
For all official holidays in one place, read official holidays in Saudi Arabia.
Denied your Eid holiday?
The Usus Law Firm team handles labor cases in Riyadh and Tabuk.
Legal review: the Usus Law Firm team
A select team of lawyers and legal advisers licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Justice, working from Riyadh and Tabuk, with experience before the general, commercial, labor, criminal, personal status and administrative courts. Every article is reviewed before publication and updated when laws or regulations change.
Last reviewed: 12 October 2026
This article is general legal information and is not a substitute for advice on your specific case. Court proceedings in Saudi Arabia are in Arabic; the official Arabic text of each law prevails.
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