Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) publishes the official bank holiday / Image: file
In a significant move to boost market transparency, the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has officially released a comprehensive holiday schedule for all financial institutions in the Kingdom, stretching from 2026 through 2029. This long-term roadmap isn’t just a calendar; it’s a strategic effort to ensure that businesses, investors, and residents can plan their financial activities years in advance without the guesswork of lunar shifts. By locking in these dates, SAMA is aligning the Kingdom’s financial sector with global best practices for operational continuity and economic stability.
Saudi Central Bank holiday table
The most critical part of the announcement centers on the two major religious observances: Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha. While these dates are typically confirmed by moon sightings, SAMA has provided the official window for bank closures to help the private sector synchronize its payroll and HR activities.
| Year | Founding Day (Feb 22) | Eid Al Fitr (End of Ramadan) | Eid Al Adha (Hajj Season) | National Day (Sep 23) |
| 2026 | Feb 22 (Sun) | Mar 17 (Tue) – Mar 23 (Mon) | May 24 (Sun) – May 28 (Thu) | Sep 23 (Wed) |
| 2027 | Feb 22 (Mon) | Mar 07 (Sun) – Mar 11 (Thu) | May 16 (Sun) – May 20 (Thu) | Sep 23 (Thu) |
| 2028 | Feb 22 (Tue) | Feb 27 (Sun) – Mar 02 (Thu) | May 03 (Wed) – May 09 (Tue) | Sep 23 (Sat) → Observed Sun, Sep 24 |
| 2029 | Feb 22 (Thu) | Feb 12 (Mon) – Feb 18 (Sun) | Apr 22 (Sun) – Apr 26 (Thu) | Sep 23 (Sun) |
SAMA Operational adjustments
Beyond the religious holidays, SAMA reaffirmed that Saudi National Day (September 23) and Founding Day (February 22) remain fixed annual public holidays. A key detail for commuters and businesses is the “Weekend Rule”: if a national holiday falls on a Friday, the bank holiday shifts to Thursday. If it lands on a Saturday, the day off moves to Sunday.Furthermore, the central bank has introduced specific “High-Demand” protocols. During the Hajj season, branches at airports, seaports, and border crossings, as well as designated centers in Makkah and Madinah, must remain open 24/7, including weekends, to serve pilgrims. For those using the Saudi Instant Payment System (Sarie/RTGS), the schedule is slightly tighter, with systems remaining active longer than traditional branches to ensure critical transfers aren’t delayed during the holiday rush.
Ramadan and Hajj timings
Ramadan Hours – During the holy month of Ramadan:
- Banks serving customers: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Remittance and payment centers: Flexible six-hour shifts between 9:30 am and 5:30 pm
- RTGS & clearing houses: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, with schedule adjustments as needed
Hajj Season Provisions: To accommodate pilgrims and increased travel demand during Hajj, SAMA instructs that seasonal bank branches in Makkah, Madinah, airports, seaports, and border crossings stay open throughout the Hajj period, including Friday and Saturday, to serve visitors and worshippers.In addition, some branches in high-demand residential or urban areas will remain open during holiday periods; SAMA requires these service hours to be announced publicly in advance.The primary impact of this announcement is the removal of “bureaucratic friction.” For expats and citizens, this means no more last-minute scrambles to clear checks or process international transfers before an unexpected holiday begins. For the broader economy, it signals the UAE’s neighbor is maturing its financial infrastructure, making it more attractive for foreign investors who value predictability. Go to Source
