The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has declared a 4-day holiday for Eid Al Fitr in April for both public and private sector employees, as announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. This holiday will begin on Monday, April 8, corresponding with Ramadan 29, 1445, on the Islamic lunar calendar. Given the official weekend days of Friday and Saturday in Saudi Arabia, residents will benefit from six consecutive days off, resuming work on Sunday, April 14.
The Ministry emphasized that all employers are required to comply with the specifications of the second paragraph of Article 24 of the Labor Law’s executive regulations. This announcement comes as Eid Al Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, approaches. Ramadan began on March 11 this year, during which Muslims around the globe engage in a month-long fast from dawn to dusk, focusing on spiritual growth.
Eid Al Fitr, celebrated on the first day of Shawwal following Ramadan, depends on the lunar calendar, with the holy month lasting either 29 or 30 days based on the moon’s sighting. In comparison, UAE residents are set to enjoy up to nine days off in April for the same Islamic festival, with the holiday period extending from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3, contingent on the lunar cycle.