Every year on 23 September the Kingdom celebrates National Day, marking its unification by King Abdulaziz in 1932. It is a fully paid official holiday for employees in both the public and private sectors. Still, people ask every year: is the holiday extended? What if it falls on a Friday? And is someone who works that day entitled to extra pay?
The National Day holiday at a glance
| Private sector | |
|---|---|
| Date | 23 September every year |
| Length | One fully paid day |
| If it falls on a Friday | Usually replaced by the Thursday before |
| If it falls on a Saturday | Usually replaced by the Sunday after |
| Working that day | Overtime hours with extra pay |
The Ministry of Human Resources announces the official holiday date and any replacement day in advance; the official announcement prevails.
Is the National Day holiday extended?
As a rule the National Day holiday is one day. It is only extended by an official decision announced at the time, or it looks like a "long weekend" when it falls next to the weekend. Do not rely on forwarded messages; follow the Ministry's official account.
Upcoming dates
- 97th National Day: Thursday 23 September 2027, so the holiday joins the weekend.
- 98th National Day: Saturday 23 September 2028, so a replacement Sunday is expected, as announced.
If you are asked to work on National Day
In some jobs an employer may ask you to work on the holiday, but those hours count as overtime, paid at the hourly wage plus 50% of the basic wage. Work out your pay with the overtime calculator, and read working on an official holiday.
Frequently asked questions
Is National Day a holiday for the private sector?
Yes, one fully paid day for everyone working in the private sector.
Is National Day deducted from annual leave?
No, it is a separate holiday. Read official holidays in Saudi Arabia.
I work shifts. Am I entitled to the holiday?
Yes, and an employee who is required to work that day is entitled to overtime pay for those hours.
Did not get your rights?
The Usus Law Firm team handles labor cases in Riyadh and Tabuk. Start with the steps in labor office complaints.
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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