As Ramadan 1447 begins across the Kingdom, millions of residents and citizens are already looking ahead to one of the most anticipated moments of the Islamic calendar: Eid Al-Fitr. With the holy month officially starting on February 17, 2026, following the sighting of the crescent moon, attention is now turning to when the Eid holiday will fall and how long workers in both the public and private sectors can expect to be off.
When Is Eid Al-Fitr 2026 Expected?
Based on astronomical calculations, Eid Al-Fitr 1447 is expected to fall on Friday, March 20, 2026. However, as with all Islamic holidays in Saudi Arabia, the official date will be confirmed by the Supreme Court following the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon at the end of Ramadan. The Kingdom has historically relied on this traditional method, making the announcement typically one day before Eid.
The timing this year is particularly favorable for workers and families. With Eid potentially falling on a Friday, combined with the weekend structure in Saudi Arabia where Friday and Saturday are the official days off, many are anticipating an extended break that could span well over a week when combined with the official holiday period.
Holiday Duration for Government and Private Sectors
In Saudi Arabia, Eid Al-Fitr holidays differ between the government and private sectors, a distinction that affects millions of employees across the Kingdom. For government employees, the Eid holiday traditionally begins from the 25th of Ramadan, which this year is expected to fall around March 14, 2026. This means civil servants could enjoy nearly a full week of holiday before Eid even arrives.
For the private sector, the holiday is shorter but still generous by international standards. Private sector workers are typically granted a break starting from the end of 29 Ramadan, with a total of four days for Eid Al-Fitr as stipulated by Saudi labor law. With the weekend factored in, private sector employees can also expect a meaningful break to celebrate with their families.
A Season of Celebration Across the Kingdom
Eid Al-Fitr in Saudi Arabia has grown into more than just a religious observance. In recent years, the Kingdom has transformed the holiday into a nationwide celebration featuring entertainment events, cultural festivals, and community gatherings organized by the General Entertainment Authority and various municipal bodies. From Riyadh to Jeddah, Dammam to Abha, cities across Saudi Arabia come alive with fireworks, special dining experiences, and family-friendly activities.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development is expected to issue formal circulars confirming the exact holiday dates for both sectors in the coming weeks, as is customary during Ramadan. Until then, the dates remain tentative but closely aligned with astronomical predictions.
For residents planning travel or family reunions, booking early is advisable, as the Eid period consistently sees peak demand for flights, hotels, and entertainment venues throughout the Kingdom.
