Annual Leave & Public Holidays
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Saudi royal decrees, regulations, and ministerial decisions.
Saudi National Law
What is this right?
The Labour Law gives all workers paid annual leave and public holidays:
- 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: You can agree with your employer to postpone leave, but unused leave cannot be forfeited — you must be paid for it if you leave the job.
- Public holidays: Eid al-Fitr (4 days) and Eid al-Adha (4 days) are paid holidays. Saudi National Day (23 September) and Founding Day (22 February) are also paid public holidays.
- Holiday work: If you work on a public holiday, you get your normal pay plus 150% of your daily rate.
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 should you do?
- Request leave in writing — submit your request according to your company's policy.
- If you are leaving the job, request payment for any unused leave balance.
- If your employer denies leave or refuses to pay for unused days, file a complaint with MHRSD.
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.
- Do not forget to track your leave balance — keep records so you know what you are owed.
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