Annual Leave & Public Holidays in Saudi Arabia
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Saudi royal decrees, regulations, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
The Labour Law gives all workers paid annual leave and public holidays, including Saudi-specific national holidays not observed in other Gulf states:
- Annual leave: At least 21 days of paid leave per year. After 5 continuous years with the same employer, this increases to 30 days.
- Leave timing: Your employer sets the schedule but must give you at least 30 days' notice of your leave dates.
- Carry-over: Unused leave cannot be forfeited — if you leave the job, you must be paid for any accrued unused leave.
- Public holidays: Eid al-Fitr (4 days), Eid al-Adha (4 days), Saudi National Day (23 September), and Founding Day (22 February) are all paid public holidays.
- Holiday work: Working on a public holiday entitles you to your normal pay plus 150% of your daily rate.
Founding Day (22 February) was introduced in 2022 and is unique to Saudi Arabia — it commemorates the establishment of the first Saudi state in 1727.
When does it apply?
- You are employed under the Labour Law for at least one year (leave accrues proportionally for shorter periods).
- Both Saudi and expatriate employees are entitled to annual leave.
- Part-time workers receive leave proportional to their hours.
What to Do If Your Employer Denies Annual Leave or Refuses to Pay for Unused Days in Saudi Arabia
- Submit leave requests in writing per your company's HR policy.
- If leaving your job, request payment for any unused leave balance — this should appear in your final settlement.
- If your employer denies leave or refuses to pay for unused days, file a complaint with MHRSD (19911) or through the Labour Courts via Najiz.
- Check your Qiwa contract to verify your leave entitlement matches what is in your employment agreement.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not sign away your leave entitlement — you cannot legally waive annual leave in exchange for pay while still employed.
- Do not take leave without approval — unapproved absence can lead to disciplinary action or termination under Article 80.
- Do not forget to track your leave balance — keep records so you know what you are owed at the end of your employment.
Common Questions
When does it apply — annual leave & public holidays?
You are employed under the Labour Law for at least one year (leave accrues proportionally for shorter periods).Both Saudi and expatriate employees are entitled to annual leave.Part-time workers receive leave proportional to their hours.
What should I do if my employer refuses my annual leave or will not pay for unused leave in Saudi Arabia?
Submit leave requests in writing per your company's HR policy.If leaving your job, request payment for any unused leave balance — this should appear in your final settlement.If your employer denies leave or refuses to pay for unused days, file a complaint with MHRSD (19911) or through the Labour Courts via Najiz.Check your Qiwa contract to verify your leave entitlement matches what is in your employment agreement.
What should you NOT do — annual leave & public holidays?
Do not sign away your leave entitlement — you cannot legally waive annual leave in exchange for pay while still employed.Do not take leave without approval — unapproved absence can lead to disciplinary action or termination under Article 80.Do not forget to track your leave balance — keep records so you know what you are owed at the end of your employment.