Founding Day, on 22 February each year, commemorates the founding of the first Saudi state by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727. A royal order adopted it as a national day in 2022, and it became a fully paid official holiday in both the public and private sectors. Here are your rights.
The Founding Day holiday at a glance
| Private sector | |
|---|---|
| Date | 22 February every year |
| Length | One fully paid day |
| If it falls on a Friday or Saturday | Usually replaced by a working day before or after, as announced |
| Working that day | Overtime hours with extra pay |
The Ministry of Human Resources announces the official date and any replacement day before the holiday; the official announcement prevails.
Upcoming dates
- Founding Day 2027: Monday 22 February 2027.
- Founding Day 2028: Tuesday 22 February 2028.
Founding Day and National Day: what is the difference?
| Founding Day | National Day | |
|---|---|---|
| Date | 22 February | 23 September |
| Occasion | Founding of the first Saudi state, 1727 | Unification of the Kingdom, 1932 |
| Holiday | One fully paid day | One fully paid day |
Read the National Day holiday and all official holidays in Saudi Arabia.
If you work on Founding Day
Hours worked on an official holiday count as overtime, paid at the hourly wage plus 50% of the basic wage. Work it out with the overtime calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is Founding Day a holiday for the private sector?
Yes, one fully paid day.
Is Founding Day the same as National Day?
No. Founding Day on 22 February marks the first Saudi state; National Day on 23 September marks unification.
Can an employer deduct Founding Day from salary?
No, it is a fully paid holiday, and a deduction is a violation you can complain about. Read labor office complaints.
A dispute with your employer?
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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