Saudi Arabia Eid Al Adha 2027 Holiday for Private and Public Sectors

Last updated: Aug 11, 2026

Eid Al Adha 2027 (Eid ul Adha) in Saudi Arabia is expected to fall on Sunday, 16 May 2027 — 10 Dhul Hijjah 1448 AH on the Umm al-Qura calendar. Private-sector workers are entitled to a 4-day paid holiday starting from Arafat Day, with the weekend overlap stretching the break to six consecutive days.

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The 4-day private-sector holiday in full

Under Article 112 of the Saudi Labour Law, all private and non-profit sector employees are entitled to four paid days off for Eid Al Adha. The holiday covers 9 Dhul Hijjah (Arafat Day) through 12 Dhul Hijjah.

The expected 2027 dates are:

Saturday, 15 May — Day of Arafah (9 Dhul Hijjah 1448 AH)
Sunday, 16 May — Eid Al Adha Day 1 (10 Dhul Hijjah)
Monday, 17 May — Eid Day 2 (11 Dhul Hijjah)
Tuesday, 18 May — Eid Day 3 (12 Dhul Hijjah)

Public-sector employees receive the same core entitlement. The Council of Ministers has directed that government Eid holidays span 4 to 5 working days, with exact dates announced closer to the occasion.

What the long weekend means for travel

Six consecutive days off make Eid Al Adha 2027 one of Saudi Arabia’s prime travel windows. Flight demand from Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam surges during this period, with fares climbing steeply in the week before Eid.

Booking tips

Book 4–6 weeks early — fares on Saudia and flyadeal climb sharply in the final week before Eid.
Fly out on Thursday, 14 May or Friday, 15 May to beat the peak Sunday departure rush.
For returns, Tuesday, 18 May is typically less congested than Wednesday, 19 May.

Popular routes

Top international picks include Istanbul, Cairo, Dubai, and Doha (Qatar Eid holiday guide). Domestically, Jeddah’s Red Sea coast and the cooler highlands around Taif draw large crowds during Eid.

A few practical notes for the break:

Book hotels early — seaside properties and highland resorts fill up fast during the Eid rush.
Makkah is restricted to Hajj permit holders during the pilgrimage window, so tourist and umrah visa holders cannot enter.
Madinah remains accessible to all visitors throughout the Eid holiday.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Eid Al Adha 2027 holiday start in Saudi Arabia?

The holiday is expected to start on Saturday, 15 May 2027 (Arafat Day), with the first day of Eid Al Adha falling on Sunday, 16 May. Final dates depend on the Dhul Hijjah crescent sighting.

How many days off do private-sector workers get in total?

Up to six consecutive days — four days of Eid Al Adha holiday plus Friday (weekend) and a compensatory day on Wednesday under Article 24 of the Labour Law.

Does the public sector get the same holiday?

Public-sector employees get the same core entitlement, with government Eid holidays spanning 4 to 5 working days. Exact dates are announced closer to the occasion by the Council of Ministers.

Are banks closed during Eid Al Adha 2027 in Saudi Arabia?

Yes. SAMA has confirmed banks will be closed from Sunday, 16 May to Thursday, 20 May 2027 — five consecutive days.

Can I visit Makkah or Madinah as a tourist during Eid?

Not Makkah — entry is restricted to Hajj permit-holders during the pilgrimage window, and tourist or umrah visas are not valid there. Madinah remains open to all visitors throughout the Eid holiday.

Is Arafat Day a public holiday in Saudi Arabia?

Yes. Arafat Day (9 Dhul Hijjah) is a public holiday and the first day of the Eid Al Adha leave entitlement for both sectors. It is also observed as a holiday in other Gulf states, including Qatar.

Sources

Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.