National Public Holidays: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn about your rights to paid time off for major religious and national celebrations in Saudi Arabia.
This scheme ensures that employees receive paid time off during specific national and religious celebrations throughout the year.
Who it's for
This entitlement is designed for all employees working within the country. It is a standard provision intended to ensure that the workforce can participate in major cultural and religious events without a loss of income.
What you get
Under this scheme, you are entitled to paid holidays for the following specific occasions:
- Eid al-Fitr
- Eid al-Adha
- Saudi National Day
These are recognized as official holidays, meaning you should receive your regular pay for these days even while you are away from work.
What it costs you
For the individual employee, there is no monetary cost to access these holidays. However, for businesses and employers, these holidays require careful operational planning. Companies must organize their staff schedules and manage essential duties to ensure that necessary services continue to function even while members of the workforce are on leave.
The catch to know
A common point of confusion arises when a public holiday falls on a weekend. You should be aware that if a holiday coincides with your regular weekend, a compensatory day off is not always automatically granted. It is important to understand your specific workplace policies regarding how these overlapping dates are handled.
How to apply
- Review your individual employment contract to understand how holidays are scheduled.
- Consult with your employer or HR department regarding the specific dates for the upcoming celebrations.
- Confirm your company's internal policy regarding compensation if a holiday falls on a weekend.
- Coordinate with your supervisor to ensure your absence is noted for operational planning.